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361 build up

Posted By: zzyzxpat

361 build up - 10/22/09 03:28 PM

I wanted to get advise from the gurus here on my project. I am building a 361 because it is the original engine on a completely original '66 Coronet. I am using 516 heads, with 1.74 exhaust. Pistons will have to be custom since they are no longer made. I am going zero deck, with .038 gasket, and should be about 9.5-10.0 to 1 comp. I was thinking of putting a 440 crank in it to gain some CID. This will be used primarily on the street. I would also like a cam recommendation.I was thinking a Comp XE 292. What do you folks think? Thank you, Pat
Posted By: patrick

Re: 361 build up - 10/22/09 04:13 PM

Quote:

I wanted to get advise from the gurus here on my project. I am building a 361 because it is the original engine on a completely original '66 Coronet. I am using 516 heads, with 1.74 exhaust. Pistons will have to be custom since they are no longer made. I am going zero deck, with .038 gasket, and should be about 9.5-10.0 to 1 comp. I was thinking of putting a 440 crank in it to gain some CID. This will be used primarily on the street. I would also like a cam recommendation.I was thinking a Comp XE 292. What do you folks think? Thank you, Pat



not to be mean, but it sounds like a waste of time and money to me. custom pistons will be expensive. adding a 440 crank will be expensive (custom pistons, plus having the mains and counterweights turned down) to essentially get you a low deck 413. why not just start with a 440 and use some KB flat tops? it'll be cheaper in the long run, and you'll still be 25 cubes over your stroker motor. I'd just put the engine under a workbench all wrapped up if you ever want to return it to stock.

for a street car, don't go too big on cam. I'd probably look at something like an XE275HL. if your heads need to be rebuilt, I'd strongly look at just getting some aftermarket aluminum heads, OOTB they flow as well as well ported factory iron heads, and aren't much more expensive than redone stock heads with new valves, springs, keepers, retainers, seals, and machine work.
Posted By: therocks

Re: 361 build up - 10/22/09 04:23 PM

Yeah its expensive to do a 361 but they are screamers.I had quite a few.The one that was in my 65 I tried to blow.The old man wouldnt let me put a 440 in unless the 361 went south.I floated the valves so many times I cant remember.Never did scatter it.Man that was a long time ago like 40 years.Rocky
Posted By: Reggie

Re: 361 build up - 10/22/09 04:56 PM

Quote:

why not just start with a 440 and use some KB flat tops? it'll be cheaper in the long run, and you'll still be 25 cubes over your stroker motor. I'd just put the engine under a workbench all wrapped up if you ever want to return it to stock.





Unless you're just dead set on using the original engine, it won't hurt to stash it away if you ever want to return it to stock. It will also be much cheaper and less hassle. The other thing to think about is that if the worst thing happens (like a rod making an emergency exit) it's better to trash an easier to come by 440 than your original 361.
Posted By: 383man

Re: 361 build up - 10/23/09 05:23 AM

Do you plan to race it any at all ? Ron
Posted By: R70RUNNER

Re: 361 build up - 10/23/09 05:32 AM

If you're attached to the original block at all.... Take my advice! Buy a block, AND a cart, then shove the 361 under the bench! I made a mistake of building my "numbers" block... NEVER again! NEVER! It shifted in the maching during boring and then required a sleeve! the pad numbers were milled off! (again) and it DOESN'T make near the power that a 400+ stroker build or even a 440 build COULD'VE made!!!! for LESS! find another block and have at it! You will sleep better and have a better build in the end
Posted By: mike s

Re: 361 build up - 10/23/09 05:53 AM

If you are sure you want to use the original block here is my recipe.Do not stroke the engine.Forget the 516's.New pistons 9.5 to 1.A set of 915's with the 2.08 and 1.75 exh valves (doesn't need big valves) w/bowl job and port match.Performer RPM with a 750 of your choice.Lunati 60303 and 1 7/8 headers.Should make 1+ h.p per cubic inch and have some great torque too. Enough engine to run in the 12's and won't break the bank either.
Posted By: zzyzxpat

Re: 361 build up - 10/23/09 12:30 PM

Thanks for all the advise guys. I completely understand what you are saying, both from the cost of building a 361 and in keeping the original block safe. This gives me alot to think about. Pat
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