1968 383 price?

[DadsCharger00]

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/3419180809.html

Is it worth it? I just want to rebuild one so I can better understand the motor. Looks like a good deal...

[1970Moparmann]

Can't get any cheaper than that... Grab it!

[moparstuart]

383 's are  not hard to find and usually sell very cheap  ,  for 300 it better be pretty nice  I have seen several being given away

 I love 383 's but most people want a 440 so the toss the 383's aside

[DadsCharger00]

So if I go look at it....as stupid as it sounds.....what do I look for?

[JB400]

Check to see how much ring ridge there is.  Also, look for scratches in the cylinders.  If you have a bore guage, take it with you.  If not, take something that will fit in the cylinders real close.  Check to see how even the gap is all the way around the cylinders.  If there is still oil in the pan, check to see if it has water in it.  Also, look for cracks of course.  Unforunately, a machinist will be the only one to tell you if it is really good or not, but this will give you a general idea.

You might ask why he is selling.  That also might hint if it is good or not.

[Drache]

I have seen several being given away

I was given a "Firepower XP" 383 and 727

[Ghoste]

Firepower XP. 

[Drache]

Firepower XP. 

What? That's what they were called, Firepower 383 XP. Don't ask me why. Came with highly more compression, 4bbl, etc. 

[kab69440]

Firepower XP. 

What? That's what they were called, Firepower 383 XP. Don't ask me why. Came with highly more compression, 4bbl, etc. 

That's a new one on me...

[Drache]

Firepower XP.  

What? That's what they were called, Firepower 383 XP. Don't ask me why. Came with highly more compression, 4bbl, etc.  

That's a new one on me...

I meant SLIGHTLY more compression not Highly.

[DadsCharger00]

I guess he has some transmissions too....how would I be able to tell if they are a matching set?

[1974dodgecharger]

bought a bare block that was honed for 250 it was a 440 so you getting a full engine is a deal and maybe reusable parts in there? I wanted to start from scratch and do a build up, but now after looking around and pricing what I want out of a engine is gonna cost me 20k so I need to tone it down a bit..........

[Ghoste]

Sorry Drache, I wasn't laughing at you, I just think its a funny name for an engine by the late 60's.  It sounds like one of those names the auto industry was using in the mid 50's.

[Cooter]

IMO, the 383 Chrysler has about the same problems to overcome as a 440 to swap so I'd go for the bigger engine simply because, well, it's bigger.

FYI, a 383 BB Chrysler has less stroke than a Small Block Chevy @ 3.380.....Yes, stroker cranks are out there, but so are they for the 440.
I'd pass over 25 383's to get to one steel crank 440, and I'd pass over 350 440's to get to one Hemi.

[Ghoste]

I thought you didn't like Hemi's?

[chargerboy69]

Mike, It is not a bad deal, would be better with intake, carb, valve covers and exhaust manifolds.  As she sits $200-$250.

I am with Stu, I like the 383's. The fastest car I have ever rode in was a 383 car. 

[Cooter]

I thought you didn't like Hemi's?

Never said I didn't like Hemi's, just the most of the typical owners of such. The Engine hasn't ever acted like it was better than me with my 440, or stated things like "If the Wedge is so great, why don't we see them in Top Fuel?"
Besides, You have any idea what kinda stroker wedge i can build for what a used up, worn out, busted, Smoking, three pistons cracked 426 Hemi will sell for?

[Drache]

Sorry Drache, I wasn't laughing at you, I just think its a funny name for an engine by the late 60's.  It sounds like one of those names the auto industry was using in the mid 50's.

No worse than "Commando" :p

[Cooter]

The 350 in 1958 only was referred to as a "Golden Commando"
The early RB 383 Was referred to as a "Golden Lion" 383.
in 1959-62 The 361 Was referred to as the "Golden Commando", only it was a single four by that time and everybody seems to think because it had the TORQUE rating on the air cleaner it was a "395" engine.

[Drache]

The 350 in 1958 only was referred to as a "Golden Commando"
The early RB 383 Was referred to as a "Golden Lion" 383.
in 1959-62 The 361 Was referred to as the "Golden Commando", only it was a single four by that time and everybody seems to think because it had the TORQUE rating on the air cleaner it was a "395" engine.

Then you have the 440 "Super Commando" for Plymouth and 440 "TNT" for Chrysler's.

Then there were the 383 Golden Commandos during the 60's

[Cooter]

The one I liek that never really existed, was the 440 "Police Interceptor"....Oh, and the ever popular  "Hemi police cruisers" almost EVERY single state police agency seemed to have had to catch the local "Speed Racer" abck in the day. ...Yeah....

[Ghoste]

I know a Plymouth guy that always refers to his 440 by the full 440 Super Commando handle.

[nvrbdn]

so did we buy it?  make an offer on it??? would be a good winter project.

[DadsCharger00]

He's holding it till Thursday or Friday when I'll have time to take a look at it.  Possibly pick up a tranny too if the price is right.

[cdr]

 

[DadsCharger00]

So he said he has a number of transmissions laying in the shop. But he doesn't know if any are a match to the motor. How would I be able to tell if I found its mate?

[Drache]

So he said he has a number of transmissions laying in the shop. But he doesn't know if any are a match to the motor. How would I be able to tell if I found its mate?

VIN should match

[DadsCharger00]

So he said he has a number of transmissions laying in the shop. But he doesn't know if any are a match to the motor. How would I be able to tell if I found its mate?

VIN should match

so basically look for the numbers on the block, and where on the trans would they be? they should be the same and viola there it is?

[bull]

FWIW I sold a bare block '70 383 that had been magnafluxed and checked out ok for $150.

[paironines]

I bought a 70 383 2bbl with 727, running, 75k miles, a few years back for $300 and as I was leaving guy said I was only one interested. So this one, taken apart, etc.,prob a bit high but ok none the less. I like them untouched.

[nvrbdn]

wonder if that is the correct motor for that green charger?

[DadsCharger00]

wonder if that is the correct motor for that green charger?

That green car is part of the reason I want to go "look" at that motor.

[nvrbdn]

 

[ACUDANUT]

I love 383's. They seem to rev higher and always put a smile on your face.

[nvrbdn]

i can see haggling room on the price of the motor. and a trans wouldnt be a bad thing to grab either. plus getting info and mabey a pic or two of the car in the back ground. 

[DadsCharger00]

So what would a reasonable price be....with the motor in current condition, the motor stand, and a tranny....all of which would likely need to be gone through

[chargerboy69]

I am guessing $300-to $350 would be ok for both. Used 727's are not worth a lot, at least they did not used to be.

In the spring I bought a sweet 1971 440 from carb to pan.  Had the power steering pump and alternator on it, even the belts are on it. Also came with a set of Hooker Super Comps.  I gave $1000.00 for it all. Literally a drop in and go.

The 440 might be for sale Mike. 

[DadsCharger00]

I am guessing $300-to $350 would be ok for both. Used 727's are not worth a lot, at least they did not used to be.

In the spring I bought a sweet 1971 440 from carb to pan.  Had the power steering pump and alternator on it, even the belts are on it. Also came with a set of Hooker Super Comps.  I gave $1000.00 for it all. Literally a drop in and go.

The 440 might be for sale Mike. 

You deliver it to me....help me install it....and we can talk  Oh yeah, and beers are on me when ya get here 

[nvrbdn]

yep, i like the 300 for it all. see what he says.

[DadsCharger00]

Well went and looked at the motor, and tranny....and the car  Car was a 69. Def needs its share of work. He has a number of parts for the car, but it's gonna be a work in progress for quite some time. No fender tag, no build sheet. No interior, but shells for the seats are there.  Pretty solid car. No rust in the floors or the trunk. Typical rust sposts are real light rust. Good project car from what I can see.  Pretty nice, but wowz he is going to have his work cut out for him! He just bought a 440 for it, and wants to put a 4 speed in it. Needs the tranny and such but has the motor.

The 383 Engine actually doesn't look to bad. Ridge is real small, inside it's super smooth. No ridges along the walls. needs a serious cleaning, but it almost looks like it was prepared to be stored. turns free. Looks good. Told him I'd take the engine, the stand, and a tranny for 300. Said he'd think about it. And I said that was good. So if I bought it, what would it take to rebuild it? I mean, if I have it bare block I'd pry go all out...which I suppose that means the skys the limit...but if I wanted to go with a stroker it seems like it's gonna run a couple bucks. Think I'd be better off taking Tim up on his offer for that 440...which my dad and I are considering TIM....

Recommended the site. Told him about all the knowledge available here. Hope to see him soon on here. Didnt take any pics of his car. He took plenty of mine    But thought I'd Just give an update!

[nvrbdn]

thanks for the update. hope he drops by and talks about his project.