Head Gaskett for small block

I have a 283 I'm putting different heads on. The holes in the head gaskett are very small compared to the water jacket holes in the block. Is this normal? Should I cut out the holes in the gaskett to match the water jackett holes?

Yes do port match the gasket to the head. I put LT1 350 202 heads on a 283 it ran like a dog. I then put on 305 heads it ran great. I would recommend World Products 305 cast iron heads for the street.

I wouldn't consider playing with a 283 unless it was left bone stock. You're better off with a 350 in the long run. The 283 had no PCV system on it, oiling is much better on the later 327 and 350 blocks.

Bob

The 283 has a forged steel crank and a 3" stroke. I reved mine to 8 grand no problem. I used Z28 oil pump and pan. I also used a solid lifter 327/365 fuelie cam. The 327/350 HYD cam is also a good choice or any after market cam patterned off of these. 650 Deamon carb and a air gap manifold will give you 300 hp that is street-able.