383 Identification

[Fury Man Van]

I just pulled a 68 383 from a 4dr that I have, was looking for the VIN stamping can't seam to locate them. I know I've seen a thread on this subject but I can't locate it.
Just looking for the location, any help?

 

[detmatt]

VIN wasn’t stamped regularly until the ‘69 model year by the oil pan rail under the engine mount. Iirc halfway through the the ‘68 model year the VIN stamps on these is at the very top and rear of the block by the oil pressure sending unit and the stamp on the trans was adjacent.

 

[Fury Man Van]

VIN wasn’t stamped regularly until the ‘69 model year by the oil pan rail under the engine mount. Iirc halfway through the the ‘68 model year the VIN stamps on these is at the very top and rear of the block by the oil pressure sending unit and the stamp on the trans was adjacent.

Found the numbers on the transmission left side pan rail none on the engine, Found that it is a 67 cast during the day shift. Thanks for the help.

 

[MarkLevi]

Being a '68: **IF** it has the VIN stamped, it will be on both the engine and transmission flanges in the area just "below" the oil pressure sender.

 

[69CoronetRT]

68 VIN stampings are an under researched area...

As Mark said, look here and see if you find anything.

 

[Fury Man Van]

Many Thanks for everyone's help, turns out no numbers stamped on either but both were 1967 that much I did find out.

 

[HWYCRZR]

‘67 for early model year ‘68s? Castings should have a quarter or month. Roughly July and beyond would have gone in the’68 models which started around August’67
Unless it was a replacement block should have some stamping by the oil pan.

 

[HWYCRZR]

4 digit date code for’68 model year.
My ‘68 383 was stamped PT383R22041250
PT Trenton
R-2bbl?
383 displacement
2204 - date assembled Aug 10, 1967(5 days before scheduled production date)
1250 engine s/n
Left side oil pan flange.

 

[Fury Man Van]

Found it. Thanks for everything.

 

[HWYCRZR]

2201 - August 7, 1967. Three days prior to mine. So definitely for ‘68 model year. Early production.

 

[Fury Man Van]

2201 - August 7, 1967. Three days prior to mine. So definitely for ‘68 model year. Early production.

When I get back home I'll send you some from my 68 4spd convertible

 

[Luke Pokrajac]

My 383 was just about 4 days before your 383 in August 67. My car was built in December 67. I believe the 4 month lag time was due to the engine having a bell housing for a 4-speed rather than a torqueflite. Belvidere probably ordered some 383's to have for 4-speed applications at the beginning of the 68 model year. Of course very few C-bodies got 4-speeds, they all had to be special orders.

 

[HWYCRZR]

My 383 was just about 4 days before your 383 in August 67. My car was built in December 67. I believe the 4 month lag time was due to the engine having a bell housing for a 4-speed rather than a torqueflite. Belvidere probably ordered some 383's to have for 4-speed applications at the beginning of the 68 model year. Of course very few C-bodies got 4-speeds, they all had to be special orders.

View attachment 499777

I think the new guy stamped that one. Also you have a P instead of an R after the 383 Mistake or is yours a 4bbl?

 

[Fury Man Van]

My 383 was just about 4 days before your 383 in August 67. My car was built in December 67. I believe the 4 month lag time was due to the engine having a bell housing for a 4-speed rather than a torqueflite. Belvidere probably ordered some 383's to have for 4-speed applications at the beginning of the 68 model year. Of course very few C-bodies got 4-speeds, they all had to be special orders.

View attachment 499777

I have 2 Factory 4spd cars

 

[Luke Pokrajac]

I think the new guy stamped that one. Also you have a P instead of an R after the 383 Mistake or is yours a 4bbl?

I have an HP H code 383...P means Premium gas engine

 

[HWYCRZR]

I have an HP H code 383...P means Premium gas engine

Thanks I am still learning. So I am speculating that R stands for regular gas.

 

[Luke Pokrajac]

I have 2 Factory 4spd cars

2 rare beasts! Pretty nice that a few of them are still around.

 

[Luke Pokrajac]

Thanks I am still learning. So I am speculating that R stands for regular gas.

Yes sir...R code is regular...you most likely have dished pistons. P engines have flat top pistons.

 

[HWYCRZR]

A ‘68 Dodge convertible would be hard to pass up for a new project. 4speed even harder.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Yes sir...R code is regular...you most likely have dished pistons. P engines have flat top pistons.

May have been originally, I can’t remember. Now they are flat. Probably to make up for .040 over to keep compression.