Original engine?

[swisherred]

Given that vins weren't on the block in 67 how can I verify that I have the original engine in my 67 newport. I know the car says it's a 383 2bbl but I have a 383 4bbl...it could have been upgraded but that would mean the intake, carb and linkage....and if properly done, the cam too...how can I determine what I actually have agnd if it's original to the car? It has the proper intake and linkage for a 67 4bbl....

 

[Big_John]

You can't, but you can see verify it's a '67 engine. Top of the block, in front of the head on the passenger side. Should be C383 (D383 in pic is a '68 block)

Engine block to show location... Under the distributor hole on the block deck.

 

[swisherred]

it is a 67...with 915 heads. doesnt look to ever have been apart. isnt the cam different between 4 and 2 bbl engines? can i measure the valve lift or something to determine what cam is installed without removing it since i just buttoned that part all up yesterday.

 

[Davea Lux]

Before you get all excited, you can also check the casting date on the side of the block. It should be before the build date for the car. Usually with a 383 the casting date will be about a month older than the build date for the car, but this varied widely from plant to plant and during different times of the year. For '67 the G code on the VIN was for the 383 2BBL engine, The H code was for the 383 HP engine. The '66 models used the G code for both 2BBL and 4BBL. Casting number is on the left side of the block #2468130 and the casting date is usually just above that number. If you have a car that was produced early in the model run, it may still have the '66 coding with the 4BBL engine, stranger things have been known to happen.

Dave

 

[swisherred]

Before you get all excited, you can also check the casting date on the side of the block. It should be before the build date for the car. Usually with a 383 the casting date will be about a month older than the build date for the car, but this varied widely from plant to plant and during different times of the year. For '67 the G code on the VIN was for the 383 2BBL engine, The H code was for the 383 HP engine. The '66 models used the G code for both 2BBL and 4BBL. Casting number is on the left side of the block #2468130 and the casting date is usually just above that number. If you have a car that was produced early in the model run, it may still have the '66 coding with the 4BBL engine, stranger things have been known to happen.

Dave

The date on the engine is 8/17/66 and it does sport that casting number. I think the car was produced in Nov. If I read the date right on the tag.

 

[Davea Lux]

The date on the engine is 8/17/66 and it does sport that casting number. I think the car was produced in Nov. If I read the date right on the tag.

That engine would appear to be in a correct range to be an original equipment engine. To answer your previous question, the 2BBL engines had a different cam and a different compression ratio than the 4BBL engine. Both engines ran the same heads. The lower compression ratio 9.2-1 for the 2BBL (If my memory is right) was by the way of dished pistons. The 4BBL HP engines in '67 had flat top pistons. If you have a bore scope, you should be able to easily see if the engine has dished pistons.

Dave

 

[swisherred]

Checked....dished pistons...at least now I know. Thank you for that info.

 

[Davea Lux]

Checked....dished pistons...at least now I know. Thank you for that info.

You are welcome. This was a popular conversion as the engines ran a lot better with the 4BBL at higher RPMs. Years ago, someone probably raided the 4BBL carb, linkage and intake off of a wrecking yard motor. Part of the joy of 50+ year old cars when you do not know who had them or what was done to them. I would probably just leave it like it is.

Dave

 

[CBODY67]

My '67 383 4bbl was unmolested. AFB with the small air cleaner circle and all. Put 906 heads on it and it still had a trace rattle at WOT in passing gear with super unleaded. Stock distributor and timing. Not bad, though. No clatters otherwise.

The 252/.390 cam was pretty much the same specs as the old '58 Fury 2x4bbl 350cid cam.

Check to see if the rear axle ratio is 2.76, which was std with the 383 2bbl motor. Makes about 28mph/1000rpm (8.55x14 tires) for easy 75-90mph cruising (right on the meat of the torque curve).

CBODY67

 

[swisherred]

It is a 2.76 . Planning on going to 3.23 before I do any engine changes like a cam.....have a lot to learn about cams. I want a good balance between daily mileage and cruising....vs...short lead foot bursts.

 

[patrick66]

If the casting date on the block is BEFORE the scheduled build date on the fender tag, it is likely the original engine. If it is after, obviously, it's not.