How do I know it's a 383

[JAMES L EUBANK]

'm looking at purchasing an engine which the owner says is a Chevy 350 stroked out to a 383. The owner does not have any paperwork to prove it, and the original builder is not around to give evidence. I know enough to tell that it's a Chevy small block V8, but do not have the knowledge to determine if it is a 383. Externally, are there any indicators to give me an idea if the owner speaks truth?

 

[pagrunt]

Quickest way is to look at the flywheel end of the crank.

 

[69hurstolds]

Easy. It'll say 383 on the air cleaner! 🙂

Hahaha. Actually, I would have no idea. I'm not fluent in Chev-ese.

 

[69hurstolds]

Quickest way is to look at the flywheel end of the crank.

You cocktease.

And what would we be looking to see? Or not see there?

 

[JAMES L EUBANK]

Quickest way is to look at the flywheel end of the crank.

What should I see? One final note, it's still bolted in a car.

 

[JAMES L EUBANK]

Easy. It'll say 383 on the air cleaner! 🙂

Hahaha. Actually, I would have no idea. I'm not fluent in Chev-ese.

Thanks, I'll look for that lol

 

[DRIVEN]

Unless the seller can prove it, buy it as if it's a 350.

 

[pagrunt]

The flywheel flange of a 400 crank is a different shape than a 350

 

[pagrunt]

You cocktease.

You can't give it away so easy all the time. 😉

 

[ssn696]

If it is an older 2-piece rear main block, the balancer will have a scallop in it if you can get under there to see.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/flu-720111/make/gmc
I know this is not a stock balancer but it's the first pic I found.