Big Block Question

[70rr-brian]

OK, so as I understand it, some of the late 60's early 70's big blocks had a casting flaw with respect to the grooves that hold the rear main seal retainer not being concentric with the the crank centerline. Making rear main seal leaks common place once the asbestos ropes were deemed the root of all evil.

Was that corrected in the 400 block or was it an ongoing issue?

Also, any issues dropping a 400 block into where a 383 used to be with respect to mounting, long block components, alternator/power steering mounting etc?

I have never compared the 383 and 400 side by side and its been a long time since I actually saw a 400 short block.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[1962savoy]

383-400 block same stuff different pile. no difference in mounting

 

[Cranky]

Casting flaw in the seal area is news to me....but after a block has been align bored, then that area won't be totally round anymore unless the machine shop takes the time to machine it too and most don't and I've seen several blocks that's been align bored more than once. I won't do it unless it needs it so I check them first and most shops don't do that either. They can have it set up and cutting iron almost as fast as it takes to check it so they don't spend the time it takes for checking the main bores and decks for square.

 

[wlo48]

361, 383, and 400 are all the same blocks, just different bore. They are the "low block" of the big ones for MOPAR. 413, 426 Wedge, and 440s are the "high blocks" of the big ones and all have longer strokes. They require different power brake boosters, and some different exhaust manifolds if you want good manifolds. The 400 is an externally balanced motor and requires a different torque convertor or flywheel and front balancer so be sure to change theses when dropping one in. And no I am not smoking something, they did make a "big block" 361, it was just a small bore 383. Was used in some '62 Chrysler Newports.

 

[goose69]

Those 361's were in more than those cars.

 

[Red63440]

361, 383, and 400 are all the same blocks, just different bore. They are the "low block" of the big ones for MOPAR. 413, 426 Wedge, and 440s are the "high blocks" of the big ones and all have longer strokes. They require different power brake boosters, and some different exhaust manifolds if you want good manifolds. The 400 is an externally balanced motor and requires a different torque convertor or flywheel and front balancer so be sure to change theses when dropping one in. And no I am not smoking something, they did make a "big block" 361, it was just a small bore 383. Was used in some '62 Chrysler Newports.

The 361 was a very popular truck engine back in the days....

 

[Cranky]

A 350 big block was made too....

 

[Deleted member 214]

A 350 big block was made too....

...as was a raised block 383, same deck height as the 413/426/440

 

[Meep-Meep]

My green 66 Bel is originally a 361 car.

 

[Cranky]

...as was a raised block 383, same deck height as the 413/426/440

Yup, and if my memory serves me right, both were a one year only deal....

 

[moparmarks]

I've had a few 361's. The latest was in my 65 belvedere.
A buddy has a 383RB.

 

[A-12.F6]

My 66 Coronet 500 originaly came with a 361

 

[Sonny Black]

361 was a dam good "little 383"
2 and 4 bbl orders were common in b bodys.
also (361 w/ a 4 speed VERY RARE, could be ordered in '63) on up.

Sonny Black