V8 Chevy Rebuild
Discussion
I have recently purchased a 1965 race car fitted with a Chevy 4.5 small block. Unfortunately thar car lost it's original engine many moons ago and after a spell when it ran with a Lotus twin-cam the previous owner purchased a replacement V8, which is also 1965. Apparently this V8 came from a pick-up and was in running order at the point it was purchased, other than that nothing is known about this engine and it has not been run in this car. The car needs a full restoration, which I will do with a view to being ready to race it in spring 24. I already own, and race, the same model, a car I restored in 2019/20 and which has a completely different, 4 pot, engine.
I'm looking for recommendations as to who I should refer to to strip & rebuild this engine. There is a budget here, I'm not looking for ultimate HP, just a reliable race suitable spec. Originality is important, I can upgrade to electronic ignition but it needs to run on its carb. I live near Bristol, so local would be handy, I also travel a lot, Midlands & North West.
I will be starting a thread shortly to track progress on the restoration.
I'm looking for recommendations as to who I should refer to to strip & rebuild this engine. There is a budget here, I'm not looking for ultimate HP, just a reliable race suitable spec. Originality is important, I can upgrade to electronic ignition but it needs to run on its carb. I live near Bristol, so local would be handy, I also travel a lot, Midlands & North West.
I will be starting a thread shortly to track progress on the restoration.
Perhaps as 'convenient' for you in Bristol as it was for me in outer London - John Sleath Racing at Doncaster. He built the 'stroker' road going 489 cu in engine for my '68 Vette a number of years ago. He has built a significant number of high HP boosted and NA race and street engines over the years and tends to work much as a 'one man band' (perhaps keeping labour costs minimal). He has both a static and rolling road dynos. There are a number of other choices, especially for race engines where perhaps driveability is less important........ICE at Silverstone, Knight Racing. I'm sure there will be some builders closer to you......none come to mind.
Pete Knight is one of the go to guys for circuit race V8s, he’s in Daventry. You didn’t mention what sort of race car, drag/circuit/stock?
https://www.knightracingservices.co.uk/
I’ve used MJA in Bromsgrove to do machining work (I build my engines) and liked them.
https://www.mja-engineering.co.uk/
https://www.knightracingservices.co.uk/
I’ve used MJA in Bromsgrove to do machining work (I build my engines) and liked them.
https://www.mja-engineering.co.uk/
Those heads are Power Pack heads, going by the triangle on a rectangle cast into the front of the head. Combustion chambers around 58-60cc and 1.72"/1.5" int/exh valves. Apparently there's room to install 1/94" intake valves in those heads. The 283 was an engine that a lot of people put a lot of time and effort into getting power out of. They are known for being high revvers. My BIL drag raced one many years ago, I saw it spin up to 7500rpm numerous times.
some bloke said:
Those heads are Power Pack heads, going by the triangle on a rectangle cast into the front of the head. Combustion chambers around 58-60cc and 1.72"/1.5" int/exh valves. Apparently there's room to install 1/94" intake valves in those heads. The 283 was an engine that a lot of people put a lot of time and effort into getting power out of. They are known for being high revvers. My BIL drag raced one many years ago, I saw it spin up to 7500rpm numerous times.
May not be a truck engine then....?They were all 2-bbl low compression 'standard' heads.
The casting numbers should tell what it was originally. Should help to find whether it means it has a cast or forged crank?
Could be a complete bitza though, and likely as I said, you'll be throwing a lot of the bits away.
aeropilot said:
May not be a truck engine then....?
They were all 2-bbl low compression 'standard' heads.
The casting numbers should tell what it was originally. Should help to find whether it means it has a cast or forged crank?
Could be a complete bitza though, and likely as I said, you'll be throwing a lot of the bits away.
Yes, could be a complete bitsa. I think the 283 blocks are getting tricky to find now. They were all 2-bbl low compression 'standard' heads.
The casting numbers should tell what it was originally. Should help to find whether it means it has a cast or forged crank?
Could be a complete bitza though, and likely as I said, you'll be throwing a lot of the bits away.
OP, there should be a casting number on the top rear block flange by the bellhousing, on the left hand side as you sit in the car. That will give you an idea of what sort of block it was originally. See here: https://nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html for numbers
Then see if there's a number stamped on the pad just above the water pump bolt you can see in the photo,
The number may have been machined off, but if it's there, see if you can figure out the car it came from, using info from here:
https://www.nastyz28.com/spmenu.html
Post the numbers up here if you like, we'll see what we can figure out.
some bloke said:
aeropilot said:
May not be a truck engine then....?
They were all 2-bbl low compression 'standard' heads.
The casting numbers should tell what it was originally. Should help to find whether it means it has a cast or forged crank?
Could be a complete bitza though, and likely as I said, you'll be throwing a lot of the bits away.
Yes, could be a complete bitsa. I think the 283 blocks are getting tricky to find now. They were all 2-bbl low compression 'standard' heads.
The casting numbers should tell what it was originally. Should help to find whether it means it has a cast or forged crank?
Could be a complete bitza though, and likely as I said, you'll be throwing a lot of the bits away.
Its why I didn't bother when found out the block on mine was cracked after sitting outside for decades with no heads on one side and no intake fitted.
It was 'only' a '67 283 out of a truck (last year of the 283) according to the casting numbers, and as much as I would have liked a vintage 283, it was simply cheaper to buy a crate motor than try and find another good 283 from UK or from USA....and still end up costing twice as much as a crate motor.
As it turned out many years later was talking to an old mate who I don't see that often and he said, I've got my original '59 283 that he pulled from his El Camino sitting under bench in garage, you could have had that.........grrrrrrr!
But, that's now likely finding a home in a '32 5 window that has just been recently acquired by another mate of his.
aeropilot said:
some bloke said:
aeropilot said:
May not be a truck engine then....?
They were all 2-bbl low compression 'standard' heads.
The casting numbers should tell what it was originally. Should help to find whether it means it has a cast or forged crank?
Could be a complete bitza though, and likely as I said, you'll be throwing a lot of the bits away.
Yes, could be a complete bitsa. I think the 283 blocks are getting tricky to find now. They were all 2-bbl low compression 'standard' heads.
The casting numbers should tell what it was originally. Should help to find whether it means it has a cast or forged crank?
Could be a complete bitza though, and likely as I said, you'll be throwing a lot of the bits away.
Its why I didn't bother when found out the block on mine was cracked after sitting outside for decades with no heads on one side and no intake fitted.
It was 'only' a '67 283 out of a truck (last year of the 283) according to the casting numbers, and as much as I would have liked a vintage 283, it was simply cheaper to buy a crate motor than try and find another good 283 from UK or from USA....and still end up costing twice as much as a crate motor.
As it turned out many years later was talking to an old mate who I don't see that often and he said, I've got my original '59 283 that he pulled from his El Camino sitting under bench in garage, you could have had that.........grrrrrrr!
But, that's now likely finding a home in a '32 5 window that has just been recently acquired by another mate of his.
Keep it stiff said:
I have an engine number in the vehicle file which I have not checked against the engine. It is VO821UFJ7CJ501965
I used a de-coding web site and if I figured it out correctly it is a low horse power motor from a truck.
Yep, and its not a 1965 283ci either.....that number decodes as a Flint, Michigan 21st Aug 1980 made, 165hp 350ci truck motor.I used a de-coding web site and if I figured it out correctly it is a low horse power motor from a truck.
The number you have on the paperwork should match the number stamped on the pad on the front left of the block as you stand at the front of the car, just below the casting mark of rectangle with triangle on top.
I think a lot of truck motors are 4 bolt mains, and from what I have read that little plug by the water pump is a sign as well. You won't know much about the engine unless you open it up and have a look at the cam, measure the stoke etc. It may have had a non - 350 crank in to make a 302 or 327. There's a pretty good chance it's making more than 165hp.
I think a lot of truck motors are 4 bolt mains, and from what I have read that little plug by the water pump is a sign as well. You won't know much about the engine unless you open it up and have a look at the cam, measure the stoke etc. It may have had a non - 350 crank in to make a 302 or 327. There's a pretty good chance it's making more than 165hp.
some bloke said:
The number you have on the paperwork should match the number stamped on the pad on the front left of the block as you stand at the front of the car, just below the casting mark of rectangle with triangle on top.
I think a lot of truck motors are 4 bolt mains, and from what I have read that little plug by the water pump is a sign as well. You won't know much about the engine unless you open it up and have a look at the cam, measure the stoke etc. It may have had a non - 350 crank in to make a 302 or 327. There's a pretty good chance it's making more than 165hp.
Yep, maybe the only part of the original truck motor, is in fact the block..... i.e it was just a replacement for a trashed earlier block.I think a lot of truck motors are 4 bolt mains, and from what I have read that little plug by the water pump is a sign as well. You won't know much about the engine unless you open it up and have a look at the cam, measure the stoke etc. It may have had a non - 350 crank in to make a 302 or 327. There's a pretty good chance it's making more than 165hp.
I would guess for racing purposes, that maybe the case, as a 350ci engine maybe outside the regs?
Trouble is how do you prove that, if some looks at the numbers and moans that you are running a bigger engine than allowed?
aeropilot said:
Yep, maybe the only part of the original truck motor, is in fact the block..... i.e it was just a replacement for a trashed earlier block.
I would guess for racing purposes, that maybe the case, as a 350ci engine maybe outside the regs?
Trouble is how do you prove that, if some looks at the numbers and moans that you are running a bigger engine than allowed?
Given that this is a unique car I won't be able to get FIA papers for it, this is actually a blessing as it leaves me with a relatively free hand. I have spoken with the organiser of the series I'm likely to race it in and he is pretty relaxed about the engine spec as long as I keep it in period. As such I want to keep steel heads and carb, other than that I can do much as I wish.I would guess for racing purposes, that maybe the case, as a 350ci engine maybe outside the regs?
Trouble is how do you prove that, if some looks at the numbers and moans that you are running a bigger engine than allowed?
I would like to be in the 300 - 350 hp range, I need to be sensible with the budget and in an 800 kilo car any more hp is unlikely to translate into substantially improved times and not least as it will be restricted to driver ability.
I have spoken to a few builders, the guys building engines high spec engines for exotic and valuable historic race cars are out of my league. I have also spoken to a chat who seems to be more on my wavelength, at the moment my plan is to get the engine to him, let him strip it and provide recommendations and estimate.
The world of V8's is completely new to me and I appreciate all the advice.
By the way, I'm looking for a pair of rams horn manifolds, there are no manifolds fitted and very little room. I have spent some time looking through Google images and it looks to me that these might be the best option in confined space. They also offer the advantage of looking suitably period. Does anyone have a pair on the shelf that they might be willing to sell or indeed just let me borrow to see if they fit?
Keep it stiff said:
By the way, I'm looking for a pair of rams horn manifolds, there are no manifolds fitted and very little room. I have spent some time looking through Google images and it looks to me that these might be the best option in confined space. They also offer the advantage of looking suitably period. Does anyone have a pair on the shelf that they might be willing to sell or indeed just let me borrow to see if they fit?
Great manifold design as well.I see your south-west, but I don't know how far south-west, but maybe worth contacting Jim Turnbull in Poole, as although he's a Ford flathead specialist, he has loads of contacts and dabbles in race and rally stuff as well, so maybe worth a shot, as he might know someone.
Jim's contact here http://www.royalkustoms.co.uk/
Edited by aeropilot on Friday 10th March 11:22
Keep it stiff said:
aeropilot said:
Yep, maybe the only part of the original truck motor, is in fact the block..... i.e it was just a replacement for a trashed earlier block.
I would guess for racing purposes, that maybe the case, as a 350ci engine maybe outside the regs?
Trouble is how do you prove that, if some looks at the numbers and moans that you are running a bigger engine than allowed?
Given that this is a unique car I won't be able to get FIA papers for it, this is actually a blessing as it leaves me with a relatively free hand. I have spoken with the organiser of the series I'm likely to race it in and he is pretty relaxed about the engine spec as long as I keep it in period. As such I want to keep steel heads and carb, other than that I can do much as I wish.I would guess for racing purposes, that maybe the case, as a 350ci engine maybe outside the regs?
Trouble is how do you prove that, if some looks at the numbers and moans that you are running a bigger engine than allowed?
I would like to be in the 300 - 350 hp range, I need to be sensible with the budget and in an 800 kilo car any more hp is unlikely to translate into substantially improved times and not least as it will be restricted to driver ability.
I have spoken to a few builders, the guys building engines high spec engines for exotic and valuable historic race cars are out of my league. I have also spoken to a chat who seems to be more on my wavelength, at the moment my plan is to get the engine to him, let him strip it and provide recommendations and estimate.
The world of V8's is completely new to me and I appreciate all the advice.
By the way, I'm looking for a pair of rams horn manifolds, there are no manifolds fitted and very little room. I have spent some time looking through Google images and it looks to me that these might be the best option in confined space. They also offer the advantage of looking suitably period. Does anyone have a pair on the shelf that they might be willing to sell or indeed just let me borrow to see if they fit?
ZedLeg said:
Keep it stiff said:
aeropilot said:
Yep, maybe the only part of the original truck motor, is in fact the block..... i.e it was just a replacement for a trashed earlier block.
I would guess for racing purposes, that maybe the case, as a 350ci engine maybe outside the regs?
Trouble is how do you prove that, if some looks at the numbers and moans that you are running a bigger engine than allowed?
Given that this is a unique car I won't be able to get FIA papers for it, this is actually a blessing as it leaves me with a relatively free hand. I have spoken with the organiser of the series I'm likely to race it in and he is pretty relaxed about the engine spec as long as I keep it in period. As such I want to keep steel heads and carb, other than that I can do much as I wish.I would guess for racing purposes, that maybe the case, as a 350ci engine maybe outside the regs?
Trouble is how do you prove that, if some looks at the numbers and moans that you are running a bigger engine than allowed?
I would like to be in the 300 - 350 hp range, I need to be sensible with the budget and in an 800 kilo car any more hp is unlikely to translate into substantially improved times and not least as it will be restricted to driver ability.
I have spoken to a few builders, the guys building engines high spec engines for exotic and valuable historic race cars are out of my league. I have also spoken to a chat who seems to be more on my wavelength, at the moment my plan is to get the engine to him, let him strip it and provide recommendations and estimate.
The world of V8's is completely new to me and I appreciate all the advice.
By the way, I'm looking for a pair of rams horn manifolds, there are no manifolds fitted and very little room. I have spent some time looking through Google images and it looks to me that these might be the best option in confined space. They also offer the advantage of looking suitably period. Does anyone have a pair on the shelf that they might be willing to sell or indeed just let me borrow to see if they fit?
He's likely already got a 350, and with double hump heads, and what could be a decent intake, so may as well just tear it down and rebuild it to whatever spec he wants.....300hp will be pretty easy.
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