273 Commando ID

[Rustyfish]

Other than the dress up bits (air cleaner, valve covers, etc.) is there any way to determine if an engine is really a Commando version? Will the VIN indicate a Commando option or just that it came 4bbl?

Thanks
Rusty Fish

 

[4spdragtop]

What year? Might make a difference

 

[Rustyfish]

Owner says it was from a '67 Cuda. But I don't have any of the numbers to confirm anything yet.

 

[4spdragtop]

Im thinking heads would need to come off to see pistons. Post pics...we could tell if it's at least dressed properly for the occasion.

 

[FredS]

original dizzy is a dual points type, if still original.

 

[Rustyfish]

Thanks 4spd and Freds. I think you can tell by the block vin if it's a least a 4 barrel, but beyond that, yep, piston tops. Dizzy would at least help confirm. Do you know if that was unique to Commando or simply on all 4bbl equipped 273's?

 

[cosgig]

Thanks 4spd and Freds. I think you can tell by the block vin if it's a least a 4 barrel, but beyond that, yep, piston tops. Dizzy would at least help confirm. Do you know if that was unique to Commando or simply on all 4bbl equipped 273's?

All 4 bbl 273's are commando motors, but you won't find anything on the block or heads indicating that it is an original commando motor, or original to a commando car! There is no VIN stamped on the block in 67, that practice didn't start until 69 in full production mode! Yea, some 68's have a partial VIN, but it is not on the pan rail as in 69 and later! The Pistons are the only way to tell if it has original commando potential or not! If they are not original chrysler commando Pistons, you are going to be out of luck! You could also try to confirm the lift on the camshaft to see if it is the stock commando lift/duration, and it would need to have the original solid lifter valve train to be considered a possible commando motor! There is a date letter code on the front of the drivers side head on the flat stamped pad under the valve cover! A 65 motor will be stamped with an "A", a 66 motor will be stamped "B" and a 67 motor would have a "C". It will also have the displacement and the assembly date there, but will not tell you if it is a 4 bbl motor or not! You just have to add up the sum of the parts....it should have an original chrysler 4 bbl intake, dual point Prestolite distributor, and the dress up items to be considered a candidate! Lots of things can be changed over the years!!

 

[Rustyfish]

According to this link, the 4 bbl 273 can be identified by an "E" in the VIN stamp. Logic would then dictate that if the block had an E in the vin stamp then it would be a factory 4bbl and therefore a Commando. Yes?

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=285021&highlight=engine+casting+numbers

 

[4spdragtop]

According to this link, the 4 bbl 273 can be identified by an "E" in the VIN stamp. Logic would then dictate that if the block had an E in the vin stamp then it would be a factory 4bbl and therefore a Commando. Yes?

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=285021&highlight=engine+casting+numbers

Vin stamps as Cosgig mentioned didnt start until 69.

 

[Rustyfish]

Aaaaargh, ok got it.

 

[toolmanmike]

Do you have a fender tag? The Commando is a #32 code in the lower left. A #31 is a 2 barrel 273

 

[Hipo65]

Get ahold of a bore scope & pull out a spark plug to look @ the top of the piston. 4bbl piston will have 2 valve notches & a slight dome. 2bbl will be flat with 4 small valve notches.

 

[1966fish]

what factory color were the 273 commando transmissions?

 

[65Val]

These are Commando/Charger pistons...

These are 2bbl pistons...

 

[xLURKxDOGx]

what factory color were the 273 commando transmissions?

Chrysler red.

Jake

 

[RedFish]

Pulling a head is the only way in most cases, and the best way in any case. In the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter if it is or aint. The external dress up parts are the valuable bits.
Assuming this is a typical well worn 273, the typical wear at piston skirts and the typical wear at exhaust valves and those seats will be found.

 

[toolmanmike]

what factory color were the 273 commando transmissions?

Chrysler red.

Jake

Mine must have been painted at some time. It was black.

 

[toolmanmike]

Get yourself one of these, stick it down a spark plug hole and have a look.
3.5/1.5M 5.5mm Android Endoscope Waterproof Borescope Inspection Camera 6 LED

 

[1966fish]

Black is the color I thought it would be but I have no actual proof of the factory color

I'm painting mine in a few days

 

[trapster]

I don't think the transmission was ever painted, the bell housing yes, but the trans no

 

[RedFish]

I've never owned a factory painted 904

 

[1966fish]

Love all the input.

I'm painting my a833 4spd

So should the bell housing match the engine of Chrysler red?
I was told black before

 

[66fs]

Love all the input.

I'm painting my a833 4spd

So should the bell housing match the engine of Chrysler red?...

That is what I do, but can't remember if they came that way. I clear the A833 but have painted them engine color also.