Trying to get 400hp from a 360
Thanks all, I have a lot of parts to look up. This is a new hobby for me so I have a few questions of course about some of these combos...
Welcome to the hobby. Speed and power are like relgion, many ways to worship, many ways to achieve the goal.
Ask away!
Seems everyone agrees on the pistons and carb. The machine work stuff is way over my head at this point, but I 'd like to learn about it. Is this going to be a must for my horse power goal? What the most power you've seen a 360 pump out on pump gas? Maybe I undershot :)
Well, you'll need a decent compresion to get what you want. The piston mentioned over a few times is a low cost strong piston that makes a 9.5-1 to a 10-1+ ratio possible and easy.
Also, for performance comsiderations, a 750 is preety universal and just about perfect for most duties in and around the HP level mentioned. While a carb of more or less will deliver, this is the best all around choice.
Undershooting? I do not really get that, but I'll say this, pick a HP level or time to run in the 1/4 mile and the guys here can write you up a perscription.
Every part that can be aluminum or roller is what I should go for right?
NO! This is a illusion. While light weight and brand new have a certain sparkly thing to them, it is not allways needed. I suggested re-working your iron heads because they can and will deliver the good for less money for the goal you have set.
It may very well be easier and only slightly more expensive to purchase Edelbrock heads for this, but IMO, it is not needed. True, they have a higher ceiling of performance, again, it is not allways needed.
Things like a roller cam and roller rockers are excellent. They free up HP just by rolling instead of creating friction, a power robber. But there HP return on certain builds is a low power return for alot of money spent.
While your pocket may afford them and do so if you wish, a smart builder can look right passed this and still make good power, get excellent mileage or mow down the compotioon like a mower on a football feild.
Alot has to do with ethier the rules of the class or the budget (Wallet power)
If you got the money and want to spend it on a roller set up, by all means, do so. I know I will.
Thanks again[/QUOTE]
Once last note, grab a few good books;
How to build and how to hot rod my small block Mopar as well as the factory engines book for your engine.
A chassis manual, factory repair manual for the body and electrical systems are very good to have.