boring suggestions wanted

[Tradbuilt]

I recently got my hands on a free, running 283 sbc with a 350 turbo still attached. Here's my question.

I'm really tempted to have this thing bored .125 over and attempt an old school 301. My concern is this....how risky is this? Am I flirting with ruining a perfectly good block by trying that much bore? Some tell me it can be done nearly risk free and that the 283 can handle this much bore. Others tell me there's a good chance of breaking through a water jacket.

Since I really don't have anything invested to this point other than labor I'm torn between taking the risk and being conservative and just taking it out to 292.

Your boring opinions would be appreciated. :lol:

[HAULNSS]

Leave it. Only bore what is necessary to clean it up. The power gains will be minimal, especially for the money. Keep it simple. You'd get more gains from a compression bump, cam, or head work. It sounds like a lot of work just so you can say "I have a 301cid".

If you want bigger displacement, start with a 350 or 400.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, buy.......... If you really want a 292 or 301, just tell everyone that is what you got. The only when that really knows is you.

Randy

[jollywrencher]

Yeah I can understand wanting to do something unique and different but in the end all small block chevys look the same on the outside. I'll sell you a 350 4 bolt main motor that needs rebuilding for $150 and I bet it'll still be cheaper to build then your free 283.

[Tradbuilt]

Leave it. Only bore what is necessary to clean it up. The power gains will be minimal, especially for the money. Keep it simple. You'd get more gains from a compression bump, cam, or head work. It sounds like a lot of work just so you can say "I have a 301cid".

If you want bigger displacement, start with a 350 or 400.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, buy.......... If you really want a 292 or 301, just tell everyone that is what you got. The only when that really knows is you.

Randy

Thanks Randy! Yeah...I'm just tempted since I got it free to do something weird with it. I'd do those additional things as well as the bore (yes, I'm stupid). I seem to enjoy pushing my luck I guess.

[Tradbuilt]

Yeah I can understand wanting to do something unique and different but in the end all small block chevys look the same on the outside. I'll sell you a 350 4 bolt main motor that needs rebuilding for $150 and I bet it'll still be cheaper to build then your free 283.

I may just want that. And, if my wife decides that I don't :lol:, I may know somebody who does if you're serious. PM me the details and a contact number and I'll check around with the guys. I might be able to find a home for it for you.

[jollywrencher]

PM sent

[MR.hp]

Well I know that a lot of people have punched out 283's to 301 and with the right parts go like hell, But the cheap method is too get a early 327 block and use the 283 crank in it. A lot more dough to lay out for the 283 to punch it that far.

[Tradbuilt]

Well I know that a lot of people have punched out 283's to 301 and with the right parts go like hell, But the cheap method is too get a early 327 block and use the 283 crank in it. A lot more dough to lay out for the 283 to punch it that far.

Again....yes....I know this. And if I wasn't in possession of the 283 (free) I would look for that. I need to use what I have as long as I have it. After much discussion on this among many of my friends, I've decided the extra cubes are not cost effective and will be increasing power other ways.

But, thanks to all for the replies. It's been very helpful in making the decision.
:)

[MR.hp]

Hey Scott, Did that 283 come with 520 power pack heads if so use them, they are the best head outside of a 305 vortec head for those engines.

[Tradbuilt]

Hey Scott, Did that 283 come with 520 power pack heads if so use them, they are the best head outside of a 305 vortec head for those engines.

Will know tonight when I pick it up. As of right now, the only thing I know for sure is it's free, has a turbo 350 attached to it, possibly was rebuilt shortly before the streetrod it was in was abandoned after being impounded. Whatever it was in was on the way to the crusher and a guy in my club nabbed the engine/tranny from it before it went away.

[Tradbuilt]

Here's the update...

Drove from Roseville to Hopkins at 4:15 pm (not something you want to do unless it's the only choice) and got the 283 loaded. The member of my club that I got it from is a 20+ year veteran of figure 8 and bomber racing. That tends to add an hour to any visit I've paid him. He has some great stories. He nabbed this engine and tranny from an impounded car that was heading for the crusher because it was abandoned. He said it was from a mid-60s Chevelle, but didn't think it was the original engine because the intake has egr. It was nearly 6:30 when we decided to head home.

Got back home with it around 7pm and shortly thereafter it was on a stand in my garage. Didn't have much time tonight to check it out, but the valve covers are off and some numbers obtained...which are...

Block
3849852....283...57-66...2

Head
3795896....63-65...283......60cc chamber

Another club brother, using the number cast into block just above the water pump mounting boss (F04IIJD) looked it up for me and it's a 1964 Chevelle 283 2 BBL Powerglide block. I'm tempted to look for one just to put it back into what it's supposed to be in.

Hopefully this weekend I'll pull the heads off and see what's what.

And by the way, now's the time to tell me if you are thinking

I may be the only one who does.