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

67CBodyGuy said

I'm looking at a '67 Windsor-built car that the VIN says had a 318 (which means it would have been a polysphere).

The current owner (who to me has an unknown level of familiarity with vintage Mopar mech/tech) says the car has a 273. Maybe someone told him that, and he doesn't know any better. I don't know.

I haven't been to the car, it's a bit of a drive for me.

Is there an easy way to know if it's a 273 vs 318? I have an LA318 in one of my cars and I know it's impossible to see any block stampings with the exhaust manifold in the way.

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A vs LA engine, easy. Look at the shape of the valve covers, or, have the seller send you photos. LA273 vs LA318 not as easy. You need to look at numbers.....both casting and year/size stamped codes. You've already been advised to scrape the top of the driver's side block in the front just below the head gasket seam. That will usually give you the year and engine size. The block casting above the starter is another good indication of engine size, or, at least a number to look up to find out. Later (as in '69 and newer) will usually have a year and partial VIN on a machined pad on the passenger side down by the pan rail and about in the middle. If it isn't the original engine, why worry about which it has in the purchase? Is it a make or break deal if it doesn't have the one you want? If it's a good enough body, put in the engine you want.