Looking for a 283 engine for sale – Any tips?

Classic & Vintage Cars
1

I’m on the hunt for a 283 engine to install in my classic Chevy, and I’d love any advice or leads on where to find one.

What I’m Looking For:

  • Complete Engines: Ideally, I want a full, usable engine that’s ready to be dropped in.
  • Crate Engines: If anyone knows reputable suppliers for crate engines, that would also be super helpful.
  • Second-hand Options: I’m open to used engines, but they need to be in good working condition.

Questions:

  1. Where to Buy: Can anyone recommend online marketplaces or local salvage yards that might have a 283 for sale?
  2. Pricing: What’s the average price for a 283 engine these days? I’m trying to budget for this project.
  3. Condition Check: What should I look for when buying a vintage engine like this? Any common red flags?

What I Know So Far:

  • The 283 was in production for a while, so I know they’re out there, but I’m not sure about the best places to look.
  • I’ve checked a few classic car shows, but they haven’t turned up anything solid yet.

Any Help Appreciated!

If any of you have recommendations or personal experiences, I’d be eager to hear them! This project means a lot to me, and I’m hoping to find the perfect engine that’ll bring my Chevy back to life. Thanks in advance for your help!

1 Like
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If you’re looking for a 283 engine, I recommend checking eBay and Craigslist. They often have listings from private sellers and salvage yards. Just make sure to ask for photos and any service history if available.

3

Thanks for the tip! I’ve also seen some reliable engines listed on Facebook Marketplace. Just be sure to check the seller’s ratings!

4

Don’t forget to check with local salvage yards. They can be a goldmine for classic engines like the 283. Sometimes you can even negotiate the price!

5

Great point! Also, look for specialty auto parts stores. Some have connections for sourcing older engines.

6

I bought my last engine from a specialty shop online. They had great customer support and I received it shipped directly to my shop. Happy to share the link if anyone’s interested!

7

Yes, please share the link! I’m always on the lookout for reputable sellers.

8

I haven’t found many good deals lately. Prices seem to be climbing, especially for classic V8s like the 283. Anyone else noticing this?

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Definitely! It can be frustrating. But I believe the right engine is out there; it’s just a matter of patience and diligent searching.

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Maybe we should start our own marketplace just for these engines—call it ‘283 Hub’! It could be all the rage.

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Haha! That’s a funny idea. I’d probably need a second mortgage to afford it, though!

3 Likes
12

Just a heads up: always look for engines with a reasonable return policy. Sometimes you’ve got to be prepared for a little risk. It’s a journey, not a sprint!

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Absolutely! It’s great to buy it, but getting stuck with a dud is the worst. Stay cautious.

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When buying a 283 engine, it’s crucial to check the condition thoroughly. Look for rust, missing parts, and have it compression tested if possible. Research typical prices online to gauge what’s reasonable.

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Absolutely agree! Don’t forget to examine the engine’s history. A well-documented engine usually means it’s been taken care of.

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Definitely consider warranty options too! A seller offering a warranty might be confident in their product’s quality, which can be a good sign.

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That’s true! Also, beware of sellers who can’t provide ownership paperwork. It might signal trouble.

4 Likes
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To evaluate price versus quality, compare similar listings in nearby areas. Sometimes prices vary wildly just based on location!

3 Likes
19

You should also look at the mileage on the engine if it’s used. Lower mileage generally equals better condition but not always.

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Great point! Also, don’t shy away from asking the seller about their asking price; negotiating might save you quite a bit.