Introduction to the 383

[IceBee]

Hi again,

I'm trying to get into more details about my car. Since I'm a bit new to Mopar, there are a lot of things to learn. (Search is my friend).

I'm wondering, is there any good manual for the 383 Magnum Engine? I've got the old service manual for the car, but there is perhaps something a bit newer?

 

[poly3521]

How to Rebuild Big-Block Mopar Engines by Don Taylor, How To Rebuild the Big-Block Mopar by Arvid Svendsen, and Big-Block Mopar Performance by Chuck Senatore, can get them for about $20 each. Or the good old Chilton's Service Manual or Haynes Manual. Hope this helps. Just curious, what kind of mechanical skills do you have?

 

[IceBee]

Thank you for the recommendation. I'm not used to old cars, so there is a learning curve

 

[miller]

You couldn't have picked a better motor, to learn about Chrysler engines. All kinds of info on the 383, and all kinds of things can be done with them. Best is, it's a great basic design, solid, and if treated right, will keep on ticking.

Only thing that makes a 'magnum', is better parts (cam, heads, intake, exhaust) over stock parts. Have fun with it!!

 

[poly3521]

I gotta agree with miller, great engine. Simple to work on, but big and a little heavier than most out there, since everything today seems to be aluminum. Just remember, the stock cylinder heads weight about 50-60 lbs, stock intake's about 30, feels heavier lifting it over the fender. Lots of people will say you need a 440, but a 383 can be awesome.

 

[IceBee]

I think I'll stick with the 383 as it is was the Bee came with. First step is rather to sort out what is under the hood. It seems there's quite a few modifications, so I need to get a grip on what's done with it..

 

[AMX364]

Magnum is a marketing term. The 383 pulls better under 40 mph then the 440.

Take some pictures and post them, someone will tell you what has been done.
We here also like car ****, so post away.

 

[IceBee]

Haha, good idea. I'll post some "under the hood" pictures and we'll see what can be identified