Chevy V8 To Vortec V6?

Its been some time since I've been on the forum asking anything!

I will need to rebuild my 283 Chevy that's in the CJ6 this winter.
I was thinking (this always gets me in trouble) will a vortec v6 bolt in-place of the 283 Chevy?

I also have a 350 block I was thinking of using. I just don't really think I need to go 350, with the increase in fuel consumption and more power to break stuff.

Or just build the 283 back up?

 

I would rebuild the 283 . it's already installed

 

The V6 should bolt right into there with the same mounts and bell housing. You'll have to deal with the wiring for the fuel injection. With all the info on the web nowadays that's a shade tree job. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

If it is all set up well for the sbc, personally, I think it's silly not to keep it. That said, rebuilding a 283 is more expensive than building an equivalent 350, parts for which are everywhere and cheap. I don't think using a 350 is an absolute ticket to breaking stuff. You just need to be very conscious of what you have and drive accordingly. I managed to keep a D25 front axle alive in my 3B for 4 plus decades with three different sbcs (327, 350, and 381). It did eventually break but I'm not complaining.

 

just because its a 350 doesnt mean it has to be built as a 350hp motor. there are plenty of stock type rebuilds that should get you cheap and reliable 250hp easily. Tarry99 has a cj5 to cj6 build thread where he shows he is using a 90s corvette LT1 and its dyno'd at 250hp.

 

How is a 283 more expensive to rebuild then a .350 except for the pistons and rings (since the rods are reused) all the internal parts are interchangeable between the two engines.

Are you saying the slightly smaller pistons or rings cost more (not anywhere I shop)

 

Go with the fuel injected V6 and embrace new technology. I say this but I still have a carbed 350 in my '61.

 

Guess it depends on what you want in a kit. Summit has 15 kits for 283 and all that include pistons use the cast variety. Those are very reasonable price wise-about $350. But if you want something better, you will likely have to piece meal it.

They also have 35 kits for 350's with just about anything you would want, albeit more money, ranging from about $600 to 1,200.

 

I am in the process of swapping a 283 for a Buick V6 in my 56 CJ5. It doesn't seem to be a popular idea on this board - I posted a question about the adapter that was used in the conversion and the conversation seems to have focused more on why I would remove the 283.

Now that I am past the point of no return (sold the 283) I have to say that it would have been much easier and cheaper to fix the problems with the SBC. Before you pull the trigger, you need to look at things like flywheel (I don't believe the engine balance will be the same for the V6) and exhaust. I ended up spending $700 for the appropriate flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate.

My opinion is that the 283 is a better engine than a 350 (just my opinion). Parts for either are readily available. Having said that, I went with the Buick V6 for two reasons - much lighter and a front mounted distributor. Distributor won't be an issue on the Vortec and you didn't mention weight as a concern.

 

Sorry I've been gone for a few weeks.
Thank you for all the response.

I believe I'm just going to keep the 283 if the block is usable when I inspect it after teardown. I'm sure I'll need at least 1 sleeve.
I like the fuel milage and performance with the currently engine. But hate the distributer location. Also I have a propane kit I may install after the rebuild. So no need for fuel injection after that.
I'll get into it this winter if money permits.