Hey guys!

I'm really struggling to find an answer so I’m hoping there’s someone here that can help!

Ill preface this by saying that I’m brand-new to the classic car resto world and all of this is like speaking another language so please go easy on me haha.

This past weekend, we tore down the engine on my 1966 Pontiac Parisienne. I’m 80% sure it has a 283 Small Block Chevy V8 (haven’t been able to confirm yet from the engine numbers) but is pretty badly seized. 
 

As a replacement, I’ve found a 307 with the body of a 327, pulled out of a 1972 Chevy Nova.

From all the research I’ve done, this should be a compatible swap. I’ll need to replace the water pump but besides that, I’m hoping it will be okay? Someone raises a concern over the bell housing today though and now I’m worried if it will fit.

Again I’m having a really hard time finding this info online but did the Parisienne’s originally come with small block Chevy motors or am I way off? If so, is this a suitable replacement?

many thanks!!

Hayley

1 hour ago, hayleywr said:

Hey guys!

I'm really struggling to find an answer so I’m hoping there’s someone here that can help!

Ill preface this by saying that I’m brand-new to the classic car resto world and all of this is like speaking another language so please go easy on me haha.

This past weekend, we tore down the engine on my 1966 Pontiac Parisienne. I’m 80% sure it has a 283 Small Block Chevy V8 (haven’t been able to confirm yet from the engine numbers) but is pretty badly seized. 
 

As a replacement, I’ve found a 307 with the body of a 327, pulled out of a 1972 Chevy Nova.

From all the research I’ve done, this should be a compatible swap. I’ll need to replace the water pump but besides that, I’m hoping it will be okay? Someone raises a concern over the bell housing today though and now I’m worried if it will fit.

Again I’m having a really hard time finding this info online but did the Parisienne’s originally come with small block Chevy motors or am I way off? If so, is this a suitable replacement?

many thanks!!

Hayley

Yes, Pontiac, in those years did run a Chevy drivetrain. So the tranny should mate to any Chevy small block engine. That said, depending on what you have to spend and what kind of power you want? The 283 could be the better choice as a rebuild! If built right you could get anywhere from 400 to 500+ hp! Do you know what the tranny is?

Thanks so much! I don’t know what the tranny is yet- I just picked up the car a few weeks ago. 
 

And yes, you can definitely get more power with a different motor but my 283 is seized and two of the cylinders are pitted. Unfortunately, I can’t afford to have it machined and worked on so I need a quick/cheap fix just to get it running. I’ll only be cruising this summer and can upgrade in the future if necessary! 
 

plus the motor I’m buying was only $100 😅

 

thanks again for your help! Really appreciate the reassurance 

13 hours ago, hayleywr said:

Thanks so much! I don’t know what the tranny is yet- I just picked up the car a few weeks ago. 
 

And yes, you can definitely get more power with a different motor but my 283 is seized and two of the cylinders are pitted. Unfortunately, I can’t afford to have it machined and worked on so I need a quick/cheap fix just to get it running. I’ll only be cruising this summer and can upgrade in the future if necessary! 
 

plus the motor I’m buying was only $100 😅

 

thanks again for your help! Really appreciate the reassurance 

Understandable, but just in case you’re not aware; you might want to either hang on to the 283 or sell it, even as is! To a good Hot Rodder they are gold! Any good muscle car guy worth his weight can take a two bolt main 283 and build one of the nastiest small block engine that ever existed. 600+ hp & 500 lb. of torque is an easy reach for that motor. 

I know this is a older post but re trans, if it's automatic & is org. trans they only came with 2 speed power glide!!  No problem mating up to SBC, use your 283 "flex plate/ flywheel and Torque converter will bolt right up!!  66 Cdn Poncho's came with 6cyl, 283, 327, or BB 396!!  65 was last year for the 409 in early models.

I agree with Pete, I had a 307 in my Dad’s ‘70 Nova. It’s still a small block Chevy. Re-use the flex plate from your old 283 and everything will bolt back up.