Chrysler B Engine
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler
Also called	Chrysler RB engine Chrysler Big-block
Production	1958-August 1978
Layout
Configuration	Naturally aspirated 90° V8
Displacement	350 cu in (5.7 L) 361 cu in (5.9 L) 383 cu in (6.3 L) 400 cu in (6.6 L) 413 cu in (6.8 L) 426 cu in (7.0 L) Wedge 440 cu in (7.2 L)
Cylinder bore	41⁄32 in (102.4 mm) 41⁄16 in (103.2 mm) 41⁄8 in (104.8 mm) 43⁄16 in (106.4 mm) 41⁄5 in (106.7 mm) 41⁄4 in (108.0 mm) 4.32 in (109.7 mm) 4.342 in (110.3 mm)
Piston stroke
Block material	Cast iron
Head material	Cast iron
Valvetrain	OHV 2 valves x cyl.
Compression ratio	8.2:1, 10.0:1, 10.1:1, 11.0:1, 12.0:1
Combustion
Fuel system	Carter AFB or Holleycarburetors; Fuel injection
Fuel type	Gasoline
Oil system	Wet sump
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	170–425 hp (127–317 kW)
Torque output	305–530 lb⋅ft (414–719 N⋅m)
Chronology
Predecessor	Chrysler Hemi engine

Feb 13, 2020 www.moparts.org has a tech archive that explains mopar engine serial numbers, starting with '68 production: Sample: PT 440 2865 0001, next to starter opening. PT is the code for the Trenton engine plant, 2865 is the Julian date basted on the 10,000 day calendar, 0001 is the first engine produced on that day. Mopar – All Brands: Mopar Push Button VIN Decoder – For 1966 to 1975 Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth cars. Unique push button format. There are also standard decoders at the top of the page for 1962 to 1965 Mopars and 1966 to 1975 Mopars. At the MaxWedge.com website. Stock Mopar Serial Number and Fender Tag Decoder – 1969 to 1974 only. 67: Same as 1966 except body type 42 is deleted and engine codes are G=383, J=440 and K= special order. 68: Vehicle numbers are next to the windshield on the left side. The sequence is the same as 1966 except that body type 42 and premium price class are deleted. G = 383, H= 383 h.p., K=440, L = 440 h.p. 69: Same as 1968. This is the Chrysler VIN decoder. Every Chrysler car has a unique identifier code called a VIN. This number contains vital information about the car, such as its manufacturer, year of production, the plant it was produced in, type of engine, model and more. 440 7.2 4.32 V-8: Steel Crank: 409: 374 3751213: 2206160: 1973-79: 440 7.2 4.32 V-8: Cast Crank: 409: 402 3462346: 371.

The Chrysler B and RB engines are a series of big-block V8gasoline engines introduced in 1958 to replace the Chrysler FirePower (first generation Hemi) engines. The B and RB engines are often referred to as 'wedge' engines because they use wedge-shaped combustion chambers; this differentiates them from Chrysler's 426 Hemi big block engines that are typically referred to as 'Hemi' or '426 Hemi' due to their hemispherical shaped combustion chambers.

Design

Design features of the B and RB engines include 17 capscrews per cylinder head, a cylinder block that extends 3 in (76.2 mm) below the crankshaft centerline, an intake manifold not exposed to crankcase oil on the underside, stamped-steel shaft-mounted rocker arms (race versions used forged steel rockers), and a front-mounted external oil pump driven by the camshaft.

The 'B' series wedge engine was introduced in 1958 with 350 cu in (5.7 L) and 361 cu in (5.9 L) versions. The 361 would continue in production until the end of the series, albeit only for truck installation. The RB ('raised B') arrived one year after the launch of the B series engines, in 383 cu in (6.3 L) and 413 cu in (6.8 L) displacements. Unlike the previous B-engines, which had a 3³⁄₈-inch (85.7 mm) stroke, the RB engines had a 3³⁄₄-inch (95.3 mm) stroke.

For 1960, a 'ram induction' system increased the 413's torque up to 495 lb⋅ft (671 N⋅m) on the Chrysler 300F versions.

The last 'B-RB' wedge-headed engine was produced in August 1978, ending the era of Chrysler 'big-block' engines.

B engines

All Low Block B-series engines have a 3³⁄₈ in (85.7 mm) stroke, a 9.98 in (253 mm) deck height and 6.358 in (161.5 mm) connecting rods, resulting in a 1.88:1 rod ratio.

350

The 350 cu in (5,735 cc) B engine was, along with the 361, the first production B engine, first available in 1958. It had a bore of 4¹⁄₁₆ in (103 mm; 4.06 in). The 350 is classified as a big block engine. All parts except for the pistons are fully compatible with the 361.

Vehicles using the B 350:

• 1958 DeSoto Firesweep
• 1958 Dodge
• 1958 Plymouth Fury

361

The 361 cu in B engine also introduced in 1958 was essentially the same as the 350 except with a larger 4¹⁄₈ in (105 mm; 4.12 in) bore, for an actual displacement of 360.83 cu in (5,913 cc). In 1962, the Dodge Polara 500 came standard with a 305 bhp (227 kW) version of the 361 that had a four-barrel carburetor, dual-point distributor, and dual exhausts. Plymouth called their versions of the early B engine the Commando, variants of which included the Golden Commando and Sonoramic Commando. It produced 305 bhp (227 kW). DeSoto's B engine was named Turboflash and produced 295 bhp (220 kW). The Dodge standard version was a 2-barrel with 295 bhp (220 kW) called the Super Red Ram with an optional variant that was called the D500 and produced 320 bhp (239 kW).

The 361 would last until the end of the series, albeit for trucks only. In its early years, the 305-horsepower 361 was optional on many vehicles, and standard on, among others, the Dodge 880. The 361 had a fuel injected version in 1958 only.^[1] Very few of the fuel injected B engines were made and only a handful remain, since most were brought back to the dealer to be fitted with carburetors.

• 1961–1964 Chrysler Newport
• 1959-1961 Chrysler Windsor (Canada only, sedans and coupes)^[2]
• 1958–1961 DeSoto
• 1958–1966 Dodge
• 1966 Dodge Charger
• 1959–1965 Plymouth
• 1958–1961 Facel Vega Excellence (EX1)
• 1963-1973 Cadillac Gage V-100 Commando APC (M75 Chrysler industrial engine, waterproof)
• 1973-1988 Cadillac Gage V-150 Commando APC (M75 Chrysler industrial engine, optional)
• 1966-1974 Food Machinery Corp.M-113 APC, (M75 Chrysler industrial engine, waterproof)

383

The 383 cu in B engine — not to be confused with the RB version — was essentially a larger bore version of the 350 and 361, using a 4.25 in (108.0 mm) bore for a 383.03 cu in (6,277 cc) displacement. This venerable engine was introduced in 1959. Dodge's version, the D500 had a cross-ram induction manifold and dual four-barrel carburetors as options. In some Dodge applications, this engine was labeled as the Magnum, while the Plymouth version was called the Golden Commando. Both came with a dual point distributor in high-performance versions.

The 383 became the standard model Mopar performance engine for the next decade. The big bore allowed for larger, 2.08 in (53 mm), intake valves, and the relatively short stroke helped it to be a free-revving and free-breathing engine.

Producing a maximum of 330 hp (246 kW; 335 PS) (gross) and 460 lb⋅ft (624 N⋅m) of torque for the 1960 model year, the 383 beat the 392 Hemi that had reached 435 lb⋅ft (590 N⋅m). The 1960 383 engines featured the same basic ram induction system as the Chrysler 300F's 413 RB engines (named Sonoramic Commando when sold in Plymouth form). The later 383 Magnum (starting in 1968) used the 440 Magnum heads, camshaft, and exhaust manifolds. This engine was advertised at 335 hp (250 kW; 340 PS).

• 1962–1965 Chrysler 300 base models
• 1961–1971 Chrysler Newport
• 1959–1971 Chrysler Town and Country
• 1962–1971 Plymouth Sport Fury
• 1966 Chrysler R/T police special in Canada
• 1959–1960 DeSoto
• 1965–1971 Dodge Monaco
• 1965–1971 Dodge Coronet
• 1967-1971 Dodge Charger
• 1970-1971 Dodge Challenger
• 1963–1965 Dodge Custom 880
• 1967–1969 Dodge Dart
• 1960–1971 Dodge Polara
• 1968-1971 Dodge Super Bee
• 1967–1971 Plymouth Barracuda
• 1960–1971 Plymouth Savoy
• 1960-1971 Plymouth Belvedere
• 1960–1971 Plymouth Fury
• 1968–1971 Plymouth Road Runner
• 1965–1971 Plymouth Satellite
• 1961–1964 Facel Vega Excellence (EX2)
• Jensen Interceptor MKI and II

400

The 400 cu in (6.6 L) B engine was introduced in 1972 to replace the venerable 383, and were power-rated via the net (installed) method. Chrysler increased the bore size of the 383 to create the 400. Its bore of 4.342-inch (110.3 mm) was the largest used in any production Chrysler V8 at the date of its introduction. All parts except for the pistons were interchangeable between the 383 and 400.

Crankshafts were of cast iron composition. Three versions of this engine were available: a two-barrel/single exhaust version producing 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) at 4,400 rpm with 305 lb⋅ft (414 N⋅m) of torque at 2,400 rpm, a four-barrel/single exhaust version producing 205 hp (153 kW; 208 PS) at 4,400 rpm, and a high performance four-barrel/dual exhaust version rated at 260 hp (194 kW; 264 PS) at 4,800 rpm, 410 lb⋅ft (556 N⋅m) of torque at 3,200 rpm. All three versions used the same 8.2:1 compression ratio. The 400 was used in car, truck, and motorhome chassis. Horsepower and torque ratings gradually declined through the years due to the addition of more federally mandated emissions controls, until all Chrysler passenger vehicle big-block production ceased in 1978. For its last year of production, it only produced 190 hp (142 kW) (although a heavy-duty version was also available).^[3]

Due to its large factory bore size, short (compared to RB engines) deck height, and bottom end strength that is greater than any other production B or RB engine due to extra material added around the main bearing caps,^[4] 400 B engine blocks have become a popular choice for high-performance engine build ups.

RB engines

The RB engines, produced from 1959 to 1979, are Raised-Block (taller) versions of the B engines. All RB engines have a 3³⁄₄ in (95.3 mm) stroke, with the bore being the defining factor in engine size. All RB wedge engines share a deck height of 10.725 in (272.4 mm), and were fitted with 6.768 in (171.9 mm) long connecting rods, resulting in a 1.80:1 rod ratio. Bore center distance is 4.8 in (120 mm). All RBs are oversquare.

383

Not to be confused with the 383 B engine, the 383 RB had a 4¹⁄₃₂ in (102.4 mm; 4.031 in) bore combined with the long stroke of 3³⁄₄-inch (95.3 mm), for a displacement of 382.9 cu in (6,275 cc). It was only available in 1959 and 1960 on the US-built Chrysler Windsors and Saratogas; one of Trenton Engine's lines had been converted to the new RB engine (to make the 413), and demand for the 383 B engine was too high for the remaining line. The solution was to create a 383 RB to fill the gap until the plant figured out how to quickly switch from one block to the other.

413

The 413 cu in (6.8 L) RB was used from 1959 to 1965 in cars. It was also used in medium and heavy trucks including truck-tractors such as the C-1000, up until 1979. It has a bore of 4.1875 inches. During that period, it powered almost all Chrysler New Yorker and all Imperial models, and was also available on the lesser Chryslers, Dodge Polara, Dodge Monaco, and Plymouth Fury as an alternative to the B-block 383 and/or the A-block 318. It was also fitted to some European cars such as the later Facel Vega Facel II.

In the 1959 Chrysler 300E the 413 wedge was fitted with inline dual 4-barrel carburetors; it was factory-rated at 380 bhp (283 kW) at 5000 rpm and 525 lb⋅ft (712 N⋅m) at 3600 rpm.^[5] In 1960, a long-tube ram induction system was made standard on the Chrysler 300. It continued as standard on the 1961 300-G, and remained on the option sheets for Chrysler 300s through 1964. In 1962, a special version known as the 'Max Wedge' was made available for drag racing and street use; this version produced 420 bhp (313 kW) at 5000 rpm.

Engine specifications

Model years	Fuel system	Power	Torque	Compression ratio
1959–1961	4-barrel carburetor	340 hp (254 kW) at 4600 rpm	480 lb⋅ft (651 N⋅m) at 2800 rpm	10.0:1
1959	2 × 4-barrel carbs	380 hp (283 kW) at 5000 rpm	525 lb⋅ft (712 N⋅m) at 3600 rpm
1960–1961		375 hp (280 kW) at 5000 rpm	525 lb⋅ft (712 N⋅m) at 2800 rpm
1962-1965	4-barrel carb	340 hp (254 kW) at 4600 rpm	480 lb⋅ft (651 N⋅m) at 2800 rpm	10.1:1
1962	2 × 4-barrel carbs	380 hp (283 kW) at 5000 rpm	525 lb⋅ft (712 N⋅m) at 2800 rpm
1963-1965	4-barrel carb	360 hp (268 kW) at 4600 rpm	495 lb⋅ft (671 N⋅m) at 2800 rpm
1963-1964	2 × 4-barrel carbs	390 hp (291 kW) at 4800 rpm	530 lb⋅ft (719 N⋅m) at 3600 rpm

426 Wedge

Not to be confused with the 426 Hemi, the 426 cu in (7.0 L) RB was a wedge-head RB block with a 4.25 in (108 mm) bore. The 426 Wedge served as Chrysler's main performance engine until the introduction of the 426 Hemi. It was initially offered as the 'non-catalogued' option S42 in Chryslers (the number of such produced is uncertain), offered with 373 or 385 hp (278 or 287 kW) via a single 4-barrel carburetor (11.0:1 or 12.0:1 compression ratio, respectively), or 413 or 421 hp (308 or 314 kW) via ram-inducted dual 4-barrel carburetors (with the same compression ratios).^[6] For 1963, horsepower ratings would slightly increase (see below), and it became optional in B-bodied Dodges and Plymouths. After 1963, it would be used only in Dodges and Plymouths.^[7]

The Max Wedge was a race-only version of the 426 Wedge engine offered from the factory. Known as the Super Stock Plymouth and Ramcharger Dodge, the Max Wedge featured high-flow cylinder heads developed through state-of-the-art (at the time) airflow testing.^[5] They had 1⅞-inch exhaust valves, which required the cylinder bores to be notched for clearance. The blocks were a special severe-duty casting with larger oil-feed passages than other RB engines, and the blocks were stress-relieved by the factory. Induction came by means of a cross-ram intake manifold tuned for peak power above 4000 rpm and two Carter AFB-3447SA 4-barrel carburetors. The Max Wedge also included high-flow cast-iron exhaust manifolds that, on the later versions, resembled steel tube headers. The Max Wedge was factory rated at 415 or 425 bhp (309 or 317 kW) (depending on compression), and 480 lb⋅ft (651 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm.

Before the end of the 1963 model year, Chrysler introduced the Stage II Max Wedge with improved combustion chamber design and an improved camshaft. The last performance year for the Max Wedge came in 1964 with the Stage III. The factory-advertised power rating never changed despite the Stage II and III improvements.

A 426 Street Wedge block was also available in 1964 and 1965. It bears little relation to the Max Wedge except for basic architecture and dimensions. The Street Wedge was available only in B-body cars (Plymouth and Dodge) and light-duty Dodge D Series trucks. It was an increased-bore version of the standard New Yorker 413 single 4-barrel engine.

440

The 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB was produced from 1965 until 1978, making it the last version of the Chrysler RB block. It had a light wall construction, precision cast-iron block, with iron heads and a bore of 4.32 in (109.7 mm), for an overall displacement of 440 cu in (7.2 L).^[8]

From 1967 to 1971, the high-performance version was rated at 375 bhp (380 PS; 280 kW) (370 bhp (375 PS; 276 kW) in 1971) at 4,600 rpm and 480 lb⋅ft (651 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm of torque with a single 4-barrel carburetor,^[9] and from 1969 to 1971, the highest-output version had an intake setup with 3X2-barrel Holleycarburetors ('440 Six Pack' for Dodge, '440 6-BBL.' for Plymouth) producing 390 bhp (395 PS; 291 kW) at 4,700 rpm (385 bhp (390 PS; 287 kW) in '71) and 490 lb⋅ft (664 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm of torque.^[10]

In 1972, changes were made to the horsepower ratings of vehicle engines from gross (engine only, without air cleaner, exhaust system, alternator, or other power-consuming components) to net (with alternator, air cleaner, mufflers, and other vehicle equipment installed). The new rating system produced lower, more realistic numbers for any given engine. At the same time, emissions regulations were demanding cleaner exhaust. Engines including the 440 were made with reduced compression, modified cam timing, and other tuning measures to comply with the newly tightened emissions regulations. The 1972 440 produced 335 bhp (250 kW) (gross) at 4400 rpm; the new net rating was 225 hp (168 kW)—which very closely coincided with period German DIN ratings and TÜV measurements.

Mopar 440 Serial Numbers 222

The high-output 440 (4-barrel/mild cam/dual exhausts) was marketed as the Magnum in Dodges, the Super Commando in Plymouths, and the TNT in Chryslers. From 1972 to 1974 the engine (detuned to run on lead-free gas) was rated at 280 hp (209 kW) net, and dropped in hp each year until 1978, when it was rated at 255 hp (190 kW) (in police specification) and limited to Chrysler New Yorkers, Chrysler Newports, Dodge Monaco Police Pursuits, and Plymouth Fury Police Pursuits. It was also available in marine and heavy-duty commercial applications until that year.

• 1970–1971 Dodge Challenger
• 1969 Dodge Dart
• 1974-1978 Plymouth Trail Duster
• 1969–1971 Dodge Super Bee
• 1969–1971 Plymouth Barracuda
• 1968-197? Cadillac Gage V-200 Commando (waterproof, export Singapore Armed Forces)

Crate engines

Chrysler also offers complete new 'crate' engines through its Mopar parts division in various displacements, these engines are built from entirely new parts.

See also

References

1. ^'The B Engines: 350, 361, 383, and 400'. Allpar.com. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
2. ^Smale, Ian (19 October 2008). 'Chrysler Products in Canada, Eh. (1957- 1961)'(PDF). p. 5. Archived from the original(PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
3. ^Lee, John (1990). Standard Catalog of Chrysler, 1924-1990. Krause Publications. pp. 192, 313. ISBN0-87341-142-0.
4. ^'Everything you've ever wanted to know about B/RB blocks and more...'440Source.com. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
5. ^ ^abAtherton, Larry (1978). Mopar Performance. S-A Design Publishing.
6. ^Godshall, Jeffrey I. (December 1994). '1960-62 Chrysler 'Positively No Jr. Editions''. Collectible Automobile: 57.
7. ^Flory, Jr., J. 'Kelly' (2004). American Cars 1960–1972. McFarland & Coy. p. 220.
8. ^Lösch, Annamaria, ed. (1981). World Cars 1981. The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books. p. 234. ISBN0-910714-13-4.
9. ^'Dodge Charger R/T, 1969 MY XS29'. carfolio. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
10. ^'1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440 6-bbl Hardtop 4-speed'. automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved June 24, 2018.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chrysler B engine.

How To Identify Your Imperial Engine

Imperial Home Page ->Repair ->Engine -> Identification

Read our easy engine decoding facts.

General information on how to identify a Mopar engine:

All engine assemblies carry an engine identification number. On all eight cylinder engines, the E.I.N. is on a pad located on the right side of the block to the rear of the engine mount.

In addition to the previously covered E.I.N., each engine assembly carries an engine serial number which must be referenced when ordering engine replacement parts. On 318 C.I.D. 8 cylinder engines, the engine serial number is located on the left front corner of the block, below the cylinder head.

Mopar engines are divided into several groups:

The slant 6's:170 and 198 cubic inch are known as 'G' enginesThe slant 6 : 225 cubic inch is known as the 'RG' engines.The 'wide' block 318 cubic inch (1958 to 1966) is known as the 'A' engine.The small block V8s 273, 318, 340 and the 360 cubic inch are known as the 'LA' engines.The 361, 383 and the 400 cubic inch engines are known as 'B' engines.The 413, 426 wedge and the 440 cubic inch engines are known as 'RB' engines (raised block)The 426 cubic inch Hemi is in a class by itself.

To locate your casting number, look on the side of your block and compare it to the chart below for engine Id, the date may also be stamped on the block by the casting numbers.

There is also the id stamp on the engines:

On the slant six engines it is located just below the cylinder head on the passenger side of the block.On the 'A' and the 'LA' engines it is stamped on the drivers side front of the block just below the cylinder head.On the 'B' engines it is stamped on the top of the block near the distributor.On the 'RB' engines it is stamped on top of the block forward of the intake manifold on the drivers side.The stamps may include the engine size and also a series number for the year.

A=1965...B=1966...C=1967...D=1968...E=1969...F=1970...G=1971...H=1972...J=1973...4?=1974

There could also be a stamping 'HP' or 'HP2' designating High performance.

Casting	CID	Year	Family
2202843	170	???	' G '
2205630	170	???	' G '
2264478	170	???	' G '
2464230	170	1965	' G '
xxxxxx	198	1965	' G '
2202857	225	1965	' RG '
2205528	225	1965	' RG '
2463430	225	1966	' RG '
2806830	225	1966	' RG '
2465330	273	1964-66	' LA '
2536130	273	1965	' LA '
2466090	318	1965	' LA '
2536030	318	1967-75	' LA '
2566080	318	1967-75	' LA '
2806030	318	1967-74	' LA '
2780930	340	1968-73	' LA '
3577130TA340	340	1970-71	' LA '
3418496	360	1971-74	' LA '
3870230	360	1975-up	' LA '

2264230	318	1960-66	' A '
2468230	318	1960-66	' A '
2532630	318	1960-66	' A '
2120229	361	1960-66	' B' Industrial
2205712	361	1958-66	' B'
2468130	383	1959-71	' B'
3614230	400	1971-72	' B'
3698630	400	1973-78	' B'
4006530	400	1976-78	' B'
1852029	413	1962	' RB 'Max Wedge
2120529	413	1959-65	' RB '
2205697	413	1959-65	' RB ' Pass Car
2468030	413	1959-65	' RB '
2536430	440	1966-72	' RB '
3698830	440	1973-78	' RB '

Information on 318 (1981-1983):

From Bob:

My 81 Parts Catalog shows only one engine with different heads, valves, rods and mains, gasket sets, rings, crank, chain sprocket, and misc. parts and that is the E48 code which is a Heavy Duty 318 with 4 barrel carb - police work no doubt. The EFI engine heads, including valves are no different that the carbureted 318 blocks. Again, the Service Manual data is not correct. There were also stories at the time of announcement for these cars that each engine part was carefully selected, weighed and measured for uniformity and conformity with mating parts and the final assembly was precisely balanced.

You can find the date that the block was cast, when the engine was finally assembled and the engine identification number, (EIN), from markings and cast-in data on the parts. If you want to see these, let me know and I'll pass on the directions.

I too was deceived by the Service Manual information, because I was led to believe what I'd read about the engine details, they being a cut above the regular production run engine; but the problems I have had with the engine have never been with the iron parts. My family has tried to wear-out eight 318 engines in a period of thirty years, and it hasn't happened yet! The Torqueflight, right behind the block, has done well also.

Information on 413:

Question from Roger:

I have a 413 engine in my 59 with id-number MR413. I have not been able to find this MR in any identification books. Would be very grateful if anyone could help me to identify this engine.

Replies:

From Bill:

My resource book only goes back to 1962. I find nothing to indicate what the MR refers to but my first inclination would be Marine. I guess it would be possible to have had a marine engine adapted to replace the original motor.

Follow-up from Roger:

The serial number is 9878 and the casting number is 1851629-2. Below the casting number is also the letters R . L .

More Information on the 413:

Question from Bruce (1961):

I am considering a 1961 Imperial that is not in my home town and am trying to determine if the engine is likely original to the chassis. The owner found the engine ID boss that's located around the base of the distributor toward the driver's side, but the ID number he finds does not relate to what Year One says about identifying big block Mopar V8s. He says there is only a four digit number stamped on the engine boss.

Engine Serial Number Mopar

It would be most helpful if someone with a 61 could give me an idea of what the ID is like on their car.

Replies:

From Bill:

Engine numbers back in the early 1960's were not that long. For 1961, the engine number on an Imperial would have had prefix 'R 41' or 'R 413', followed by digits for the date of assembly. A third digit, '2', after the date meant the car was built on the 2nd shift that date. The car's serial number was not stamped on the block and there is no way to prove the engine in the car was the engine the car was built with originally.

From Steve:

In '61 the Engine ID was not by the distributor. Looking at the car from the front the engine ID number is located on a flat pad directly in front of the valley pan/intake closer to the driver side head. Should start off something like XX 413.

Information on the 440:

Question from Vincent (1967):

I have a 1967 Imperial LeBaron with a 440. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me what the cross symbol on the identification pad means. I have only seen this once before on a 440 engine that came out of a Dodge police car.

Reply from Rodger:

The Maltese cross means you have a bearing that is a different size. The cross should be followed by a number ( or two ). The number(s) will be the bearing(s) that have a different size. It can happen with any factory engine.

Information on 440:

Question from Bob (1968):

I would like to purchase a 440 engine (pulled) I was told from a '68 Imperial for my 66 Imperial as a replacement. Can anyone help me identify the engine markings to determine if it actually is a 440RB. Stamping on the right hand side of the block in very big numbers is: 253643010 and to the right of that is: 27*67. I am guessing the year as 1967 ? On or near the water pump was the number: 2780987 and 2806178. And on the manifold was 2532464. While I am on the subject, what is the going price of a complete (pulled) engine of this vintage with unknown mileage probably original and in need of some work (another words, a donor engine). It had a Carter carb (not an AFB) 4,000 series. Linkage looked the same. Will my trans bolt up to this or is 67-68 different in any way? I told him I would let him know by Wednesday nite if I wanted it. It looked old, greasy, and in need of overhaul but if I took it for parts only what would you determine would be a good price? If I found another (complete engine) in better shape and could hear it run, what would you consider to be a fair price? I was told a low of $300 to as much as $ 1,500, but I really don't know what would be fair.

Mopar 440 Serial Numbers Doreen

Replies:

From Brian:

There is a pad on the front of the block on top just in front of the intake manifold. This is referred to as an RB pad, because it is only there on the RB blocks and not the B blocks. This is where you will find info on the engine such as year, size( RB's were 413, 426w, and 440) and other things such as undersized bearings and oversized cylinders. http://www.dusted74.com/68440.jpg is a link to the 440 that is in my 69 300 now. I have drawn an arrow to the pad that I am talking about. Scrape the gunk off so you can read it, if it is a 67 440 it will say C440, 68 will be D440, 69 will be E440 70 will be F440 and so on. I have personally never seen a 66 440, but I would have to assume it would be B440. Sounds like to me the 27*67 is the casting date, probably 2-7-67. They casted the blocks for 68 in early 67, so it sounds like a 68. I don't know anything about the other numbers, but I am sure someone else on the list will be able to decipher them. In my area an engine like you have described would have a value of somewhere between $250 and $500.

From Rodger:

At the local shopping center (A-1 Auto Salvage) here in Colo Spgs they sell any engine / any year / any make for $ 80 dollars.

With the water pump pointing at your belt buckle look to the right area slightly above and to the right of the distributor. There is a flat machined area. 413's, 426's and 440's have a code stamped there. C440 = 1967 440, ...D440 = 1968, ...etc No flat spot with no stamping means it is not one of the RB family.

Yes it will bolt to your transmission.

Mopar Engine Codes, 1966 - 1999

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