My point about the 360 vs. 390 was purely cost related. You could get a running magnum 360 cheap. All of the rebuild parts are a wash between the two (gaskets, machining, etc…)

My opinion is that you can buy a 360 magnum motor for the price of a cast 318 stroker crank. So call that a wash dollar for dollar.

But if you're on a budget, I'd MUCH rather have a 360" with a 360 magnum head, then a 390" with a '83 318 smog head any day of the week.

It was more then just the cubic inch difference. Just depends how much money you want to spend…