Chrysler's B engine was a big-block V8 which replaced the early Chrysler FirePower engine in 1958. It did not have hemispherical heads like the FirePower - rather it had wedge-shaped heads. All B-series engines have a 3.38 inch (86 mm) stroke. Chrysler also produced a larger version, the Chrysler RB engine.
The B engine started at 350 and 361 in³ (5.7 and 5.9 liters, respectively), and a 413 in³ (6.8 liter) version appeared the next year. Plymouth called its version of the early B Golden Commando. It produced 305 hp (227 kW). DeSoto's B engine was the Turboflash. It put out 295 hp (220 kW). Dodge's B was called the D-500 and produced 320 hp (239 kW).
350
The 350 (5.7 liter) B engine had a bore of 4.06 in (103 mm) and was only produced in 1958. It was used on the following cars:
361
The 361 (5.9 liter) B engine was similar to the 350 except for a wider 4.12 in (105 mm) bore. There was a fuel-injected version in 1958 only. The Plymouth version was called the Commando. It was used in the following vehicles:
383
The 383 (6.3 liter) B engine used a 4.25 in (108 mm) bore and was introduced in 1959 for the 1960 model year. Over 3,000,000 B 383 engines were produced between 1959 and 1971. Dodge's version (the D500) had a cross-ram induction manifold and dual 4-barrel carburetor as options. Plymouth's version was called the Golden Commando. Note that there was also an RB 383 (the Golden Lion), though it is quite rare.
The B 383 was found on the following vehicles:
400
The 400 in³ (6.8 liter) B engine was introduced in 1972. It shares the B family's 3.38 in (86 mm) stroke, but is bored out to 4.34 in (110 mm). There were standard- and high-performance options.
The B 400 engine was used in the following vehicles:
See also
