Is it a 383 or a 361?

[omahamoparguy]

Looking at a big block in the local U-Pull-it. It is in a '68 Dodge pickup. It appears to be of 1968 vintage. It is a 3/4 ton pickup. Now, would this be a 383 or a 361. I didnt have time to scratch away the crud on the block. Just thought Id ask cause I was assuming that it was a 383 then someone reminded me that they continued to use the 361 in trucks until the end. It is 2- barrel. all there with the 727. Anything stand out on the truck 361's for identification?

 

[Daves69]

IMO, a vehicle that old you need to get the numbers off the engine. No telling who's done what with it.

 

[Ted Carlson]

Look at the numbers. A shortcut is the quickest way to a place you don't want to go!

 

[383Scampman]

If you look at the pad that is just below the distributor it will tell you what the engine is . There will be letters and numbers stamped on the block . The letters indicate the year , numbers indicate the day . Also the cubic inch is stamped there also . Example ; a 36 or a 361 would indicate a 361 , sometimes 61 is visible . The same for 383 , a 383, 38 , or 83 . Also look for a letter P for passanger , M or I stands for marine or industrial . Not sure about trucks, though . Hope this helps . The block casting number is on the side of the block but is usually hidden by the exhaust manifold . Hope this helps .

 

[65Val]

Should also be a letter before the c.i. displacement number, ie: D383 will be a '68 383. "A" is '65, "B" is '66, and so on.