1963 383HP questions

[Wrench66]

Hoping someone can help here.....looking to buy this block (will build for my '66 Coronet, std 330hp 4bbl build) but have a couple questions.
What is the ".040" mean on the upper pad?
Also, the bottom of the two cylinders shown has some unknown damage....with this be a problem (assuming it won't clean up with a bore but being so low will it affect anything?

Appreciate any help.
-- Ray

 

[Jerry Hall]

Doesn't look to be a factory stamp. Check the bore, I suspect it's already 40 over. With other damage I would suspect a hard life. Find something better, is my opinion.

 

[jimbosride]

I agree with Jerry. Don't concentrate on the age of the block get with your machinist/engine builder and find a good 383 to start from.

 

[WileE]

Welcome. Don't bother with that boat anchor.

 

[autoxcuda]

Hoping someone can help here.....looking to buy this block (will build for my '66 Coronet, std 330hp 4bbl build) but have a couple questions.
What is the ".040" mean on the upper pad?
Also, the bottom of the two cylinders shown has some unknown damage....with this be a problem (assuming it won't clean up with a bore but being so low will it affect anything?

Appreciate any help.
-- Ray

View attachment 1926325

View attachment 1926326

Go to Fall Fling all Mopar show and swap on Oct 18th Sat. www.cpwclub.com just up in Van Nuys.

There will be 440 and 383 blocks there for sale you can see in person and take home.

Bring a good cart and tie downs to hold it in. Some random pics of people buying blocks at Fall or Spring Fling swap meet in Van Nuys.

 

[GTX JOHN]

Easy to find a std bore 383 for a couple hundred
or a bit more. I have a garage full of them.

 

[RemCharger]

Welcome! Go over to the welcome wagon!
that's a piece of ****.

 

[F4R/T]

I think I’d pass on that one .. plenty of them to pick from . If you need a date code just be patient they made millions of 383s. Good luck!

 

[AR67GTX]

Damage at the bottom of the bores looks similar to damage a friend found on a Chevy 350 block that lost a cylinder/piston and twisted a rod all up.

 

[w.Hudson]

I agree with everyone. There are better blocks out there.

Too bad that you are so far away.

I have several good 383 blocks that you could choose from.

 

[Just Send It]

Agreed with everyone, try to find a better block to start with.

Your thread title caught my eye, because I'm currently rebuilding the original 383 from my 63' 330. This sucker has been rusted solid since before I was born. Carefully taking it apart without damaging the block has been challenging to say the least. I was able to save the crank.

The rest.. Lordy Lordy. RIP

The ONLY reason I'm doing this is because it's original to the car. If it wasn't, I wouldn't have bothered. There are a ton of good 383 blocks around.