Help a newbie out on big block engines...

[53ryder]

Several questions about big Chrysler engines:


1. Is a 383cid engine considered a 'big block'?


2. I've seen some ads that mention a '400cid' engine. Were there '400' engines?


3. Are there any distinct markings or features on a '440cid' engine that one could see to be sure the engine is really a '440'? So a picture in an ad shows a '440' decal on the air cleaner, what other clues can a guy look for to make it really is?



Thanks in advance!

Glenn

 

[300rag]

1 - yes

2 - yes

3 - Engine ID pad at top front of block to the right of the distributor will look something like this


B=1966
C=1967
D=1968
E=1969
F=1970

 

[53ryder]

Great info! Thanks!:yaayy:


Glenn

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Also if you find them rolling around in a scrapyard the engine size is cast into the passenger side along with casting number, also oil pump is on outside of block on driver side, just for quick visuals

 

[53ryder]

Then would a '400cid' or a '383cid' engine have the same engine id as in the above picture?


Glenn

 

[Big_John]

Then would a '400cid' or a '383cid' engine have the same engine id as in the above picture?


Glenn

No, it won't have that pad.

 

[53ryder]

No, it won't have that pad.

Thanks!

Glenn

 

[detmatt]

The 383 and 400s have a pad as well but they're lower and on an angle facing say, 2 o'clock.

 

[bluefury361]

The 383 and 400s have a pad as well but they're lower and on an angle facing say, 2 o'clock.

Below the distributor hole........

 

[70NPORT]

one other tidbit of info...you'll find the 383/400 engines are not as wide or tall as 413, 426, 440 brethren......and 383/400 cid= designated as "B" engines...413, 426, 440cid = designated as "RB" (although I think there was a year for the 383 when it was designated as "RB"...not sure about that tho, that goes waaaaay back in the day).

 

[detmatt]

Thanks Will, yes I forgot to mention its on the passenger side.

 

[Kernel Sanders]

Yes there was a 383 RB in the late 50's for a year or two. There is also a 361 B block but same goes, they are few and far between

 

[theos911]

I seem to recall it having something to do with the number of lines available to try and produce B and RB engines at the same time.

 

[bluefury361]

Thanks Will, yes I forgot to mention its on the passenger side.

I got your back Matt.......

 

[bluefury361]

Yes there was a 383 RB in the late 50's for a year or two. There is also a 361 B block but same goes, they are few and far between

And for a trip in the "WAY BACK MACHINE"...... The first "B" series engine was the 350 CID in 1958.

 

[Kernel Sanders]

I didnt know that, cool, thank you ccasion14:

 

[Wildaugust]

Basically most, if not all, of the external parts will interchange between "B" and "RB" Big Blocks except for the distributors and intake manifolds. I believe there were also some differences in the valve trains between early engines (pre '64 or so) and later engines. Someone else will chime in on that.

 

[newport72]

I knew the 440 was a rb engine but didn't know the 413/426 were too. unless the 413 was different the distributers were all on the front of the engine like the 383/400. but the 318-360 were on the back straight up, a web site you could look at that might be of some interest is allpar.com

 

[bluefury361]

Basically most, if not all, of the external parts will interchange between "B" and "RB" Big Blocks except for the distributors and intake manifolds. I believe there were also some differences in the valve trains between early engines (pre '64 or so) and later engines. Someone else will chime in on that.

Yes, lots of interchange between the "B" & "RB" engines. There were several variations of cylinder heads although all will bolt on both low and hi blocks.

Low blocks, (B) engines are....
350
361
383
400
Raised blocks, (RB) engines are....
59-60 383
413
426
440

There are also two viarations of the "A" series 318 engine.
1958 through 1966, (67 in Canadian models), used the A318 poly motor
1967, (68 Canadian), used the LA 318 engine. The primary difference was the cylinder head design. These two engines also share many componants.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I believe 61-62 and earlier the rocker shafts are on aluminum stands that the bolt goes through no effect on operation at stock level but if you hot rod them its a weak spot and would be better to use later heads with cast in stands, I may be wrong on years there but it has to be close to that