283 Cylinder Head Decision - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

AcampoDave · 10-29-2021, 11:34 PM

When it comes to heads, What's good for the 350 isn't necessarily good for the 283. This is a good article https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...58cc%20chamber. I have a great results using the heads from the high output 305. Mine have a part # ending in 416 and there was another one from the 305's that was a good one too (ending in 601 I think). A good google search on "305 heads on a 283" will net you lots of reading. Bear in mind however, 305 heads were a light casting and have been known to crack when overheated. I feel they are worthwhile but one needs to take the care and time to have them checked out before installing them. Mine are rebuilt by my local machine shop and they got a good ol' port and polish job while they were there too. A street mannered 283 is never going to keep up with the "big boys " but they can be a peppy and efficient old school motor.

**cwcarpenter98** · 10-29-2021, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

When it comes to heads, What's good for the 350 isn't necessarily good for the 283. This is a good article https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...58cc%20chamber. I have a great results using the heads from the high output 305. Mine have a part # ending in 416 and there was another one from the 305's that was a good one too (ending in 601 I think). A good google search on "305 heads on a 283" will net you lots of reading. Bear in mind however, 305 heads were a light casting and have been known to crack when overheated. I feel they are worthwhile but one needs to take the care and time to have them checked out before installing them. Mine are rebuilt by my local mchine shop and they got a good ol' port and polish job while they were there too.

That is a good article, thank you.

I'm leaning more towards option one for the sake of time, money, and stress on my back trying to pull the heads with the engine still in the truck. I do like the idea of a better head, but that will probably end up being saved for when I rebuild the other 283 that I have while I can still drive the truck with the 283 that's in it now.

Another related question: Is there a specific type of valve seal that is better than any others?
Any valve spring tool out there that y'all recommend? This doesn't seem like the right time to whack it with a hammer

10-29-2021, 11:34 PM	#1
AcampoDave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: central California Posts: 2,733	Re: 283 Cylinder Head Decision When it comes to heads, What's good for the 350 isn't necessarily good for the 283. This is a good article https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...58cc%20chamber. I have a great results using the heads from the high output 305. Mine have a part # ending in 416 and there was another one from the 305's that was a good one too (ending in 601 I think). A good google search on "305 heads on a 283" will net you lots of reading. Bear in mind however, 305 heads were a light casting and have been known to crack when overheated. I feel they are worthwhile but one needs to take the care and time to have them checked out before installing them. Mine are rebuilt by my local machine shop and they got a good ol' port and polish job while they were there too. A street mannered 283 is never going to keep up with the "big boys " but they can be a peppy and efficient old school motor. Last edited by AcampoDave; 10-29-2021 at 11:58 PM.



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