Opinions on low end 360?
Update:
Took one head off last night and the pistons are .090 down the stroke.
Cylinder bores look good, not much wear.
Has scored a Performer intake and three different Thermoquad's.
Also found a pair of unknown used headers in usable condition.
Will use a factory stall converter.
Now with the disappointing fact that the pistons are below deck I need advice to be able to move on.
What cam would you use?
Planning to do some upgrades on my 70 `cuda vert, I will keep the 904 tranny with the 2,200 rpm converter and will stay with the 3.23 SG. Brand new tti 3" H-pipe exhaust is already installed, did that before I made decisions about the power plant.
I don't know very much about the 360 yet. It takes no oil, has good compression and runs strong. Power comes in strong at around 3,500 rpm's and then it wants to rev to the moon. A little screamer. Recent owner said it was a "crate engine", but he couldn't confirm it. I have found out that block is casted 1971. It is externally balanced.
I want an engine working with the converter and 3.23 ratio.
I'm looking for a power band suited for the rpm range the engine will be driven in. Rarely over 4,000 and mostly between 1-3,000.
Plain and simple responsive and economic motor.
You might think I'm odd wanting to build such a boring engine, but I have had many cars with hot engines making lots of power, and as we all know high revving engines like that requires high stall converters, high flowing induction and exhaust, steep gears and so on. Honestly, most of the time they are not very fun though. Not very reliable either. But thirsty. I still have my Charger if my mood turns to racing mode
I think this 360 still could be able to smoke the 275's. Do you?
Hopefully I will be able to use the same crank, rods, pistons and heads. Of course more cubic would take it longer, but I'm on a budget.
I'm thinking a good aluminum dual plane with long runners like Edelbrock RPM or Weiand Action Plus and a Thermoquad on top. Long runners are good for low end!
Camshaft selection will of course be very critical and here I need advice. A good bunch of lift, steep lobes but not much duration? Any opinions?
I will ditch the headers since they are crap. Maybe I could go with cast iron manifolds since I don't need a lot of flow?
If my heads needs work it might be a better idea to find something else. If I stay with iron I will aim for 9.5:1, if I can afford aluminum then 10.5:1
Will also have to get a distributor with vacuum advance.
Let me hear what you think folks!
Update:
Took one head off last night and the pistons are .090 down the stroke.
Cylinder bores look good, not much wear.
Has scored a Performer intake and three different Thermoquad's.
Also found a pair of unknown used headers in usable condition.
Will use a factory stall converter.
Now with the disappointing fact that the pistons are below deck I need advice to be able to move on.
What cam would you use?