Chevy 283

[DWendt]

I have a 283 not sure what year it is it is in a 56 chevy 2 ton truck right now dont think its original anyways it has a 2 brl manifold on it wanted to know what the availabilty of a 4 brl manifold is not knowing what year the motor is. Going to be putting it in my 85 chevy. Its a 2wd now but am going to be switching it to a 4 wd short box frame is there any differences in the frames from 73 to 87?

 

[DrMike]

I can possibly answer a couple of your questions. You are right about the 283 not being original in your 56. The 283 was not available till the 1958 model trucks and was used till I believe the late 60's.
Most parts are intechangable with 350 parts. I know the 4 BBL Edelbrock intake manifold I just put on my 58 would fit 283,305, & 350.
As for the rest of your questions, I will have to let someone else help you there.

Best of luck

Dr Mike

 

[finnjensen]

Make sure your 283 not a 1957 engine. This one year of the 283 is absent the drilled bosses on the side of the block for the side motor-mounts, which are necessary for installation into later frames. Small-block Chevy installations 1955 thru 1957 used front motor mounts, like on your 56 truck.

 

[DrMike]

The 283 wasn't an available option till 1958. The 265 was the front mounts commonly called bird legs. His 283 should have no problem at all.

Mike

 

[finnjensen]

If the engine is from a car, it could be a 1957 283. The 283 engine was first offered in 1957; thats what was in my 56 pickup when I replaced it. Someone had replaced the original 265 years ago with a rebuilt 1957 283, using the front mounts.

It is worth taking the time to examine the block to assure it has three drilled bosses on each side to accomodate the side engine mounts. The 1957 283 will not have them. The 57 283 will have a unique casting number #3731548 at the rear of the block near the bell housing on the driver's side.

 

[DWendt]

Thanks all,

I did notice that it had the "bird leg" mounts it does have the three bosses on the side however not sure the year will it matter when getting a motor mount to intall it>?

 

[finnjensen]

You'll be fine with your engine; the side mount provisions on all small-block Chevy engines are identical.

Your 283 engine will be 1958 or later, but the year doesn't matter. The main thing that you verified is that the provisions for side mounts exist on your engine.