383 Questions??

[Bluekrow]

I just picked up a 68 GMC short box pickup with a (supposed to be)383 strocker,465 tranny and a 205 transfercase!! Any how I was wondering if there is any way that I can tell without totally disassembling the engine if it is infact a 383?? I've heard that they are suppose to have different harmonic balencers, But if the crank is balenced it can have the same one as a 350??
Any help on this subject is appreciated, Kelly

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

The harmonic balancer on a 383 (and 400, of course) is externally balanced, while the one for the 350 is internally balanced. To see if your balancer is externally balanced, look for a few holes to be drilled out of the front of it. If there are no holes, it is internally balanced meaning it is a 350.

 

[gmcjimmy90]

a 400 balancer will be cut away around the outer ring usually about half way around.

 

[trailblazr81]

The balancer is the easiest... you can also pull the oil pan and check for machining to clear the rods.