I got the Polara 500 and it has the wrong block. So I found a 361BB which has S36 then HP and the bottom looks like a 2. (I already checked the casting numbers that are on the bottom, 2205712.) Is the bottom supposed to be a letter or number? I cant read all of it from the picture so I need more eyes. What does the HP mean? Also does anyone know about these engines? Is it worth fixing for an original car or is it a boat anchor? The one I found is $300.

I think the lower ones are numbers. Looks like 1121...not sure. guys help me out

HP means high performance

Whats the matter with the running driving engine that's in it now? After all it won't be the original engine even if it is the right size. The 400 is a better engine then the 361.

The engine came out of 1962 Dodge Polara 500 that is just like mine. Whats the difference in the high performance 361 and regular 361?

I would be very suspicious of that HP stamping, typically all the fonts on the pad match.... That being a 62 block I can't say 100% but others here sure can...

And I agree why chase down a date coded engine that will cost quite a bit more to rebuild due to obsolete parts, won't perform as well due to smaller displacement & in general just doesn't make sense unless your planning on having the car judged in a OE judging format....

I suppose your right, even though I know where to get all the parts to do it. Thanks for the advice, maybe I will keep the 400 thats in it.

You certainly have a beautiful car. What are your future plans for it? Do you know what the rear end gear ratio is?

I am currently rebuilding a 361 now.It is going in a completely original 66 Coronet that I want to keep original. Dollar wise it doesn't make alot of sense because of the non availability of pistons, and you can build a 400 cheaper. I reworked the 516 heads, put a 3.750 stroke crank in it, .040 quench, 10.0-1, had custom Diamonds made for it, with a DP4B intake. Using top shelf parts and machine work, I have about 3650.00-3900.00 into it. Does it make sense? Not really, but everybody and their brother has a 440.I guess I am a little different. Good luck

PAW recently closed their doors..

Here's the 361 HP engine from my 62 Sport Fury. Looks like same assembly date as yours.

In 62 for B-bodies the 361 was a 4bbl, "hot" cam, dual exhaust & dual point distributor and was rated at 305HP and 395 ft lbs torque.

Pat

Let's see if I can get the pic to attach...

Not just '62, I've had many other year blocks come through my shop that had the same HP stamping in big letters.

...The size of the stamp may very per assembly plant, & may very per Dodge or Ply. My 63 Ply shop manual shows a smaller HP than that, but again its 63 & Ply. Another catch is, this is a reissue manual, not an original.
...EDIT: Added Info & Pic