The power of a 283?

[61RodMobile]

Hey ya'll,
I have just been able to find out that my 61 has the original 283 in it. The motor runs very strong, but I am at a loss what to to with it. Should I replace it with a 350, or should I keep it. Can a 283 easily be beefed up to something wonderful. How many horses can I get out of a 283 if I work with it. This is gona be my "show" truck, and I want it to be right....but not like everyone else with that "famous" 350. What I am looking to do with it is have some fun... make it sound good, and make it push the limit. Any suggestions? thanks.

 

[57heaven]

[updated:LAST EDITED ON Oct-02-02 AT 08:46 PM (CST)] howziit guy!

if the 283 is very strong, use that.

i don't know what your performance expectations are, but most of what works for the 350sbc will also work for the 283, when done in moderation.

i would imagine you could probably tweak out 283-315HP from the high-winding little engine, by using aftermarket heads, moderate cam, headers, dual quad intake with two 390cfm holleys...or two 500cfm edelbrocks, or 600cfm edelbrock, or QJet on RPM manifold.

Orrrrr, you could just sell that 283, and step up to a mild 396/454 BIG BLOCK!}> }> }>

Myron

 

[cowboy]

I decided that i would go with a 396 to a 496 big block witch ever i can get first. i'm going to beef the big block engine up pretty good. my 63 283 is a fairly strong engine. I also wanted to go with a different set up than the "350". So i decided to go big block.

Cowboy
1961 chevy 1/2 ton shortstep known as sarah(496 coming soon)