engine opinion plezzzz

[Corbusa]

Hey guys , its been a long time since I really turned wrenches on any engines , its funny how I used to live for it, building automatic trans and working on heavy equipment kinda burnt me out . But then I got the ZR and its kind of stated the flame again. But my question is ( not corvette) but I bought a beautiful 84 short bed silverado , totally rust free , Nice paint etc , the trans was leaking out of the front seal (350 turbo) so I built a 7000R with alto 5+ clutch packs and corvette servo , hydraulic lock up etc .. I'm putting a 12 bolt rear in it with a 3:42 gear but trying to decide about the engine .. I have a 283 on the shelf as well as a 350 and a 400... I think if I can find a used 144 charger cheap enough I may put it on ( I also want to keep the air working) but want mileage and HP. Whats your opinion ? 238? 350 with 400 crank , 400 with 350 crank ? I'm really leaning to just using the 283 with a charger . It will be a lil while on the engine build , other projects going too and a HUGE work load building homes .. But just wanted someone elses opinion..

[Franke]

Wow its been awhile since I played with those engines. The 283 had possibilities in that there were 2 years of them that had a dished bottom and can take a small journal 327 Crank. With a set of 307 flat top pistons you end up with a hipo 307. All of that is stock stuff. That 283 block was a heavy weight casting and could be bored to.120 with out losing strength.
The 350 has loads of potential for a build without breaking the bank. Just look at Summit, Jegs etc. You can find almost any combo you want.
The 400 I believe might have siamesed bores so you need to be careful on which heads you use as you can blow up the radiator as my friend found out in his 57 Chevy. Seems the 400 has steam ports in the block which need to match up with the same in the heads. The 400 has some potential but I don't know if it is as much as the good ole 350. I think the stock 400 cranks were nodular iron too but not 100% sure. Maybe some others here can chime in.

[hiperf406]

How about a 327 with a 283 crank aka "302" & install the charger to boot. I think that would be a hoot !! :cheers:

[Corbusa]

yea the 327 deal would be sweet , but all i have is a 283 , unless I can find an old 327 block , ..plenty still around ?

[FU]

How about a 327 with a 283 crank aka "302" & install the charger to boot. I think that would be a hoot !! :cheers:

Oh yea !

[XfireZ51]

Love the 302.