Questions about 383

[Tony778]

Hi all. I recently bought an '84 C10 with a 383 stroker. At least that's what I was told. Now I don't have a reason to doubt the guy, just want to know exactly what I have. How can I tell if in fact it is a 383? And also the rear main needs to be replaced, how do I tell if I have a 1 or 2 pc rear main? I've been searching for what seems like forever and can't find a definitive answer. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[firebane]

Without knowing the bore/stroke its tough to know if its a 383.

Regarding the rear main seal are the numbers still behind the alternator that will help you.

 

[Tony778]

What's numbers am I looking for behind the alternator?

 

[firebane]

What's numbers am I looking for behind the alternator?

Small area with a bunch of letters and numbers.

 

[Tony778]

Thanks for helping firebane, however I see no numbers or letters of any kind. Everything is coated with old orange paint.... Would I not have to pull the pan to see if it's a 400 crank? That should tell me if its a 383 and a 1 or 2 of seal right? If so, how do I tell if it's a 400 crank? Sorry for all the newbie questions, I recently made the switch from imports so EVERYTHING is different.

 

[Skweegle89]

There should be a set of numbers behind the distributor. Feel with your had and you should find them. There will be another set of numbers behind the alternator that will tell you a little bit.


Sent from an old rotary telephone.

 

[Skweegle89]

Of course you won't have a clue if he built that out of his old 350 block, in which case you won't be able to tell. Get you a good video camera, set it in your yard. Then pull out in the street and do the best burn out you can and we will take a vote.


Sent from an old rotary telephone.

 

[Tony778]

Haha MT 31X16.5X15 Sportmans aren't cheap...

 

[Tony778]

...

 

[Skweegle89]

It will buff out.


Sent from an old rotary telephone.

 

[Don5]

Of course you won't have a clue if he built that out of his old 350 block, in which case you won't be able to tell. Get you a good video camera, set it in your yard. Then pull out in the street and do the best burn out you can and we will take a vote.


Sent from an old rotary telephone.

^ Pretty funny right there. If the black marks aren't 30 feet long then my vote is NO 383. Just kidding.

Seriously run your fingers down in front of the passenger side head until it meets the block. There should be a flat surface on the block. Take a picture and/or run your fingers along the top of the surface. The ID numbers are stamped right there. If you find a 010 on the end then it is a two piece rear main seal. That is one of the good blocks too. I would have said if the dip stick is on the driver's side it would be a two piece but I am not sure if this is correct.

I am an old guy so back in my day they were ALL two piece main seals!

BTW- Who buys a built engine in a truck with two feet wide tires and doesn't do a burnout or two? Nobody in my neck of the woods for sure. Just sayin...

 

[firebane]

^ Pretty funny right there. If the black marks aren't 30 feet long then my vote is NO 383. Just kidding.

Seriously run your fingers down in front of the passenger side head until it meets the block. There should be a flat surface on the block. Take a picture and/or run your fingers along the top of the surface. The ID numbers are stamped right there. If you find a 010 on the end then it is a two piece rear main seal. That is one of the good blocks too. I would have said if the dip stick is on the driver's side it would be a two piece but I am not sure if this is correct.

I am an old guy so back in my day they were ALL two piece main seals!

BTW- Who buys a built engine in a truck with two feet wide tires and doesn't do a burnout or two? Nobody in my neck of the woods for sure. Just sayin...

Driver side dipstick is pre 80s so yes 2 piece rear seal. The 010 is actually on the driver side behind the head. Usually covered in years of grime and requires some cleanup.

 

[Tony778]

Thanks for all the help guys, I had to scrape off the old orange paint to find it.

And believe you me, she will turn them big ole meats over....but my bank account yells at me every time...

If it matters, my oil stick is on the passenger side.

 

[firebane]

The last 3 characters... UFC

UFC
1980
350
165
4
van, bus, a/t, Cal

Being its from 1980 it will be a 2 piece rear main seal as that didn't change until I think 1986 or 1987.

 

[Tony778]

Sweet! Hopefully I can change the rear main just by pulling the pan and one bearing cap. Any thoughts on identifying the crank once the pan is off? That should be the only way to truly know if it's a 383 or not, right?