[robcamacho]

Alright guys and gals. I am new to this forum as I just started building a "new" 1965 Chevelle. Right now I am trying to decide on keeping and "rebuilding" of freshening up the stock 283 or going with a LS or 350 crate engine from GM. I am doing a frame off job and want it done right but not break the bank. Any advise on what type of engines I should look at. Daily driver (or regular driver), want some power but not necessarily drag race power. Just enough so people know there is something under the hood. So you kind of know the plan -

4 wheel disc conversion kit has been purchased
Hotchkis suspension front and rear has been purchased
Media blast and tear down has begun

thank you for any advise you can give

 

[davis95]

Welcome to our humble club, Robert. If you're already thinking about a crate 350 then you you need to step up and buy a crate 383. This will give you everything you're looking for and a little more.:yes:

 

[Verle]

You need to think about several things here.

You said: "Daily driver" "want some power"

In consideration of "some power" you need to look not only at the engine but also the gearing (transmission, rear end).

You didn't mention what transmission you have or want to install.

Leaving the stock 65 283 rearend:

If automatic, installing a 200R4 or 700R4 will immediately make a difference because first gear is lower than a powerglide or Turbo350.

If manual, installing a TKO500 or TKO600 (5-speeds) will make a difference for the same reason.

I will give some personal opinions:

Overall first gear ratio should not be more than about 10-1. Overall ratio is what you get when you multiply the first gear ratio of the transmission times the rearend ratio.

Take a TKO600 with first gear of 2.88 and a rearend ratio of 3.55 gives overall ratio of 10.2-1. This is the equivalent of a close ratio Muncie and a 5.38 rear end. Unless you have an engine that will turn a lot of RPM first gear is not very usable.

The other end is to figure your final drive ratio. This is the highway cruse gear and determines engine RPM and directly affects engine noise, wear and gas mileage.

With a Muncie 4-speed, 4th gear is 1-1 so final drive is the rearend ratio.
With an overdrive multiple rearend ratio times the overdrive ratio.

So, put some thought into transmission and rearend ratios and what you would like to do on your daily drive then determine what engine will fit into your plans.

And people here will certainly provide opinions that differ.:yes:

 

[64play]

Guess I'll be first---Why not go BBC, say 454 at minimum. At stock specs it'll have lotsa torque and be an easy daily driver.
Smiles Per Gallon will be high. (and they just look coolest under there)

 

[robcamacho]

For the tranny it has a newly rebuild B&m TH350 and the rearend is a 12 bolt from a GTO. Not sure the ratio.

I want it to be slightly aggressive at idle and off the line but also have a smooth cruise when on the highway if that is even possible...

Thanks for help and education as I start this project

 

[OLDED]

Like surgeons say - do the last surgery first! In other words, where will you want it to be in a few years? My guess is that enough is never enough and you would well served with either a nicely built 383 (simple transition from the 283) or a mild build BBC (parts are available, but more involved). FWIW