opinions thoughts ideas

X2 on the advice to check out the 360 you have.

Replace the following when buttoning the engine back up.
1. timing chain. use double row roller
2. intake. use 4 bbl, dual plane. (e.g. Air Gap)
3. carburetor. 625-650 cfm, air valve secondary, electric choke.
4. kickdown linkage. Buchillon Performance or Lokar are good choices

If you determine that the cylinders will need a re-bore, be advised that not all factory 360 spec pistons are the same. The 71 piston sits 0.007 deeper in the bore than the 72 - 86 piston. It's not much. But, if you're buying a rebuild kit with pistons, it's free compression. Of course, if you go with something like one of the Keith Black piston sets you have a choice of depth or even domed 360 pistons. It may stretch you budget, but it's do-able.