Chev Motors

[HK1837]

It is, but the question was based around "just for cruisng".

And cheaper may not apply in this case, the 308 will go in using the same exhaust, same mounts, same bellhousing, flywheel, wiring, tailshaft, throttle linkage etc etc. Chev will need most of this replaced. A good running 308 can be had for $1000. If the 253 is due for a rebuild then it costs the same (apart from buying the block & crank) to rebuild it as a 308. Might be academic in any case as the question also came with the desire to go in the Chev direction.