Author Topic: Is This a 383  (Read 2007 times)

Offline flagcraig

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Is This a 383
« on: January 27, 2016 - 05:33:32 PM »
Going to look at a Mopar this weekend that does not have the original engine.  I am told the current motor in the car is a 1969 383.

Will I be able to tell from looking at the underside of the motor without pulling it out if it's a 1969?

Here is a picture of motor.  Does it look like a big block 383?

Thanks.




Offline roadman5312

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2016 - 06:00:20 PM »
          Not sure on numbers but it's a big block.   :2cents:

Offline Edison1970

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2016 - 06:06:57 PM »
Look to the right of the distributor. The flat pad usually has a stamp number in it.  I assume that it will have 383 stamped in it.  It will not tell you the year though.  That should be cast in the side of the block.

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2016 - 07:07:05 PM »
for sure it i a big block , looks like a B low deck engine , whixh means it could be 350 /361/383/ 400  , on a 383 the stamping will be to the left of the dist looking at the engine over the rad / passenger side , 383 will also be cast on the side of the block which can be seen under the car

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Offline 1 Wild R/T

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2016 - 07:20:30 PM »
I've never seen 383 cast on the side of a block...

As stated look below the distributor it'll tell you displacement, model year and the assembly date......

A 69 383 should have E383 stamped on the pad.... It will also have a few numbers as an example we'll choose 5 14   That would indicate the engine was assembled on May 14th 1969   If it were say   9 11  that would mean it was assembled September 11th 1968  since assembling of the 69 model year started in early August....

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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2016 - 07:32:24 PM »
Maybe you are right it was just all the other blocks that had the displacement cast in

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Offline 1 Wild R/T

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2016 - 07:36:50 PM »
Maybe you are right it was just all the other blocks that had the displacement cast in

I know all the small blocks do, I've seen it on late 440's but I don't recall seeing it on a 383.. When I get my block back from the machine shop I'll look again but I think I would have noticed...
JS27N0B 70 Challenger R/T Convertible  FJ5 Sublime, Show Poodle w/90,000 miles since resto
WS27L8G 68 Coronet R/T Convertible  PP1 Bright Red, Project
RM21H9E 69 Road Runner Coupe R4 Performance Red, Sold...
5H21C  65 Falcon 2 dr Wagon... Dog Hauler...

Offline rUNCHARGER

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #7 on: January 27, 2016 - 07:41:04 PM »
I don't believe 383 is cast in either. I don't remember what the casting #'s are for a 383 block though. I find these days that a lot of "383"s turn out to be 400's but that's actually a good thing.

Sheldon

Offline 1 Wild R/T

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #8 on: January 27, 2016 - 07:45:52 PM »
I don't believe 383 is cast in either. I don't remember what the casting #'s are for a 383 block though. I find these days that a lot of "383"s turn out to be 400's but that's actually a good thing.

Sheldon

Yeah, I wouldn't be to upset to find I got a more desirable core...

JS27N0B 70 Challenger R/T Convertible  FJ5 Sublime, Show Poodle w/90,000 miles since resto
WS27L8G 68 Coronet R/T Convertible  PP1 Bright Red, Project
RM21H9E 69 Road Runner Coupe R4 Performance Red, Sold...
5H21C  65 Falcon 2 dr Wagon... Dog Hauler...

Offline HP2

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2016 - 10:09:18 AM »
I've never seen 383 cast on the side of a block...

As stated look below the distributor it'll tell you displacement, model year and the assembly date......

A 69 383 should have E383 stamped on the pad.... It will also have a few numbers as an example we'll choose 5 14   That would indicate the engine was assembled on May 14th 1969   If it were say   9 11  that would mean it was assembled September 11th 1968  since assembling of the 69 model year started in early August....

440s have a large pronounced pad that sticks out of the intake rail area right above the box in the picture shown above. The absence of it indicates a low deck big block, but you'll have to look for stampings to verify cubic inches.

Offline flagcraig

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Re: Is This a 383
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2016 - 11:48:19 AM »
Great info guys.  I appreciate the help.