1968 383 block confused?

[callofthemopar]

I have a 68 383 block stamped with a "P" which as I undestand indicates it was to use premium fuel. My Question is this an early HP stamping? I have read many post about it and have learned there were stamping changes during this time so not sure. Any help with better understanding what block I have would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[benno440]

be easier if you provided all the numbers on yur block

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but the "p" i dont think indicates an early hp motor,
"P" (premium fuel) indicates 10:1 flat top pistons, used in the 4 barrel versions

 

[RustyRatRod]

If it's an HP it will have "HP" stamped on it.

 

[69Coronetrt]

I have a 68 383 block stamped with a "P" which as I undestand indicates it was to use premium fuel. My Question is this an early HP stamping?

Depends...where is the stamp on the block? Is it part of the engine VIN stamping on the pan rail (not the car number VIN stamping)? If yes, that indicates a 383-4bbl but not necessarily an HP engine. If it's stamped on the front pad, it could be a lightly stamped HP with the "H" missing. Do we know for a fact what the engine came out of? (HP would be Road Runner or Super Bee only or possibly an A body in 68.) Any partial VINs stamped on the back of the block by the oil sending unit indicating a plant? (HPs would have come only from certain plants) Is the engine relatively stock and intact? Does it have it's original carb and if yes what is it? Does it have the stock distributor? If yes, what is it? Does it have a windage tray?

Lots of questions but they necessary to answer your question.

 

[callofthemopar]

Thanks to all. This block I pulled from a factory 340 charger that had been swapped for the 383 at some point and it has a 402 stamped oil pan. all the top end has eldebrock stuff. all the stamped areas are clear so it must be factory 4 since it only has a P stamped on the rail. I was asking cause I had read there was changes in 68 on how it was stamped. Read that the HP stamping came about mid 68 for warranty reasons. I may swap my 318 for this 383 but not sure as i am only looking to create a resto mod cruiser.

 

[696pack]

be easier if you provided all the numbers on yur block

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but the "p" i dont think indicates an early hp motor,
"P" (premium fuel) indicates 10:1 flat top pistons, used in the 4 barrel versions

BOTH the 383-4 and the 383-4 HP (used in the RR and SB) had the same compression ratio of 10.0:1

 

[callofthemopar]

Ok. finally got a chance to pull some numbers from the block. This number was on rear top drivers side near bell housing ( 8G224902 ). The next set of numbers were on driver side of block below the head ( 2468130-12 LL ) & 3-15-68.

 

[696pack]

Ok. finally got a chance to pull some numbers from the block. This number was on rear top drivers side near bell housing ( 8G224902 ). The next set of numbers were on driver side of block below the head ( 2468130-12 LL ) & 3-15-68.

8G224902 this is the partial V.I.N. of the car the engine was installed in at the factory 8=1968 G=St. Louis assembly plant 224902=last six digits of the V.I.N.

2468130=383 engine casting number--1959-1971.
12 LL=code modification to the block mold
3-15-68= March 15TH 1968--the date the engine block was cast.