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]