59 navy

I'm looking at the GM 290 hp 350 crate engine from Summit. My period correct 283 just can't do the long tours reliably anymore. I could get it rebuilt but think it's cheaper to get the crate engine. I want a workhorse engine that will allow my wife and I to tour longer distances. The replacement engine doesn't come with an harmonic balancer or water pump. My 283 has low mileage balancer and pump...will they fit on the new engine? Also, has anyone does this swap? Thanks again for your suggestions.

GCD1962

Buy the lower priced 260 hp and swap out the cam and change the heads. It is ultra-low compression, about 8 1/2 to 1, the heads are smog heads at 76 cc. In the so-called 290 hp version it is a real stone and sluggish. With a better cam and 64 cc heads it is a great engine. The 260 version is less money saving you some for the new cam and heads

GTOguy

I would not use or try to use the old 283 balancer. I would get a new balancer, as they are a wear item. Not even sure a 283 style will fit the new engine. Water pump would be OK.....The 290HP is the bottom of the barrel GM crate motor, mainly designed for work trucks. Low compression, very mild. I would personally spend another $500-$1000 if you can afford it and go with a much nicer 355-383. That said, the 290 crate will be an improvement over your tired 283, and should be as reliable as an anvil on the cheapest gas. Good luck with your project.

Frankie the Fink

I agree..... That lower end mill will have truck-like reliability and truck-like performance..

GCD1962

It's not a truck engine. The cam is an L-79/L-82 version that is way too much cam for the low compression and heads. Swap the cam out and get a set of 64 cc heads and it runs strong.

Frankie the Fink

CorvetteMikeB

Yes, much cheaper for a V8 Chevy crate engine. The engine will be made for unleaded gas and as one member said you can purchase the cheap 87 Octane unless you go for +400HP. I would not reuse any original engine parts since your new goal is reliability on the road to avoid breakdowns leaving you stranded.

I did this swamp. This could also be a good time to upgrade to much higher HP, new radiator upgrade and get a four speed auto with overdrive for the wife and adult children.

MikeM

Do not use the 283 harmonic balancer on the 350. My only comment.

vettepoor

phil2302

I can state objectively that either the 350/290 or 350/260 crate is not a bad choice. Especially if you buy it and add a mild build. Compared to the 283 and the low horse 327's it is a much more robust engine. My son and I have used these a few times as replacement power for different projects and never regretted it. Its much nicer power than the 2 bolt 327/300 in my 66. (It is an all original slob.) Again objective not just an opinion.The 4 bolt mains alone make it superior. Do a mild build, a cam, heads,intake etc. and you will have a nice result.
I may do something similar in the future and put my original 327 in storage.

R66

Mike is right, the harmonic balancer is matched to the engine. DO NOT use the balancer from the 283.
I would rebuild the 283 if it is numbers matching. Still good cruising power and better mileage. 350s always were gas hogs, but the more cubes the better power and less economy.

Kenny62

I just finished installing a 350 crate (333 hp) from summit racing in my 62 and have no regrets. I would recommend that you replace, with new, the harmonic balancer and water pump to insure reliability. Most of these parts, including flywheel and clutch, are fairly inexpensive. If you're going to the trouble of replacing a motor you don't want to cut corners. Also, before you order the motor make sure there isn't going to be a clearance issue with the hood. Good luck.

Frankie the Fink

What happens to the crate engine warranty when you get the mill and start cobbling together your own Hot Rod Harry parts to stuff in it ?

I'd just spend the money to get a 'good to go' motor with the power I wanted in the first place.
Or rebuild the 283.

ejboyd5

Note that the 283 is "period correct" and not original, hence no reason not to consider the wide range of "crate" engines that are available.

Frankie the Fink

There is no VIN-derivative on the engine stamp pad in '59. To wit, a period correct engine (although not the 'born with' motor) is as good as it gets in this case if the date code at the rear is close...

phil2302

Lol Hot Rod Harry ☺
Didnt know they were still in business.

59BlueSilver

I assume you’re talking about Harry’s Hot Rod in Grand Prairie, Tx., not far from me.

59BlueSilver

My 59 has a 1969 350, 255hp and the only thing I’ve done is replace the cast iron with an Edelbrock intake. It has plenty of power for me, cruises nice with a 3.36, and is about the same hp as the original 283. I think you’ll be happy with the 260 or the 290.

phil2302

Agree yes. 4 years ago my son and I repowered a 69. We took a base 350 crate and woke it up real nice with edelbrock aluminum heads, intake, carb and a comp cam, headers. That thing made my 327/300 feel like a snail.
(no sorry no hot rod harry parts☺)

SWCDuke

For all intents and purposes the 350/290 is the same as a seventies vintage L-82, and the 350/260 is a L-48. The 290 has a more top end power, but the 260 has more low end torque and uses what is essentially the '67-up 300 HP cam, but with slightly refined lobes and a different part number.

the 290 cam IS the exact same as the L-46/82 cam from that era... same part number.

Duke