My 283 build.
 

I started with a zero mile 283ci That had been in storage. It was still on the shipping crate. The heads were mismatched, so I bought the correct head 520 casting head to match the other 520 powerpack head. The factory cam was changed out for a GK930 cam and then a double row timing chain. I had to find the rest of the parts including the correct Rochester 2jet carburetor, intake manifold, and accessory brackets. The chrome air cleaner will be replaced with an original 1966 factory correct 2 barrel air cleaner. I painted it gray. I like the color even though I realize it’s not the correct color gray.
It’s on the run stand for a break in run. VIDEO HERE.
Here are a few pics and ANOTHER VIDEO.

Re: My 283 build.
 

That is one gorgeous engine! I love the run stand and your set up.
I'm looking forward to the next video with some rpm:)
Thanks for sharing.

Re: My 283 build.
 

Sweet! I love the color choice. Was that a grey from a rattle can?

Re: My 283 build.
 

Yes. I hope it holds up.
VHT primer. Then Dupli-Color Cast Coat Iron. I used Dupli-Color New Ford Gray for the script because I thought white would be too bright. Plus I had a whole spray can that was too light of a gray for the whole engine.

Re: My 283 build.
 

I love that color. Originally I was going to paint my newer engine Black, but the iron grey is nice.

Re: My 283 build.
 

Man that's great, not too many 283's left around anymore. I'm glad you saved it. I really enjoy mine....A peppy little motor with decent MPG's. Should be a fun combo with a T5

Re: My 283 build.
 

I like that color grey a lot better than the Ford grey. Thanks for the info!

Re: My 283 build.
 

I actually bought a fairly complete 1965 283 to scavenge parts for this engine. Pics below. Then a friend offered me a 1958 283 for parts. When I tore down the 1965 engine I noticed it had never been rebuilt. I couldn’t bear to see it go to scrap, so I sent it to the machine shop. Got it back 3 weeks ago. Now with 0.060 pistons, a Comp Cams 268H cam which will make it a moderate performance engine with a nice lope.
So, I actually have two freshly rebuilt 283s. I’ll assemble all the pieces, run stand test it and then decide which one I like best.

Re: My 283 build.
 

I hope you follow up here about how it performs when you get it going.

One of mine is nearly stock (except for an HEI and dual exhaust) still has the 3 on the tree and a 3.08 rear. The other has an Eddy 500 CFM carb with the EPS manifold, 305 HO heads, 4 speed Muncie, 3.08 rear and this cam...

Re: My 283 build.
 

I’ll certainly post a follow up.

So what comes next? Seriously! What do I do next?
I’ve heard the break in oil can’t be used for another engine break in. Yes, I have another one to break in.
Oil pressure was terrific. Temp stayed 195-200*. No major leaks. I did order a new water pump though.
So I’m thinking next steps are . . . .
Drain fluids
Look for oil in the coolant
Look for coolant in the oil
Inspect spark plugs
Bore scope the cylinders to look for issues.
Pull the rocker covers and inspect

Should I reset the valves?
Remember, be nice. This is my first new engine and I didn’t grow up around anyone mechanical.

Re: My 283 build.
 

That's really cool! I love 283s and 327s restored to almost original. Had a 283 4bbl in a 66 Nova Sport Coupe back in the day. That lightweight car was fairly quick for its time.

Re: My 283 build.
 

In for updates.

Re: My 283 build.
 

This thread makes me want to keep my little 283 for the long run. Not sure if it’s ever been rebuilt but it’s the factory engine. I’m building a cruiser and not an axle twisting tire smoker so the 283 might just keep its home.

Re: My 283 build.
 

That's the main reason why I decided to keep my truck 283 powered, even though I did an engine swap. That and a great deal on a running 283 sealed the deal for me.

It's funny to me that the majority of people who ask what engine is in it are surprised by it not being a 350

Re: My 283 build.
 

I just took mine for a 3 hour drive in the hills last weekend and according to the miles of my route on Google Maps and the 9.6 gallons of gas I burned.....I got 15 mpg. I've spent a bit of time tuning my distributor and carb and I'm pretty happy with my 283 since gas in my area is creeping up on $4.50/gallon.

Re: My 283 build.
 

I pulled off the intake last night to fix a stripped bolt hole in the DS head. Here’s a link to the other thread. LINK

Re: My 283 build.
 

Lugnutz the little 283 looks great! It sure has come a long way from when we saw it in your truck bed at the donut shop in Tennessee this summer!

Re: My 283 build.
 

Yes, we did see each other. I must have showed you pictures because I had not started the assembly then just yet. I was playing with the carburetor rebuild at that point. Thanks for saying hi!
Soon I’ll have the intake back on and running on the stand after this short repair. Stay tuned.

Re: My 283 build.
 

I wonder how many heads got tossed on the scrap pile before helicoil’s were common? Or intakes or blocks for that matter.

Re: My 283 build.
 

I am glad to see someone else using a 283 Great little engine. I have a 66 c10 with the original 283 3 speed in it. I am planning on using it when I build the truck

Re: My 283 build.
 

Update:
Fixed the bent pushrod issue. Everything checks out fine.
Made a video yesterday LINK right after adjusting the carb and dialing in the timing. Points distributor currently but will switch to Pertronix or possibly HEI.