Is there a simple/easy way to ID a 273 engine vs 318?

George Jets said

For starters look to see if it has a driver's side exit Cast Iron (thinner) Water pump. Common with the 273, and 68 - 69 318s.
If it has an aluminum water pump then you know it is a later 318.

Timing marks on the passenger side instead of the drivers side like the later 318s.

Just for starters.

Then there is the block casting over the starter on the Drivers side if you can get to it, will show 273 or 318.

Have fun.....


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The water pump thing tells you nothing, except that the engine is presently equipped with the earlier pump setup. They made 340s like that as well

I always start with the numbers on the block under the driver side head parting line, as mentioned above. If that does not resolve the issue, then get dirty, get underneath, and look for block casting numbers

I once swapped Commando heads, valve covers, and 273 4bbl intake onto a THREE SIXTY, so you can't tell by looking at the top end!!!! LOLOL