non-numbers matching motor

[Sandra H.]

Don't know if this is technical enough, but I need some advice, please. The motor in my '62 is non-numbers matching...a 350 built by Dale Matthews of Matthews Memory Lane Motors, Portland, Oregon. He built motors for 1/4 mile drag cars some time ago....the question I have is, should I let anyone work on this motor (it's pretty well used and needs an overhaul)? It would no longer be a Matthews motor, would it? I would like to sell this motor as it's a lot of horsepower (close to 480) and replace it with a crate motor as per the original 283. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Sandy

[Keith B.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

To me and any one else that is just anther used and wore out 350. They are a dime a dozen in speed shops. I don't think it really matter who built it last time. It's wore out now.

[Sandra H.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

Thanks Keith....there's been some discussion about whether to rebuild or get a crate motor....I'm leaning toward a crate motor and not messing with this one.

[Keith B.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

If you can afford it GM offers some great crate engines. All with warrantees

[Dan A.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

I would like to sell this motor as it's a lot of horsepower (close to 480) and replace it with a crate motor as per the original 283.

Just to clarify, 1961 was the last year for the 283 in a Corvette. All '62 Corvettes were built with 327s, which was a new motor that year.


I might suggest you research the cost of replaceing the current 350 with a rebuilt 327.

350s are a dime a dozen as stated but I would look a little further before accepting that the one you have is of little value.

[Harry S.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

Since it's not the original block/motor go for a crate. You will be much happier.

[Michael J.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

I used a 330 HP crate 350 CI in my '55, it was a great choice.

[Joe L.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

Thanks Keith....there's been some discussion about whether to rebuild or get a crate motor....I'm leaning toward a crate motor and not messing with this one.

Sandra-----

For driving, a crate engine is the way to go----just like having a "new car under the hood". However, you're not going to get a crate engine that has an external configuration the same as the original engine. Any small block, 265 cid to 400 cid, will have the same BASIC external configuration but there are many differences, too.

[William C.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

Sandra, how much information do you have about the engine in the car? It may have some value depending on what "special" parts were installed, and how long ago. Money spent in machine work is generally not salvagable in a rebuld or resale, but some parts may be.

[Sandra H.]

Thanks Keith!

Hi Joe....a crate engine makes the most sense to me. Will have to do some looking into this further. Thanks, Sandy

Hi Daniel,
Hmmm, late husband said it had a 283 (he was the only owner) and bought this 350 race engine to replace it. Not that it particularly matters now. It's obviously set up for what's in it. (duh) Thanks for the response....guess I had better go check my research notes again. Sandy

Thumbs up on that, Harry!

[Joe L.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

Hi Daniel,
Hmmm, late husband said it had a 283 (he was the only owner) and bought this 350 race engine to replace it. Not that it particularly matters now. It's obviously set up for what's in it. (duh) Thanks for the response....guess I had better go check my research notes again. Sandy

Sandra-----


If it's a 1962 it never originally had a 283. All 1962 Corvettes were 327's. Of course, externally, a 283 and 327 of the period are virtually identical. If you have or have access to that particular 327, having it rebuilt and re-installed would be your best option overall.

[Sandra H.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

Daniel....chalk it up to senility. Checked my notes, and of course you are correct. Mea Culpa....Sandy

[Sandra H.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

That sounds nice, Michael!

[Sandra H.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

Well William...my wealth of knowledge on this engine won't take long to tell. The motor is a 350, that dyno'd at around 480...out of a '58 Chev. Dale Matthews apparently built more than a few short track racers. Roller rockers, cam...late husband added Edelbrock headers, 3 bbl Holley carb. And that's about what I know. I'm only going on the reaction from a guy thats been trying to buy the car for years. When I said the engine was build by some guy named Matthews out of our part of the country, he looked pretty surprised and said he knew him....don't know why that made the car more attractive to him, except I looked up Matthews Memory Lane Motors and tried not to be impressed. Thank, Sandy

[Joe L.]

Re: non-numbers matching motor

Well William...my wealth of knowledge on this engine won't take long to tell. The motor is a 350, that dyno'd at around 480...out of a '58 Chev. Dale Matthews apparently built more than a few short track racers. Roller rockers, cam...late husband added Edelbrock headers, 3 bbl Holley carb. And that's about what I know. I'm only going on the reaction from a guy thats been trying to buy the car for years. When I said the engine was build by some guy named Matthews out of our part of the country, he looked pretty surprised and said he knew him....don't know why that made the car more attractive to him, except I looked up Matthews Memory Lane Motors and tried not to be impressed. Thank, Sandy

Sandy-----

That might be a good engine to sell to someone greatly impressed with Dale Mathews. That's where its value lies.