283 engine application

[alsfarms]

This question is for the Chevrolet experts among us.

I have two early 283 blocks and would like to know the applications for them.

 

1- casting # 3720991

     Stamped number F 56 FB

 

2- casting # 3731548

     Stamped number F 1106 CD

      casting date code K56

 

Help me determine what the engine application and other relevant information is.

 

Thanks,

Al

[arcticbuicks]

i think number 3720991 is 265 c.i...........and 3731548 is 265 and 283 c.i.

would have come in many chev and pontiac  

[The 55er]

This will help.

[arcticbuicks]

that listing dosnt have 265 with casting number 3731548.........of which there were many,as well as 283

[alsfarms]

Thanks, for these posts.

What does the code FB call for on the 265

What does the code CD call for on the 283

 

Al

[Oldtech]

The CD denotes a 1957  265   according to Chilton.  If it is a 283 it does NOT have C, Cd, or CE on the end.

Cant help with the FB. 

 

[alsfarms]

Thanks. 

Now I am curious, is it just a bore difference between a 265 and a 283? In this case the block casting number is the same between the 265 and the 283. Did the Chevrolet just do a different bore depending upon what was being built? I remember a 283 being right on the edge boring it out to make a 301 out of it. More insites please.

Al

[arcticbuicks]

i used to do a lot of small blocks ,i am sure the 265 is just smaller bore of the same 238 block.......or i guess you could say the opposite.......i saw no difference in the block otherwise

Edited November 9, 2023 by arcticbuicks (see edit history)

[JACK M]

Seems I recall the 265s didn't have an oil filter.

That must have continued into the early 283s.

[arcticbuicks]

i think just the early 1955 265.......and many of the early 1955 did have a filter but not on the block

Edited November 9, 2023 by arcticbuicks (see edit history)

[alsfarms]

I am going to pick up the forlorn early engine that was represented to me as being a 283. However, I could find no 283 with a suffix code of "CD". Thanks to input here, It was pointed out that the engine was built as a 265 but based on the 283 casting number. I will use this core engine for donor parts as I build towards as correct as I can, a 270 HP, 283 for a 1957 Corvette. I don't have the correct single tower heads so I will use a pair of Power Pack heads. Thanks for the information help here.

Al

[Oldtech]

265 has a bore of 3 3/4. 283's were 3 7/8. That will tell the story.

[alsfarms]

Yes, and a story you can't untell. I don't think this core engine has ever been down, so I am thinking this CD engine core will be 3-3/4" bore. It does have the correct dates bell housing and clutch assembly correct for a manual transmission.......that is good for parts.

Al