QuestionI HAVE A 1966 CHRYSLER NEWPORT
THE VIN INDICATES A 383CI (GIN POSITON 5)
HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS HAS A 440.
THE CERTICARD HAS 2 ROWS OF EMBOSSED INFO
AND 3 ROWS OF TAPE LOOKING STUFF
THE 3RD ROW OR FIRST ROW OF TAPE HAS A J THAT LOOKS TO BE CIRCLED
AND A SPACE AND THEN A C. THE REST IS HARD TO READ
SAME WITH THE OTHER TAPE PIECES
I HAVED BEEN TOLD THE J ON THE 3RD ROW IS FOR THE 440CI ENGINE OPTION
COULD THIS BE
WHAT ELSE COULD I LOOK AT TO DETERMINE ENGINE SIZE?
AnswerJohn,
There is another way to verify factory options in addition to the Certicard. There is a metal plate on the left inner fender commonly known as the "Fender Tag" to MOPAR people. The bottom 2 rows list VIN, Options on the car including engine, plant manufactured, etc. These codes usually are better preserved than Certicards and should give you the information you need.
However, on a car this old, unless you're sure it has the original engine, it could very well have been changed to a 440 later in life. Externally, 383 and 440 are very similar,, differing only in deck height and carburation so a swap would be very easy.
However, you can also check some external appearances to tell a 440 from a 383. The 1966 440 TNT engine was equipped with a distinctive double snorkel air cleaner while the 383 was a single. Also, the 440 engine was equipped with factory dual exhausts. Even if these pipes are now missing, the mounting hangers are usually there if you want to investigate the underside of the car. Finally, the 383 is a 2 barrel carb., while the 440 uses a Carter AFB 4 barrel. There are other ways to tell these 2 engines apart but this will get you started.
And again, as built may not equate to as installed today!
Best of luck on this fine car!
Bob
