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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: weebo74 on March 21, 2009, 04:34:24 pm

Title: what engine is this
Post by: weebo74 on March 21, 2009, 04:34:24 pm

hello i just got a 1979 k10 stepside and was told it has a 383 stroker in it but the engine code tells me that it is a 1969 327 the code is MK15800 is there a web site that i can go to. to be sure thanks russell

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: DnStClr on March 21, 2009, 04:56:31 pm

Russel, does the Moretech site help you? It'll take a bit of reading..
http://www.mortec.com/location.htm

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: Russ130 on March 21, 2009, 04:57:48 pm

gm never made a 383 so there is no code for one

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: Chevalade on March 21, 2009, 07:19:58 pm

That is not even an engine code. It will either be a 6 or 7 digit code, all numbers.

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: jwag30 on March 21, 2009, 07:50:19 pm

where did u get that code? ??? ur block id will be behind the head on the drivers side stamped on block.

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: weebo74 on March 21, 2009, 10:28:11 pm

ok i found the number behind the alt and i look on the back of block i can not make out the numbers

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: jwag30 on March 21, 2009, 10:52:00 pm

327,350 used the same block as far as that goes.but how to tell its a 383 without tearing into it dont know if u can?

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: Lt.Del on March 21, 2009, 11:46:15 pm

a 383 will have a 400 cid harmonic balancer and a flex plate/flywheel for a 400 cid. Because it uses a 400 cid crank.

If ther is a number on either, you could probably trace it.  Or, there may be a size difference for a 400 cid balancer.  Those will be the only exterior signs of a 383.

Take a look at my 79, can you tell it has a 383?    ;D   www.delbridge.net/79truck.html

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: Irish_Alley on March 21, 2009, 11:52:16 pm

i think what hes asking is, even tho its a 327 or 350 block it can be made into 383. and like jwag said with out tearing into it i don't think you can tell

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: HAULIN IT on March 22, 2009, 01:04:56 am

As mentioned above, the block numbers will tell you what it started as (327,350, ect.) from there a 400 crank could have been installed to make that engine (with boring) a 383. Average dollar 383's need an external balance (as Sgt. mentioned). The 400 balancer is easily identified by being a large balancer with about half of the rear portion of the band missing (notched out for balance) this is the only Small Chevy with this balancer. Hope this helps, Lorne

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: Chevalade on March 22, 2009, 08:01:47 am

Some 327's had the small journal mains, and were 2 bolt same as the 283. Which will not accept the large main crank of the 350/400. Would need the casting number to really know which it is.

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: Russ130 on March 22, 2009, 08:52:00 am

Other than the 8" balancer you would not be able to tell my engine was a 383 or a 400. Since I had a new crank, balancer and flywheel it is internally balanced so I could have gotten a stock 350 size balancer. The only way to tell for sure what motor it is is to pop off a head and measure the bore and stroke.

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: jwag30 on March 22, 2009, 08:03:24 pm

Russ130 hit the nail on the head. The only way to determin c.i.d is to measure the bore and stroke. Harmonic balancer is not a surefire give away of a 383. If you use an aftermarket rotating assembly like I am that is internally balanced you can use any 6 or 8 inch balancer for internally balanced small block chevy. :P

Title: Re: what engine is this
Post by: Lt.Del on March 22, 2009, 08:46:07 pm

Drive it.  If there are loads of torque, it's a 383 stump puller  ;D