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1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? #3129769
03/15/23 09:49 PM
03/15/23 09:49 PM
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minnarusta
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Good evening everyone
My Cuda currently has a 1969 383 engine in it. Unfortunately it is suffering from crankwalk.
I can get from a buddy a nice running and very untouched 383 4 barrel engine from 1966 Chrysler 300. The car is very original and has records of religious oil changes.

I have a few questions:
1. Is this 383 from the 300 what was considered the HP of the time? It's a factory 4 barrel and has dual exhaust. Would this engine be the 10:1 compression engine?
2. I wanna keep it a mild rebuild, what would you do to the engine since it's a sweet runner and is clean?
3. My Cuda has a standard clutch, nothing stiff and is pretty easy to push in. Other then change driving habits when pulling up to stop lights, what can I do internally in the engine to keep crank walk from happening?

Any help is greatly appreciated

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Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: TX9H6E4CUDA] #3129793
03/16/23 01:27 AM
03/16/23 01:27 AM
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The 1966 B and RB motors had the small valve size heads ending in 586 casting numbers,I think those are the correct last three :confused :They are also close chambers on the combustion chambers and they don't flow worth a hoot down
If I was you, I would take my time to find a 1968 to 1971 383 or better yet a 440 HP or non HP that needs freshening and do that instead of hoping for good running trouble free used motor work twocents


Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: Cab_Burge] #3129804
03/16/23 05:57 AM
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Keep in mind heads from back then didn't come with hardened valve seats. Running today's fuel in them will destroy the seat(valve will wear into the head). The 906 casting was the best flowing stock head but it didn't have hardened seats. Check witch casting you will be using and see if it has hardened seats, If not have them installed.

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: Moparite] #3129827
03/16/23 08:40 AM
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As far as preventing ‘crank walk’ on a manual car, the best thing you can do is remove/disable the clutch safety switch and perform all your starts WITHOUT depressing the clutch!. This will prevent the forward thrust of the crank against the thrust bearing at a time of zero oil pressure.

That, and of course not using an excessively heavily sprung pressure plate, but it sounds like you are OK there.

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: TX9H6E4CUDA] #3129839
03/16/23 09:13 AM
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This motor may not be drilled for a pilot bushing. So if you have a 4 speed that is going to be an issue.

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: TX9H6E4CUDA] #3129865
03/16/23 10:42 AM
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Cabs right about the heads. If you put on the later model better flowing heads the compression ratio will drop.
If you can find the 67 HP heads they have the small chambers and the big valves but they are hard to find.

As for the 10.0 compression ratio, I do not know but if that engine is or not. If it is, then a head swap to the later open chamber, 68 to 71, heads would lower the CR. Maybe that is what you want but I do not know by how much it will lower it.

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: IMGTX] #3129880
03/16/23 11:41 AM
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The heads on that engine are more than likely 516's small valves and the flow isn't that great, 906's have the same basic port shape and bigger exh valves, they are hardly the best flowing stock BB wedge heads ... stock they barely flow 220cfm , 340 X heads are about the same or better ...

As someone said your crank walk issue is related to pushing the clutch in while starting the engine, for now I'd drop the pan and put a fresh thrust bearing in it, as long as the crank thrust surface isn't all chewed up that will buy you some time .

The 66 383 4 barrel is rated at I believe 300HP. it might be 10.0 , but Chrysler was notorious for over stating compression ratio , it's probably closer to 9.0


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Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: JohnRR] #3129890
03/16/23 12:13 PM
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If I was going to rebuild a choice between a '66 and a '69 383, I'd go with the better-performing '69.
One could use the better parts from the '69 on the '66 short block, though.

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: topside] #3129906
03/16/23 12:45 PM
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the first thing i would ask, is what are your driving habits, and what are you truly looking for in an engine ?
if you just want a sweet cruiser, and the engine from the chrysler runs as you have described, i would just re-gasket and replace the core plugs, do what is needed to address using your transmission, install your intake and exhaust manifolds, then install and run it.
that would amount to the shortest down time, and you would once again be enjoying your car.
if you want something else out of the engine combo, the above may still be the quick answer, allowing you to search out other options, while still having fun.
or be like me. let car sit while working on other's cars and collecting parts for mine. get health issues preventing me from working on my car while still working on other's rides, get old, and wonder why i'm not beating on my car. biggrin
beer

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: moparx] #3129916
03/16/23 01:12 PM
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All that is different between a 66 and 69 383 short block will likely be replaced in a rebuild.

As for the heads, if the short block needs rebuilding the heads probably do too, in which case a set of aftermarket heads should be considered. You may find them to be a cost competitive option.

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: Sniper] #3129924
03/16/23 01:30 PM
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that's a fact.
by the time all the valves, springs, and retainers [if needed] are replaced, and you factor in today's machine costs, especially if the guides and seats need replaced, you will be way ahead of the game with purchasing aftermarket heads in both time and money.
beer

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: moparx] #3129978
03/16/23 06:56 PM
03/16/23 06:56 PM
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I would do the 66 383, and use the newer heads, intake, and exhaust manifolds.

Once you pull the heads off the 66 383, you will have a much better idea what shape it is really in. Time sitting without running usually isn't good for older motors.

The point about aftermarket heads is a good point and is probably worth looking into. Old Mopar valve guides usually were in need of assistance, and the seals and gaskets are most likely shot. I always change the core plugs and all the bolt on pumps.

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: poorboy] #3130020
03/16/23 09:58 PM
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minnarusta
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So with my car I am just looking for a cruiser and something that can take some beating on it. I'm not looking to burn the world down with it.

The car has a 23 spline and 8 3/4 4:10

The engine that is in it is a 1969 383 out of a Fury from a previous engine. It was a 2 bbl engine and was unknown . When I pulled the pan last time it was out, there was a ton of trash in the pan.

I figured the 1966 300 engine would be good because it was a factory 4bbl engine and factory dual exhaust. I have been reading that that engine was a 320 hp engine and has closed camber heads. I have a set of 67 440 heads (I forget the number) that I was thinking of throwing on there. I wasn't going to just slam it in, I wanted to do a very basic rebuild with a 440hp cam. I figured with its high level of maintenance there is a higher chance of the internals being good and reusable.

I really appreciate the advise and guidance. I really don't want the car down waiting for the block holding down the machine shop floor.

Last edited by TX9H6E4CUDA; 03/16/23 10:06 PM.

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Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: topside] #3130099
03/17/23 10:04 AM
03/17/23 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by topside
If I was going to rebuild a choice between a '66 and a '69 383, I'd go with the better-performing '69.
One could use the better parts from the '69 on the '66 short block, though.


the only difference are the pistons ... taller CH that would actually work better with the closed chamber head .... and the heads ...a little better flowing ... and the intake with the bigger carb base pattern .

When doing a rebuild all those parts get tossed usually.


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Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: TX9H6E4CUDA] #3130100
03/17/23 10:14 AM
03/17/23 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by TX9H6E4CUDA
So with my car I am just looking for a cruiser and something that can take some beating on it. I'm not looking to burn the world down with it.

The car has a 23 spline and 8 3/4 4:10

The engine that is in it is a 1969 383 out of a Fury from a previous engine. It was a 2 bbl engine and was unknown . When I pulled the pan last time it was out, there was a ton of trash in the pan.

I figured the 1966 300 engine would be good because it was a factory 4bbl engine and factory dual exhaust. I have been reading that that engine was a 320 hp engine and has closed camber heads. I have a set of 67 440 heads (I forget the number) that I was thinking of throwing on there. I wasn't going to just slam it in, I wanted to do a very basic rebuild with a 440hp cam. I figured with its high level of maintenance there is a higher chance of the internals being good and reusable.

I really appreciate the advise and guidance. I really don't want the car down waiting for the block holding down the machine shop floor.


With this in mind if the 67 head is a 915 then it has the same port design as the 906 with the plus of the closed chamber, even if it is the NON HP version with the smaller 1.60 ex valve but that is an easy change to the larger valve during the rebuild. Make sure you use a steel shim gasket or you'll be lowering the compression ratio. Get something better than the stock 440HP cam , it doesn't make sense to not take advantage of modern cam technology. Contact Dwanye Porter ... fast68plymouth ... for a cam .

Your 69 383-2 bbl engine was advertised at 9.2 compression, more like 8.0ish as delivered.


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Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: moparx] #3130112
03/17/23 11:00 AM
03/17/23 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by moparx
the first thing i would ask, is what are your driving habits, and what are you truly looking for in an engine ?
if you just want a sweet cruiser, and the engine from the chrysler runs as you have described, i would just re-gasket and replace the core plugs, do what is needed to address using your transmission, install your intake and exhaust manifolds, then install and run it.
that would amount to the shortest down time, and you would once again be enjoying your car.
if you want something else out of the engine combo, the above may still be the quick answer, allowing you to search out other options, while still having fun.
or be like me. let car sit while working on other's cars and collecting parts for mine. get health issues preventing me from working on my car while still working on other's rides, get old, and wonder why i'm not beating on my car. biggrin
beer


I second this suggestion. The motor is sound and healthy. I would re seal anything that is designed to contain coolant and oil. Normally I'd suggested a little hotter cam but in this day and age where new Hyd flat tappets kits are a huge liability id say no. Id reseal the 383, better intake manifold (even if that means like a better newer iron unit) and some sensible sized headers/dual exhaust and ENJOY. Now you can take your time and build your more serious powerplant.


Keep old mopars alive.
Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: NITROUSN] #3130127
03/17/23 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by NITROUSN
This motor may not be drilled for a pilot bushing. So if you have a 4 speed that is going to be an issue.


I agree

Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: JohnRR] #3130148
03/17/23 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnRR
Originally Posted by topside
If I was going to rebuild a choice between a '66 and a '69 383, I'd go with the better-performing '69.
One could use the better parts from the '69 on the '66 short block, though.


the only difference are the pistons ... taller CH that would actually work better with the closed chamber head .... and the heads ...a little better flowing ... and the intake with the bigger carb base pattern .

When doing a rebuild all those parts get tossed usually.

The intake manifold and carb are a lot better flowing and make more power on the 1968 to 1971 383 HP than the 1966 383 320 Hp do, a lot more. You have to drive two of those cars with the different motor sin them to see what I'm talking about a slong a syout =r comparing A,B or C body cars with the 320 and 330 or 335 HP motors in them twocents
ITHS luck


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Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: Cab_Burge] #3130287
03/18/23 09:13 AM
03/18/23 09:13 AM
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I dropped my new EQ Magnum typeheads off at the machine shop yesterday 3-17. The owner was telling me how simple items for a customers 440 are hard to find nd expensive when he finds them. He said Chevy LS parts-lifters are suffering from an availability problem. My point is run the 383 as is because this supply chain issue BS may not correct itself. People don't want to work. This means no one to make the parts. The parts available are of suspect quality. Even some of the places that make and sell our beloved go fast goodies have simply stopped offering/producing/selling the stuff. So run that old 383!


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Re: 1966 Chry 300 383 4bbl: Good engine to rebuild? [Re: Cab_Burge] #3130288
03/18/23 09:15 AM
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If you plan on using a stock head make sure it has hardened valve seats! Running unleaded (today's) gas will do this to the head.(ask me how i know)
[Linked Image]

Depending on the casting/year you can tell if they have hardened seats or not. I believe most heads past 73 had them but don't quote on it.

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