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1962 361BB MOPAR

Posted By: moon

1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 01:50 AM

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.

Attached picture 6308576-polaraengine002.JPG
Posted By: moon

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 01:52 AM

I think the lower ones are numbers. Looks like 1121...not sure. guys help me out
Posted By: gtx69

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 02:10 AM

HP means high performance
Posted By: stumpy

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 02:12 AM

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.
Posted By: moon

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 04:22 AM

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?
Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 04:51 AM

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....
Posted By: mike s

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 07:25 AM

Quote:

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?



Pistons(CR),distr,intake cam and carb.305 H.P.
Posted By: moon

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 10:59 AM

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.
Posted By: Mr. T

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 12:22 PM

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

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 08:38 PM

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
Posted By: moon

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/19/10 11:58 PM

Quote:

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



Oh I plan on keeping it. Years ago P.A.W had all the parts for the 361, I don't know if they still carry them, but I figure I'll leave it as it is for now, even though I did find a 1962 361BB to go in it like it originally had. The engine is out of a 62 Dodge Polara 500. I still don't know if the 361 I found is an HP block and if so did it come with dual point distributor, dome pistons or bigger valves and heads?
I don't know what the gear ratio is yet, haven't got under the car to check it out.
Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/20/10 12:32 AM

PAW recently closed their doors..
Posted By: dart1962_440

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/20/10 02:48 AM

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
Posted By: dart1962_440

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/20/10 02:50 AM

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

Attached picture 6310261-DSCN2394loooowres.jpg
Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/20/10 04:13 AM

Quote:

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



So apparently the jumbo HP is correct for a 62.... Learned something new....
Posted By: maundmotorworks

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/20/10 01:20 PM

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

Re: 1962 361BB MOPAR - 11/20/10 08:49 PM

...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

Attached picture 6311216-PB200581(2).jpg
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