The Cheverolet 283 small-block engine was first produced in 1957, generating between 185 and 283 HP, and maxed out at 315 HP in 1961. This engine became famous as the basis for larger block engines.
The 283 small-block engine was popular, because it was one of the first engines to produce 1 HP/ cubic inch, which was an impressive power output in those days. The family of small-block engines the 283 belonged to became the basis of Cheverolet V8 engines found in the Camaro and various trucks, as well as present day engines across all vehicles. There are many 283 engines for sale on e-Bay and tutorials on how to get one working again.
