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| | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 | my truck is a '58, but I'm pretty sure the engine isn't original. All the numbers I can make out on the passenger side in front of the head are - 0630DB.
Doesn't the DB mean 283 or 307? I hope not, but that's what it looked like to me....
It's an old engine, no screw on oil filter (has the old style case bolted in the center).. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | So what's the matter with a 283? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 | not much wrong with a 283, except i thought it was a 327 and preferred that...
now, it doesn't matter much, just want to know what i have.. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | sounds likely to be a 283, and in a 58 it just might be original - a 327 is just an 'overstressed' 283 and more finiky - the 283 will last longer, and can be built to be as fast as a 327
did you get the numbers off the block behind the head on the drivers side? [on flywheel flange - if it's in the truck use a mirror]
327=
[62-64]3782870, 3789817, 3852174
[65-67]3782870, 3789817, 3858174, 3892657
[68-69]3914660, 3914678, 3932386, 3955618
if it's outta the truck the crankshaft flange can indicate pre or post 68, and I think that at least the early 327's still had the filter can, maybe all of them
the number at the back will tell you
Bill | | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 452 Member | | Member Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 452 | The DB suffix was used for certain 283 car/El Camino engines from '58 thru '67, some with powerglide, some with 3- or 4-speeds. In '68, that suffix was used for a 307 car/El Camino engine. I don't think DB was used after '68.
Curt
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1953 Chevy 6400, 1957 Chevy 2dr Sedan
--"Mediocrity is easy, the good things take time"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 | thanks all... I'll get a mirror and check the back tonight ...tried before I posted but couldn't get my old [censored] bent enough  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 452 Member | | Member Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 452 | I have to revise and clarify what I posted above.
From actual Chevy parts manuals and the "Catalog of Chevy Truck ID Numbers", the DB suffix was used for the '58-'61 passenger car 283 with powerglide and 4 bbl. carb. That suffix doesn't show up again until '65, where it designated a 2 bbl. 283 backed by a 4-speed used in the Chevelle/El Camino. DB continued thru '67 for the Chevelle/Camino 283, and in '68 designated the 2 bbl. 307 used in the Chevelle/Camino.
Regardless, with the DB being used for the 307 for one year only, chances are good it's a 283.
Curt
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1953 Chevy 6400, 1957 Chevy 2dr Sedan
--"Mediocrity is easy, the good things take time"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 | Originally posted by Xram53:
Regardless, with the DB being used for the 307 for one year only, chances are good it's a 283. I'm inclined to agree - plus, it's a 4 barrel. To me, that's good news. 283 is a better deal than a 307 in my opinion.. | | |
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