B / RB Engine Blocks |
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Chrysler's "B" and "RB" engine blocks are extremely sturdy. The block casting uses extensive support webbing in the mid and lower areas. The main bearing bores are supported by the block sidewalls which extend past the crank centerline more than 2 inches. Additional webbing to support the main bearing bores make the block very rigid without excessive weight. Bare block castings weigh in at about 215 pounds for the "B" engine and 225 for the "RB". The primary differences between the "B" and "RB" blocks are the main bearing bore diameters (2.625 for the "B", 2.750 for the "RB") and the crank centerline to deck surface dimensions (9.980 for the "B" vs. 10.725 for the "RB"). Rod journals are the same for both engines. Interchange between the engines is exceptional. Both use the same 4.80 inch bore spacing and the same cam to crank spacing. The heads, timing chain, camshaft, oil pan etc. interchange completely. Intake manifolds don't interchange due to the difference in deck heights. |
B&RB Bore/Stroke Combinations
CID |
Bore |
Stroke |
Series |
350 |
4.060 |
3.380 |
B |
361 |
4.120 |
3.380 |
B |
383 |
4.250 |
3.380 |
B |
400 |
4.340 |
3.380 |
B |
383 |
4.030 |
3.750 |
RB |
413 |
4.120 |
3.700 |
RB |
426 |
4.250 |
3.750 |
RB |
426 |
4.250 |
3.750 |
RB |
440 |
4.320 |
3.750 |
RB |
How to Identify Mopar B&RB Blocks
Engine Block Stamping # |
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On "RB" engines the cubic inch displacement is stamped on a pad located at the front of the block. "B" engines have a similar pad located on the right side of the block near the base of the distributor. Engine displacement, performance level, undersized bearing journals, oversize cylinders and other special information are also identified here. |
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Decoding Engine Block Stamping #'s |
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1960-1964 From
'60 to '64 a typical engine ID code will look like this:
S42-222 1965 - 1971 In
'65 the third digit of the CID was added to the engine ID
code. |
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Year Codes for B & RB Engines |
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Other
Stampings |
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A - .020 oversize cylinder bores |
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Diamond - oversize tappets |
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E - Cast Crankshaft |
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HP - High Performance |
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L or LC - low compression |
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M - .001 undersize main bearing journals |
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Maltese Cross - .001" undersized bearing shells |
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Maltese Cross and an X - .010" undersized crankshaft |
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O.S. - .005 oversize valve stems |
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P - premium fuel |
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R - regular fuel |
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RX or MX - all main or rod journals .010" undersized |
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S - special engine |
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WT or TW - water test |
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X - .010" undersize crankshaft |
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'68 and later B&RB engine serial numbers |
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Beginning in 1968 all Mopar B&RB engine blocks have an engine serial number stamped in the left side oil pan rail at the rear corner under the starter opening. Sample Serial # PT44028650001 Plant Code: PT
Cubic Inch Displacement: 440
Date Code: 2865
Serial Number: 0001
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Matching Numbers? |
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On 1968 and later engines the numbers stamped on the lower rail of the engines right (passenger) side match the last 8 digits of the cars vehicle identification number. This confirms that this is the original engine. The matching numbers add to the cars value. |
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Engine Block Casting # and Date Code |
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The date code and block casting numbers are found on the left side of the block. This block bears the casting # 2536430. The following chart identifies it as a 66 - 72 440 block. The casting date of 2-26-69 indicates that this is a '69 block. |
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B / RB Engine Block Casting #'s |
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Casting # |
Application |
Type |
Engine |
1944929 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
B |
58 350 |
1737629 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
B |
61-64 361 |
2205712 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
B |
58-66 361 |
1851729 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
B |
59-64 383 |
2120329 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
B |
59-64 383 |
2468130 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
B |
59-71 383 |
3614230 |
Best 400 Block - Heavy Main Webs |
B |
71-72 400 |
3698630 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
B |
73-78 400 |
1852029 |
High Performance & Truck |
RB |
62-413 |
2120529 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
RB |
59-65 413 |
2205697 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
RB |
59-65 413 |
2205697 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
RB |
64-426 |
2406730 |
Max Wedge |
RB |
63-65 426 |
2532230 |
Max Wedge |
RB |
64-66 426 |
2658836 |
Industrial |
RB |
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2536430 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
RB |
66-72 440 |
3698330 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
RB |
73-78 440 |
4006530 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
B |
76-78 400 |
4006630 |
Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth |
RB |
78 440 |
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Big Block Cylinder Heads |
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Since 1958 there have been 14 different head castings. All B/RB heads interchange which makes swapping easy. However, swapping the '62 to '64 Max Wedge heads onto a "B" engine isn't recommended because there are no intake manifolds available for that combination. The '67 440 and '68 to '70 383 and 440 4-barrel heads are considered the best factory heads. The '67 heads have a smaller "closed" combustion chamber and can be used to increase the compression ratio on later model low compression engines. Care must also be taken when swapping the '67 heads onto the '68-'69 383 due to the lack of piston to chamber clearance. The 383 has a positive deck height. (the piston protrudes above the block deck surface) The deck height has to be at or below the deck surface to provide the necessary clearance. |
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The casting numbers for Mopar Big Block cylinder heads can be found on the underside of the head on an intake runner. (upper photo) The casting number can also be found under the valve cover on an intake runner. (lower photo) |
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Big Block Cylinder Head Part #'s |
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Casting# |
Part# |
Engine |
Chamber |
In |
Ex |
1737637 |
2128533 |
58-59 361 |
Closed |
1.94 |
1.60 |
1737637 |
2448752 |
60 361/383 |
Closed |
1.94 |
1.60 |
2206324 |
2128589 |
61-62 361/383/413 |
Closed |
2.08 |
1.60 |
2402286 |
2402358 |
62 413 Max Wedge |
Closed |
2.08 |
1.88 |
2463209 |
2406754 |
63 426 Max Wedge |
Closed |
2.08 |
1.88 |
2463200 |
2448752 |
63 361/383/413 |
Closed |
2.08 |
1.60 |
2406518 |
2406736 |
64 426 Max Wedge |
Closed |
2.08 |
1.88 |
2406516 |
2406732 |
64-67 361/383 |
Closed |
2.08 |
1.60 |
2406158 |
2806019 |
67 440 |
Closed |
2.08 |
1.60 |
2780915 |
2800762 |
67 440 HP |
Closed |
2.08 |
1.74 |
2843906 |
2843904 |
68-70 383/440 |
Open |
2.08 |
1.74 |
2951250 |
2843904 |
68 440 |
Open |
2.08 |
1.74 |
3462346 |
3462344 |
71-72 383/400/440 |
Open |
2.08 |
1.74 |
3462346 |
3671640 |
73 400/440 |
Open |
2.08 |
1.74 |
3751213 |
3751218 |
73
400/440 |
Open |
2.08 |
1.74 |
3769902 |
3769910 |
74 400/440 |
Open |
2.08 |
1.74 |
3769975 |
3769954 |
75 400/440 |
Open |
2.08 |
1.74 |
4006452 |
3769954 |
76-78 400/440 |
Open |
2.08 |
1.74 |
Pre '64 heads are easily identify because they use only 4 valvecover bolts. |
Big Block Mopar Crankshafts |
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Chrysler's "B" and "RB" engine crankshafts have two basic stroke dimensions. The "B" engine crankshaft uses a 3.380 inch stroke and the "RB" engine uses a 3.750 inch stroke. Main journal size also differs between the "B" and "RB" engines. The "B" engine uses a 2.625 inch main journals, the "RB" uses 2.750 journals. Both engines share the same 2.380 inch rod journals. All early crankshafts are steel forgings. In 1971 Chrysler used a cast crank in low performance 383 engines. The use of cast iron crankshafts in 440's began in 1972. All cast cranks and certain forged steel cranks are externally balanced. These require the use of specially balanced harmonic dampeners, torque converters and flywheels. The appropriate components must be used to ensure that the reciprocating assembly is in balance. If an internally balanced crank is used with an external balanced converter or dampener (or vise- versa) a severe out of balance condition will occur. Externally balanced crankshafts can be internally balanced by adding a heavy metal called Mallory metal to the crank throws. 440's equipped with 3x2 barrel carbs were also externally balanced to compensate for heavier rods. They require the use of externally balanced dampeners and converters or flywheels.
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Big Block Mopar Crankshaft Part #'s |
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Part# |
Engine |
Material |
Comments |
2268114 |
383 4BBL |
Forged |
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3462922 |
383 / 400 2BBL |
Cast |
Externally Balanced |
3672000 |
400 4BBL |
Cast |
Premium
Cast Crank |
2536983 |
67-71 440 4BBL |
Forged |
A good general crankshaft |
3512036 |
70-72 440 6BBL |
Forged |
Externally
balanced |
3671283 |
72-73 440 4BBL |
Forged |
A good general crankshaft |
3671242 |
73 440 4BBL |
Forged |
Balanced
for different |
3751889 |
74 440 2&4 BBL |
Cast |
Externally balanced |
3751899 |
74 440 HiPo |
Forged |
A good general crankshaft |
2406240 |
413/426 Max Wedge |
Forged |
Best RB crankshaft |
Big Block Crankshafts Dampers |
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Part# |
Application |
2658457 |
1958-1971 All B & RB engines |
3512017 |
1970-1971 440 6BBL and '71 440 High Performance |
3577180 |
1971 383 2 barrel (cast crank) |
3614371 |
1972-1973 400 Forged Crank |
3614374 |
1972-1973 400 Cast Crank |
3614371 |
1972-1973 440 Standard Performance |
3614372 |
1972-1973 440 High Performance |
3577785 |
1974 440 Cast Crank |
72 and up B&RB dampers use a different pulley bolt pattern. |
Degree your damper |
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A degreed damper is useful for setting total spark advance and for valve lash adjustments when using a solid lifter camshaft. All Mopar crankshaft dampers have the same 7.25 inch diameter. You can mark your damper with a self adhesive timing tape or mark it yourself using the following dimensions. |
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Mark your damper in the direction of rotation (1/16 inch = 1°) |
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Degrees |
Distance |
Purpose |
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28° |
1 3/4" |
Setting Total Advance |
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30° |
1 7/8" |
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32° |
2" |
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34° |
2 1/8" |
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36° |
2 1/4" |
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38° |
2 3/8" |
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40° |
2 1/2" |
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42° |
2 5/8" |
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103° |
6 1/2" |
Setting Cam Centerline |
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105° |
6 5/8" |
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107° |
6 3/4" |
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109° |
6 7/8" |
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111° |
7" |
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180° |
11 3/8" |
Setting Valve Lash |
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Big Block Connecting Rods |
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The connecting rods used in B and RB engines are of a typical I-Beam design. Other design features include pressed fit wrist pins and 3/8 inch cap bolts. Dimensions of the "B" and "RB" rods are similar with the exception of the center to center length. the RB rods are .410 inches longer. The rods have nearly the same cross-sectional area and use the same rod bolts but the b engine rod is capable of higher rpm abuse because a shorter beam area can tolerate greater loads. The shorter beam area and the reduced loads of the B engines shorter stroke allow reliable operation in the 6500-7000 rpm range for stock rods. Due to higher loads induced by longer rods and crankshaft stroke, the RB rod should be limited to 6000-6200 rpm
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B Engine Intake Manifolds |
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Engine |
Year |
Comments |
Casting # |
383 2x4 |
59-61 |
1827899 |
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383 4bbl |
60-67 |
2205968 |
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383 4bbl |
68-69 |
2806301 |
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383 4bbl |
70-71 |
2951666 |
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400 4bbl |
72 |
3614046 |
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400 4bbl |
73 |
3671879 |
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400 4bbl |
74 |
3698442 |
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400 4bbl |
75-76 |
3830949 |
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413 4bbl |
59-65 |
2206000 |
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413 2x4 |
59 |
300E |
2264877 |
413 2x4 |
62 |
300H |
2266487 |
413 2x4 |
62 |
Max Wedge / Aluminum |
2402726 |
413 2x4 |
63-64 |
Crossram / Left |
2421369 |
413 2x4 |
63-64 |
Crossram / Right |
2421368 |
413 2x4 |
63-64 |
Crossram / 300J-300K Left |
2129987 |
413 2x4 |
63-64 |
Crossram / 300J-300K Right |
2129985 |
413 2x4 |
63 |
Max Wedge Stage ll Aluminum |
2402728 |
413 2x4 |
64 |
Max Wedge Stage lll |
2402720 |
RB Engine Intake Manifolds |
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Engine |
Year |
Comments |
Casting # |
426 2x4 |
65 |
Max Wedge / Aluminum |
2406185 |
426 2x4 |
64 |
Max Wedge / Aluminum |
2465165 |
426 Hemi |
66-71 |
Street Hemi |
2780543 |
440 4bbl |
66 |
2206000 |
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440 4bbl |
67-69 |
2806178 |
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440 4bbl |
70-71 |
2951736 |
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440 4bbl |
71 |
3512501 |
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440 4bbl |
71-72 |
3614014 |
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440 4bbl |
73 |
3698444 |
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440 4bbl |
74 |
3751721 |
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440 4bbl |
75-76 |
3830733 |
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440 3x2 |
69 |
Aluminum |
3412046 |
440 3x2 |
70 |
Aluminum |
3418681 |
440 3x2 |
70-72 |
Iron |
2946275 |
B&RB Engine Exhaust Manifolds |
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Engine |
Year |
Comments |
Casting # |
350-361 |
58 |
Right |
2205535 |
350-361 |
58 |
Left |
2205536 |
361 |
59 |
Right |
1739599 |
361 |
59 |
Left |
2205536 |
361 |
60-64 |
Right |
2205535 |
361 |
60-64 |
Left |
2205536 |
383 |
59 |
Right |
1739599 |
383 |
59 |
Left |
2205536 |
383 |
60-64 |
Right |
2205535 |
383 |
60-64 |
Left |
2205536 |
383 |
65 |
Right |
2205535 |
383 |
65 |
Left |
2461307 |
383 |
66-69 |
Right |
2532464 |
383 |
66-69 |
Left |
2461307 |
383 |
68-69 |
Cuda & Dart / Right |
2863000 |
383 |
68-69 |
Cuda / Left |
2899002 |
383 |
68-69 |
Cuda & Dart / Right |
2863900 |
383 |
68-69 |
Cuda & Dart / Left |
2946720 |
383 |
68-69 |
383 Magnum / Right |
2806900 |
383 |
68-69 |
383 Magnum / Left |
2843992 |
383 |
70-71 |
B&C Body / Right |
2899879 |
383 |
70-71 |
B&C Body / Left |
2951865 |
383 |
70-71 |
C Body / Right |
2899879 |
383 |
70-71 |
C Body / Left |
2951216 |
383 |
70-71 |
C Body / Right |
2899970 |
383 |
70-71 |
C Body / Left |
2951861 |
413 |
59 |
Right |
1739599 |
413 |
59 |
Left |
2205536 |
413 |
61 |
300G / Right |
2205830 |
413 |
61 |
300G / Left |
1947434 |
413 |
61-64 |
Right |
2205535 |
413 |
61-64 |
Left |
2205536 |
413 |
62 |
Max Wedge / Right |
2402334 |
413 |
62 |
Max Wedge / Left |
2402336 |
413 |
63-64 |
300J & 300K / Right |
2402781 |
413 |
63-64 |
30J & 300K / Left |
2402782 |
413 |
65 |
Right |
2205535 |
413 |
65 |
Left |
2463107 |
426 |
63-64 |
Max Wedge / Right |
2402334 |
426 |
63-64 |
Max Wedge / Left |
2402336 |
426 Hemi |
64-65 |
Hemi / Right |
2465657 |
426 Hemi |
64-65 |
Hemi / Left |
2468658 |
426 |
64-65 |
Right |
2205898 |
426 |
64-65 |
Left |
2203262 |
440 |
66-68 |
Right |
2532464 |
440 |
66-68 |
Left |
2461307 |
440 |
67 |
440 Magnum / Right |
2806900 |
440 |
67 |
440 Magnum / Left |
2806974 |
440 |
68-69 |
440 Magnum / Right |
2806900 |
440 |
68-69 |
440 Magnum / Left |
2843992 |
440 |
70-71 |
C Body / Right |
2899879 |
440 |
70-71 |
C Body / Left |
2951216 |
440 |
70-71 |
B - C Body / Right |
2899879 |
440 |
70-71 |
B - C Body / Left |
2951865 |
440 |
70-71 |
C Body / Right |
2899970 |
440 |
70-71 |
C Body / Left |
2951861 |