Crate motor vs. original 283
 

[let me know if this should be posted in the factory original thread]

Here is my situation - do I keep the original numbers matching 283 out of my truck after dropping in a crate engine? Does the "original engine" make that much difference once a one of these trucks starts down the resto-mod path?

Back story - I am finally getting this old truck close to back on the road. The engine hasn't run right since I've had it. Working through a bunch of issues, we've found the distributor was on backwards and the shaft broke off, oil isn't getting to the top of the engine, the cam is rounded off, we have push rod issues, and on and on. Rather than more good money after bad, we decided a fresh start might be the easiest and quickest path to success and in went a crate 350/290 from Chevy Performance with a nice warranty.

So, back to my dilemma - what do I do with the old 283. The goal isn't a concours quality restoration and we've veered away from completely stock - disk brakes, lowered, exhaust, modern wheels/tires, etc. - but the 283 is the original engine that came with the truck. I don't plan to sell right away but, if/when I do, would rebuilding a numbers-matching engine add that much value? The real question - is it worth the hassle I'd get from my wife leaving the old engine in the garage until the funds are there to do the rebuild?

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

What are the numbers on the 283, cast, date etc?
Like you said, your way past the originality of the truck now. As far as value I think the quality of the parts and build is more important after you leave the reservation, than having an original engine for it. You either go one way or the other.

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

You've got your crate motor so be happy. I don't think you're going to miss the 283 once its gone. I'll hope to have my 250 out today and it will occupy space only until the other engine is up and running. Granted a 283 is more desirable than a 250 but if you keep it you will be prone to hoarding just like me. I must keep thoughts of overhauling that 250 out of my head.

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

I just got done pulling my old original 283 out of my 62 SWB truck.

I put a crate 350 in its place.

I am, however keeping the original engine, laying it back in the same crate that the 350 came in. Someday, someone after I'm gone may want it to take truck back to original, never know?

The previous owner did the same thing with everything he changed on it prior to my ownership, he provided me with all the original items as well.

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

I think the whole "matching numbers" thing is more applicable to the 60's musclecars than they are to our trucks. Unless you are going for a concours-type factory original restoration, or plan to in the future, there is no real value to keeping the original engine around. I'm in the same boat with the 292 I pulled out of my '66, right now it's sitting on a cradle in the garage, but I'll be putting it up for sale, since I won't ever be going for the concours-type restoration.

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

I think if you were doing an original restoration the engine would hold more importance than it does now. IMO, I think it depends whether you plan on keeping the truck forever or only 5 years or so. If only 5 years, I would hang on to the original engine and any major parts you take off. I think it would be nice incentive for a buyer down the road if someone wanted to put it back to original...

I put a new crate engine in mine, but the original engine wasn't in it when I bought it, so I lost no sleep over it. If it had been, I probably would have had it completely rebuilt...whatever decision you make...don't look back and enjoy the truck!

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

If you have a place to safely store it, I say keep it. You never know what the future holds!

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

Matching numbers implies that there’s a matching vin on the block. Usually the last six digits of the vin are used.
Truck motors didn’t start doing that until 1973. The only identifier is the suffix code. And if you look in this link you’ll see the suffix code can refer to different motor displacements in different years.
You’ll be close with just the code. At least year wise. Build date narrows it down more but won’t be absolutely accurate.

http://nastyz28.com/gm-chevy-codes/c...-suffix-10.php

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

Great suggestions and thanks to all. The $500 core charge on the crate motor was the final straw so the original block went on to a better home. Here is a snapshot - we are finally marching through the punch list!

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

Cool truck. Post massive amounts of pictures for the crew here. We all enjoy it. :)

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

I just got a quote to have my non-original 250 rebuilt for almost $2k. Now wondering if a small block crate engine would be better suited. Where did you get yours and what tranny are you connecting to? I really don't care about crazy horsepower I am not hotrodding it just want it to be reliable. I still have the 3speed saginaw floor shifted. Also, besides the typical engine mounts, what other major mods have to be done to accomodate a small block?
-Nate

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

Here's a 350 from GM for 2K - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12681429
Same one - https://sdparts.com/i-19928423-gm-en...xoCEc0QAvD_BwE
The next level up from GM at 290HP is $2700 and some change.
There is Blueprint Engines also - https://blueprintengines.com/collect...rice-ascending

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

What all does that rebuild include? Block getting bored? New pistons? Head getting hardened valve seats and a valve job or what?

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

I rebuilt the 283. I went back and forth on this but I wanted an original looking engine bay but of course the power brake booster will take away from that. :lol:

Re: Crate motor vs. original 283
 

that's a sweet looking truck .. love the color and the wheels.