James Terry
Member
Good evening, just bought a 81 Stepside with what the previous owner said was a Commando 273, joined because I gotta figure this truck out and have some fun! What do I look for to see if this in fact a 273 or a 318?
Good evening, just bought a 81 Stepside with what the previous owner said was a Commando 273, joined because I gotta figure this truck out and have some fun! What do I look for to see if this in fact a 273 or a 318?
Real easy to figure if it's a Commando. Does it have a smooth stock idle? No it's not. Is it a little lumpy? Then it might be.
Welcome to FABO!!! You came to the best place for information on all kinds of Mopars.
Nice truck! If the 273 still has factory valve covers they should be crinkle black with aluminum find on top. And an Unsilenced chrome air cleaner with 273 call out.View attachment 1715393437
Yes, just used the thread in the how to section, great section! Now on to building a sweet street motor now that I have the correct info!It's a 318. That's OK cause they are easier to find parts for!!
PM = Plant - Mound road assembly plant
318 = CID
R = regular fuel
The 2267 should be the build date using the 10,000 day calendar, and 953 should be the 953rd engine built that day.
Someone more knowledgeable will confirm.
It runs well, and yes it sounds and feels a little lumpy(cam). It runs out fine, revs easy and feels like it has some **** and get to it....check for numbers this weekend.
View attachment 1715393430
You realize a 318 has 16% more cubes and everything a 273 commando had 'cept the compression,cam and the weak 4bbl intake? Either will go fast but the 318 will be ft/lbs ahead if built similarly. I took all the guts out of a spun rod 273/4 and put them in a 318 short block, even with its lower compression that motor was much quicker.Welcome aboard! Hope the truck isnt full of "lies" like previous owner said with 273 Commando. Look at stuff good.
You realize a 318 has 16% more cubes and everything a 273 commando had 'cept the compression,cam and the weak 4bbl intake? Either will go fast but the 318 will be ft/lbs ahead if built similarly. I took all the guts out of a spun rod 273/4 and put them in a 318 short block, even with its lower compression that motor was much quicker.
This thing is in a truck where torque is king...Either will go fast but the 318 will be ft/lbs ahead if built similarly. ...