tehjrow

I just bought a used 1981 with a 383 in it. I know the engine isn't from a 1981 because the oil dipstick in on the wrong side. Looking for more info on the engine, here's the code from the firewall side of the block. https://imgur.com/a/vsazW0g

Easy Mike

The casting number looks like 3789317, but nothing comes back when Google it. Is there an engine ID stamp on the pad?

tehjrow

That's the stamp on the back side where it meets the transmission. Where is the ID stamp pad?

Kevova

The only cast number the resembles what you have 62-67 327. I have not seen a small journal stroker, it's possible to do. The original Grand Sports had 377 ci.

tehjrow

Easy Mike

S indicates a 62-64 327 250 hp generic passenger car engine.

tehjrow

So, the guy lied to me then, great.

ddawson

What did he say it was?

tehjrow

"The 383 was built from a 350 from another c3 corvette and no expense was spared. I did not do the build, an experienced local race car builder did."

mobird

That is really common. Seller's advertise gen 1 small blocks as being a "stroker motor" because they know the only way you can really check that is to drop the oil pan (which you aren't going to do before you buy the car 99% of the time). It is really pathetic to be honest. But you also don't know WHO lied to who, if the seller wasn't very knowledgeable either, it's possible that whoever sold it to HIM told him it was a 383 and he was never the wiser.

Easy Mike

It's not a Corvette engine and, going by the engine suffix, it's not a 350. That said, it might now be a 383.

tehjrow

Here it is running, whatever it is now it's strong as hell

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fDWoECKQJucWVBb28

mobird

It definitely has an aftermarket cam in it.

Well basically two ways to look at it, if it is "strong as hell" and you are happy with the power, just enjoy it. And maybe take it to a local dyno shop and have a power pull done to see what it is putting out.

If you are really curious what you have, drop the oil pan and see what crankshaft is in there.

tehjrow

I'm happy with, it was running kinda badly when I got it so I'm getting it stable. I'm planning to replace the oil pan since it's dented so I'll check the crank when I do.

mobird

Cool deal. Let us know what you find.

derekderek

What about the balancer? A 383 would not have a 327 balancer. And the bolt holding balancer to crank, or lack there of..

stingr69

Small journal block. Not likely to have more than the original 3.25" stroke.

tehjrow

It does have a bolt holding the balancer so either it's an aftermarket crank or it's been drilled?