SBC 350 diagnosis

[bikersmurf]

Pulled em already... they all apear to be working correctly. Cranking and running nothing under the covers looked wrong.

"Smoke" was a bit of oil I'd splashed on the exhaust manifold.

 

[4x4veteran]

What you are describing makes me think of piston slap. That was the demise of the original six in my 40. I kept saying I will have to do something about that until #2 piston said f u I have had enough and took the front half of the camshaft with it on the way through the oil pan.

 

[bikersmurf]

I've not been able to dig into the motor deeper. So, no answers yet.

Random question, considering a repower (should it come to that). I've come across a 283 out of a 65 Chevelle for $100 obo. The owner is moving again and wants it gone. I'm told it was pulled for a bigger motor.

Getting to the point, is it even worth looking at? If it could be freshened up would it be gutless. I'm sure I'd want to put the 4.11 gears back in but how would a 40 with a 283 be. Would economy be better than a 350? Would the old heads not like unleaded fuel? Thoughts?

 

[RAYJON]

Had a loose flywheel once that sounded like a rod knock.. pulled the pan and all was good then i rotated the motor to check the other rods and heard the clank..

Easy to check, and would 3xplain why it didnt change with pulling plugs/load

 

[RAYJON]

Ohh on the 283, do a 4.8 ls much better motor, 50 year newer design...

 

[4x4veteran]

Loved 283's in the day and there were a lot of early V8/land cruiser conversions but I am thinking parts for that engine are going to be harder to find than old cruiser parts.

 

[nogo]

Random question, considering a repower (should it come to that). I've come across a 283 out of a 65 Chevelle for $100 obo.

If you can, check the casting numbers on the 283 heads, if it has 3795896 castings I'd grab it given the price.
These heads are factory 'Power pack' heads, also referred to as 896 casting.....While considered antiquated by todays standards, the 896 was the best 283 head of its era. They produce better compression, throttle response and torque.

 

[pb4ugo]

Finding a 283 thats not been rebuilt is probably a rare bird. It's bore maybe at its limit or it could be fine. A 283 would be more a hp motor than torque motor. Big bore smaller stroke. My guess mpg's would be about the same.

Yes, unleaded fuel would be a problem.

 

[gator25]

If it had the good heads on it and I knew I could get rid of it, I'd buy it to help fund a newer engine. Oh almost forgot if it comes with the Rochester 4 jet carb grab it, they're worth some money. They stopped making them in 65 I think that's when the Qaudrajet came out, looks like this.

 

[bikersmurf]

If you can, check the casting numbers on the 283 heads, if it has 3795896 castings I'd grab it given the price.
These heads are factory 'Power pack' heads, also referred to as 896 casting.....While considered antiquated by todays standards, the 896 was the best 283 head of its era. They produce better compression, throttle response and torque.

From the pic they look like this:

It has been opened up and inspected. I'm told it hasn't been rebuilt. If it'd sell locally for much, it'd be gone.

No carb... bare intake. Does look like a 4 barrel intake.

 

[bikersmurf]

Latest video. Only Crank, pistons, and rods left... motor will have to come out.

Cam is out. It still looks good. Lifters I've checked look fine. One push rod is a bit chewed... but not the source of bad noise.

 

[reddingcruiser]

What do the winners get????

 

[nogo]

From the pic they look like this:

That's the correct casting mark/symbol for the 896 'power pack' head.

 

[bikersmurf]

At a crossroads:
1) Buy Vortec truck and swap in motor and wiring
2) pre 86 SBC runner
3) 283 - just because
4) 3B diesel or Mercedes Diesel

 

[pjohnson]

Whatever is an upgrade

 

[bikersmurf]

An upgrade would be hard from a Sept 69 350, 10:1, RV cam, +/- 300 hp. It's been described as a roller coaster ride... I've only had it happen a couple times, but when I pulled out I had both wheels break loose in first, second, and then I let off at 40 mph. Not that it couldn't do it more... but I don't drive like that.

 

[bikersmurf]

What do the winners get????

Free Pizza and bevys when you come help bolt in the replacement... I've got lots of space for helpers to park and crash.

 

[waiting for time]

That sounds like a piston folowing behind.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Free Pizza and bevys when you come help bolt in the replacement... I've got lots of space for helpers to park and crash.

Would love to give you a hand if you were a tad closer. Even if to just get out of this Redding heat for a few days.

 

[whitey45]

I have a fresh 383 stroker, this would be an upgrade!