I have a '64 Malibu convertible with a 283. It has headers, dual exhaust and a four barrel carb. Decoding reveals that the 283 was made in '65 so it is not a numbers matching car.

If I am looking for increased performance, what improvements give the most bang for the buck? Is it worthwhile to put money into the 283 or am I better off replacing the engine?

I'm not looking for a rocket, just some more pop.

Thanks

You ask for an opinion, this is mine.
ONLY BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL ENGINE--------------------- I would go with a healthy 350-383-400. These are 100% bolt in swaps. Period. You WILL like the extra bang for the buck. Probably the absolute cheapest way to go is with a 350. Because of the high demand for 350s and 350 parts, they are the cheapest to buy or to rebuild. Also, there are numerous 383 kits available for the 350. If you can locate a 400 block, crank and a compatable set of heads, the SB400 is just a TINY bit more expensive to build over a 350. To rebuild a 283 will cost more than to rebuild a 350 (because of the bigger demand and volume)-----------------------------AND YOU WILL STILL ONLY HAVE A 283. Also, with a 350-383-400, you will have considerably more torque which will allow you to someday install a higher gear ratio in the rear, which will lower hiway rpm and improve fuel economy (that's becoming more important now with today's gas prices).
That's my take, I'm done.

Is it by chance a stick car??

If it is, then drop in an old stock, Duntov, -097 solid cam along with a set of Z-, (-142), valve springs and go have more fun then the law will allow wrapping her up to the moon!!

And also install a set of Fel-pro's .015" thick rubber coated steel shim headgaskets to up it's CR. a small schosh too...

But the guy's are right if you want more power then by all mean's install a bigger motor b/c it's just a little bugger!! AND I have a big soft spot in my heart for the little motor that CAN!!

BUT I will say this, you won't find any of the other motors that will rpm like it other then the 302!!! That's what's so much fun about the little bugger!! Put your foot inta her until you get scared, back off AND hit her again!!!

pdq67

I love big cube but there is a place for a spiner
in any bodys life. they are just fun to drive

and yes a 4 speed car is the way cool.. I will never forget my 69Z it was not a grocery getter.
but sure was a blass to drive with a 4.10 gears set you where always shifting them gears.

Im am planing on building one now for special project we have at the shop.

its just not the same. but don't forget that there is no subtitution for cube.

but with the price of gas now many are going hi teck and swapping in tune port in old cars

we have a customer that install a 305 tune port
in his 69 nova and it,s his daily driver he just
love the fuel injection side of it.

he is in love with his car again. he purchasse this car in 1979 drove it only on the week end

pull the old tire 396 325 block out for a rebuild
and stuck in that tune port for a temp fix.

now he is back driving it!

so the anwser is whatyou what to do with your car

Since it is not the OEM engine you may as well change it. Economical choices might be the GM crate moter that sells around $1300, or for something with a little more power http://www.goautocenter.com/320hp_alum__head.htm