383: Builder or Boat Anchor?

RockyPat · Aug 15, 2021

Hello everyone,

I have taken the heads off my 383 like I was advised to do on this forum and have found this:

I have decoded that this engine was made in 1970 on October 13 during the second shift. R means regular gas - lower non-performance compression.
I believe this motor was a 2 barrel with 290 HP and 390 TQ.

Am I wrong with anything?

From these cylinders,

Do you guys think this engine is a builder or boat anchor (AKA get a 440)?

Thanks!

R413 · Aug 15, 2021

10-13-1969

We don’t know what your building and how you will use it. I like a 440 better than a 383 for most things.

davek · Aug 15, 2021

383is are good engine lots of torque ,if its stock Have the block checked and you could bore it 30 over. If you want to junk it I would gladly take it off your hands.

peabodyracin · Aug 15, 2021

Nothing really special about that block it appears. I'd be inclined to find another block to build. The rust may be deep enough into the cylinder walls to exceed boring capability.

I see you're in California. Around the midwest there'd be concern about the water having frozen in the cylinders and cracked the cylinder wall. Either way I'd move on.

Jerry Hall · Aug 15, 2021

Looking, I assume the engine is stuck. Apparent water damage #6. #4 isn't in great shape either. If it will come apart it depends on how much it's going to take to clean up those 2 cylinders. Depending on the amount you want to spend you could sleeve a cylinder or 2. As you stated it's not originally a HP block. If it's not numbers matching to the car, look for something better.
I have a friend that bought a very rare 69 RR convertible 383 4-speed with A/C. Matching numbers everything, but the block was already at 60 over and needed cleanup. He sleeved all 8 cylinders and put it back to 100% stock.

69 Sleeper Bee · Aug 15, 2021

I’d see what the bottom end looks like next and then make my decision on what direction to go from there.

Don Frelier · Aug 15, 2021

I'm voting anchor.

hunt2elk · Aug 15, 2021

There are a lot of old 383's sitting around for not a lot of $ that are in better shape than that one if you have your heart set on a 383....

SlinktRR · Aug 15, 2021

If you were closer I'd take it. B blocks are hard to find in Texas, lots of late 70s 440's out of trucks here but not much 383/400. I like how the 383 revs compared to a big inch stroker, your choice. I'd take it apart and see how it looks with the rotating assembly out.

chtampa · Aug 15, 2021

If you weren't so far I have a complete 68 383 .030 ready to assemble.

#41 · Aug 15, 2021

Not all is lost yet. Soak the cylinders with penetrating oil and see if you can rotate the crank and see the cylinder walls. Even if you don't build this one, getting that far will help you sell it somebody else.

RockyPat · Aug 18, 2021

Thanks everyone for the help! I will pour some penetrating oil into the engine to hopefully make the engine turn over manually. From there, I might take it to a machine shop to get it cleaned and inspected. I would hate to spend money on the inspection and have it be no good, but that is the risk I would be taking. If its bad, like you guys said, I can find another one in better shape.

383: Builder or Boat Anchor?

RockyPat

Well-Known Member

R413

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davek

FBBO Gold Member

peabodyracin

FBBO Gold Member

Jerry Hall

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69 Sleeper Bee

Well-Known Member

Don Frelier

FBBO Gold Member

hunt2elk

FBBO Gold Member

SlinktRR

Well-Known Member

chtampa

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#41

Well-Known Member

RockyPat

Well-Known Member

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