QuestionI've got a 1957 Chevy 283 power pack engine block and heads (F221FD). It is a rebuildible block but is missing the intake. I've had the engine since 1972 and I'm considering getting a 1957 Chevy minus an engine or selling this block. What would you suggest?
AnswerJust do what you have the time/budget or energy for.
That powerpack block isn't rare and probably won't bring much. Fuel injection or dual quad engines are worth hanging onto.
If I was to build a "new" 57 Chevy I probably would put a 327 or 350 in it if it wasn't a number matching car. 350's are cheap, more powerful.
You could try to sell the block on E-bay or put an ad in Hemmings Motor News. Someone might be looking for a more correct engine for their PP 57. Better than sending it to the recycle lot.
You can find intakes for 57 Chevy's about anytime you want through Hemmings, E-bay or the clubs. So if you want to use that engine in a 57 project, go right ahead. Or put any of the many aftermarket intakes on it if originality isn't a problem. Still, though, if you aren't going for all original, why spend the money/time on a 283 when a 350 really will be a better engine, with a modern tranny behind it?
Don
