1971 383 maximum bore?

[certifiablecuda]

I started poking through the stuff I got when I purchased the car the other day and as I was walking by the engine I noticed that the pistons (heads are off) said 060 on them... I haven't gotten out a dial indicator or anything to measure, but it seems that if it is 60 over, that might be the upper limit... I have heard of some motors going to .080, but I am not sure.

Also, I have no idea the shape of the motor as I just got it and stuck it on the engine stand to get it out of the back of the truck.  It looks to be date coded correctly, but I haven't checked the numbers to see if it was matching.  I don't believe it is.  I haven't pulled the pistons to see if the walls were scored or not, but I will do that when I get some time to see if it is just a boat anchor or worth rebuilding.

Thanks,
cb

[Jacksboys]

Get it sonic tested before you bore it out anymore because it might be at its limit at .060 over.

[71chally416]

I wouldn't spend any $$$ on a .060" over block. There's plenty of 383's out there if that's what you want. If it's a numbers matching block just keep it to sell with the car in case somebody finds value in it even though it's probably at the end of it's useful service life. They can put sleeves in it if they want.   

[The Cuda Guy]

I wouldn't spend any $$$ on a .060" over block. There's plenty of 383's out there if that's what you want.

 

[MoparMan440]

I wouldn't spend any $$$ on a .060" over block. There's plenty of 383's out there if that's what you want. If it's a numbers matching block just keep it to sell with the car in case somebody finds value in it even though it's probably at the end of it's useful service life. They can put sleeves in it if they want.   

  Go get yourself another block, short block or long ect. Is it the numbers matching block ?

[certifiablecuda]

I don't think it is numbers matching, just date coded correct.
I will check more when I get a few minutes.
I am not even sure it is at .060, I just saw it on the pistons walking by... I am just assuming that is what it is.

cb

[MoparMan440]

I don't think it is numbers matching, just date coded correct.
I will check more when I get a few minutes.
I am not even sure it is at .060, I just saw it on the pistons walking by... I am just assuming that is what it is.

cb

You're correct, if they are stamped .060 on the top of the piston those are 60 over. You can find 383's pretty cheap assuming that's what you want to stick with. However I never build 383's so I'm not sure how much more if any you can go if you want to use that block..

[moper]

I agree.. at .060 over, it's done. If it was #s matching, I'd say bag it and stick it in the corner.

[moparnut]

if it is numbers keep it, almost any block can be sleeved. While some people cringe at sleeving(usually from ignorance).its no big deal. most racing engine applications are sleeved engines for ease of rebuild unlimited times. If property done from a reputable machine shop, I would say that most people here would not be able to tell the diff between a sleeved and non sleeved engine.

[Moparal]

I've had dozens of 383 and 440 engines bored 60 over.  Never had a problem. It was common back in the 70's and 80's. Never was told about core shift back then. You went and bought 60 over 13/1 dome trw pistons and let er sing. Those engines ran good with good octane.  Miss the old days tonight bad

[Chryco Psycho]

I would sonic test it , it could be good for a lot more yet , or not