383 oil pan???
 

I just picked up dads new crate engine. It is a 383 based on a pre-79 350 4 bolt main block. I have heard 383's require a notched oil pan for crank clearance. Anyone have input or experiences here? I prefer a stock looking pan.

Re: 383 oil pan???
 

I built three of them now, and on two I used stock oil pans. I have not been told of a problem yet on either of them. I double checked the clearances without a gasket, with pc's of clay. A stock pan will work fine, no issue.

Fred.

Re: 383 oil pan???
 

Yes...stock pan fit great on the three 383 projects we've built.:thumbsup:

Re: 383 oil pan???
 

i'm running a stock pan with no problems.

Re: 383 oil pan???
 

Thanks for the advice. I had heard this rumor before and Horsepower TV just did a 383. They needed a notched pan. I also saw notched pans in the mail order catalogs. Thanks again for the help, I really appreciate it.

Re: 383 oil pan???
 

Here is an example. I've built these many times.
You can replace a 307 engine with a SB400 (same stroke as a 383) and use all the hardware from the 307 on the 400, such as valve covers, pan, etc. The primary things that you will HAVE to use on the 383 (or SB400) is the UNbalanced 400 style harmonic balancer and flywheel (or flexplate for an auto tranny). You can even use the 307 timing chain cover on a 400, except the timing tab won't clear 400 balancer. This can be easily corrected by breaking off the 307 timing tab and then buying one of the 350-400 type timing tabs that is attached by 2 of the timing cover bolts.
It certainly won't breathe worth a crap, but you could even use the 307 heads on the 383 or 400. That's just how interchangeable small block parts are.

Re: 383 oil pan???
 

unless of course you buy an aftermarket internal balance crank. then you can use neutral balance flywheel/flexplate/dampner.