I ran across a pretty nice 67 El Camino today. It's got a balanced 283 with a quadrajet and a TH350 with a shift kit that were both rebuilt 10,000 miles ago. The car was restored in 92 and hasn't been driven much since. Very little rust......just a couple small spots in the bed were all I could find.
Now I know a 283 is no race engine, but what do you think of them? Don't they have a pretty good reputation? Do you have any advice for me? I'm thinking this might be a nice car to cruise around in, and still be able to pass a few gas stations without pulling in.
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
the 283s were a workhorse engine. Very trouble free, and pretty good power, I think they were rated at 250 or 265 hp. If I had my druthers I would get a 327, but that's just a bolt up change if you want to do it later.
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
283's are very workable. I had a '66 Chevy II Station Wagon with a 283. With 327 heads, new cam and valve job, new Holley 4 barrell and some exhaust it was a sweet wagon - 3 on the tree as well. Shoulda kept that one!!
Those units should be close to the bottom in value. Even if you don't like it later you should be able to move it.
Posted by RHT (Member # 902) on :
Just about any of the 10 small block chevy's make good power and are fine cruzers. The 283 is not a race engine compared to a 327 or 350, but it should be great for what you are asking it to do.
I'm not sure about gas milage. Q-jet's are pretty easy to tune but not the most effecient way to deliver fuel anymore. I'd guess you'll see around 15 mpg. Let us know how it works out.
