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I am restoring a 54, and it came with a 283 instead of the original engine. I am going to use the 283, so my question is, if I place the engine in the same spot as a 1957, should I be able to use a 1957 stock exhaust system? In other words, will a stock 1947 Corvette stock exhaust system fit in my 54 with a 283? if so, would anyone have the measurements on exactly where to put the motor mounts? Thanks in advance. Julian
If you say you’re “restoring” the car, why not put an original Blue Flame 6 in? Car will be worth a lot more restored with a 6.
Fundamentally, I would agree with this. BUUUUUUUUUUUT, since the original engine is gone, then NO OTHER engine will be original.
SOOOOOOOOOO, if it were my car------------AND IT IS NOT---------------I would round up a rebuildable 261 truck engine (55-62), which is the same block/head design, bore and stroke it to 283 and find an OLD transmission shop with an old timer that is familiar with rebuilding and upgrading the early cast iron Powerglide transmissions.
With all the 6cyl hardware, a 261 can be assembled to look exactly like a Corvette 235 with 3 carbs and dual exhaust.
These are the only pictures I have of a 54 Corvette engine. A 261 can look just like this.
I have a very close cousin that has a First series 55 pickup with a 283 bored/stroked 261. Other than the 4bl and Fenton dual exhaust, it looks right at home. The bell housing is a truck housing with a bolt pattern for a later 3-4sp tranny. The transmission is a Saginaw 4sp and the rear is a 64 Chevy 3.08 posi.
The appearance of a stock 55 was retained, but it drives great in town and on the Interstate.
To the OP
Yes
Any Small block chevy will fit into the 54 frame and engine bay
you will need the correct Corvette water pump mounts etc....
You can use 56 and up ram horn style exhaust manifolds and C1 exhaust system - you will have to have some rear exhaust pipe made if using the rear exhaust ports
Chris
TiN Restorations
Plano IL
As nice as your 283 6 is Tom, and it is a very cool engine. The small block V8 gets the improvement of cross flow heads, Intake and Exhaust are on opposite sides of the head which helps a ton for heat management and with head flow. We all know Heads make the power and if heads don't flow it does not matter much what carb or compression you are running. The V8 Chevy small block is a huge advantage for power and efficiency. Personally I would stay with the V8. (mostly because they sound so much better when you step on the gas). I had a friend, who has now passed that ran a straight 6 Chevy in a Rail Dragster and made it competitive. He loved it and had tons of fun with it but he could have gone faster for 1/4 the price if he went to the V8 but his biggest joy was making a pass and beating a V8. So I understand chasing the look you want and if it is what you want cost does not matter it is worth it.
I’ll add my 2 cents.
Im running a 283, 097 solid cam and dual Carter carbs. I also have M-20 4sp with a posi rear from a 62 Corvette with the strut rods, 3:55 gears, and turbo mufflers . It’s my period correct Hot Rod and I love it. With the hood closed, you’d never know it had a V-8.
I’ll add my 2 cents.
Im running a 283, 097 solid cam and dual Carter carbs. I also have M-20 4sp with a posi rear from a 62 Corvette with the strut rods, 3:55 gears, and turbo mufflers . It’s my period correct Hot Rod and I love it. With the hood closed, you’d never know it had a V-8.
DAN
That car is as nice as they come, and I LOVE that look with the caps (I'm kinda partial to dog dish).
would anyone have the measurements on exactly where to put the motor mounts? Thanks in advance. Julian
This is the best I can do, not much to measure off of.
This is passenger side taken off the sway bar.
It looks to be the same on driver side, the generator is in the way of a photo.
This pic is looking straight down.Motor mount is on left.
54 Engine Swap Question
