Mopar 383 Torque Specs

• Mopar is the brand name given to the authentic parts for Chrysler-made vehicles such as Dodges, Plymouths and Chryslers. The Chrysler 383-cubic-inch big-block engine, which Chrysler called the B Series, was introduced in 1959 cars such as the Chrysler Saratoga and the Chrysler Windsor. This engine also became available on Dodge and Plymouth cars and trucks in the 1960s, and was available into the early 1970s. Torque specifications should be followed when assembling one of these engines so that the bolts are not overtightened, which could cause stripping, which greatly diminishes a bolt's holding capacity.

Sheet Metal Covers

• The valve cover retaining bolts should only be tightened to six foot-pounds. The oil pan retaining bolts require 12 foot-pounds of torque, while the timing cover requires 10 foot-pounds.

Internal Engine Parts

• Lubricate the bearing cap bolts with motor oil and torque them down to 85 foot-pounds. Standard connecting rod bolts should be tightened to 45 foot-pounds, while heavy-duty connecting rods require 55 foot-pounds of torque. Cylinder head bolts are tightened to 70 foot-pounds, while the crankshaft rear bearing seal is tightened to 30 foot-pounds. The rocker shaft brackets should be tightened to 25 foot-pounds. The oil pump retaining bolts needs to be tightened to 35 foot-pounds, while the oil pump cover should be torqued to only 10 foot-pounds.

External Engine Parts

• The transmission bell housing cover bolts at the rear of the block need to be tightened to 50 foot-pounds, while the harmonic damper bolt needs to be tightened to 135 foot-pounds. The flex plate and flywheel cap screws need to be tightened to 55 foot-pounds. A non-hardening sealer should be applied to the water pump bolts and then they should be tightened to 30 foot-pounds. The intake manifold bolts on top of the engine should be torqued to 40 foot-pounds. The externally mounted fuel pump bolts require 30 foot-pounds of torque. The spark plugs should be tightened to no more than 20 foot-pounds to keep the cylinder head threads from stripping. The starter motor retaining bolts should be tightened to 50 foot-pounds. The exhaust manifold bolts should be coated with an anti-seize compound and then tightened to 30 foot-pounds.