914 V8 Guys or SBC gurus, Need help on a 283 SBC build Options

[nine14cats]

Hi folks,

Working on my 914 V8 dreams...made an offer on a car that will give me the vehicle, have the kit selected, now onto the motor.

I have spoken with several shops concerning the 350 V8. Lots of options to choose from. I also have access to a fellow 914Club members 283 V8. I like the thought of a 3 inch stroke motor.

When calling around local machine shops (SF Bay Area) not as many 283 gurus as I would have thought. The older guys are dead and the younger guys only know 350's.

I would like opinions of what components to use on my motor if I go 283. I want:

1. Reliability
2. A quick rev machine
3. Off the shelf components (as in manifolds, heads, carbs.)

The car will be carbed. Alum heads. I have headers. HEI disty.

It will run a Renegade or Desert Hybrids kit. It will have heat and A/C.

The purpose of this car will be:

1. California Cruisin
2. No Track time
3. No Autocross

For tranny it will run a tall gear 901 fully rebuilt.

I am looking for at least 283HP (1 HP per cube) but torque no greater than 300 ft/lbs to make the tranny last as long as possible.

A revver would be fine with Alumininum heads, roller rockers or cams. I am intriqued by the Rod Simpson camshalfts that use the Miller high static compression ratio.

But I want you folks to chime in with recommended combos including part numbers if possible.

And any good machine shops in the SF bay area that specialize in hot rod SBC's would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

Bill P.

[86motoman]

Have you considered getting the "new" small block chevy? They make a 4.8 engine which you would be happy with. You can get them cheap on ebay($1000-1500. Lots of guys on ls1 forums will help you get the wiring figured out. They have all the new technology like engine management, alum heads with 90's tech. flow... They got rid of the firing order problem, which gives more mpg's and a flatter torque curve perfect for the street; they still are small and rev like the old 283 but is better all around. If you want to go bigger they have a 5.3, the 5.7 (LS1), and the 6.0. It would rev, get you way better mileage and have a flat torque curve. Basically that whole vortec line is the same as the ls1 with a different stroke/bore with an iron block. In fact a lot of guys are using the 4.8 heads on the ls1. I am going this route if I can't afford the ls1.
4.8 = Horsepower: 285 hp @ 5600 rpm , Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm http://www.gminsidenews.com/e_guide.htm


Chevy also made a block that was 1" shorter. I am not positive, but I think it was the lt1.?? That might help with the conversion pieces. Maybe some of the other 914 teeners know.

You can get an aluminum headed 283, but by the time you are finished with it you will have more money into it then you could have had with a 4.8 or 5.3 and still not have the technology for mileage and such.

If you want to stick to the older gen you may also consider a 302 or 327.