Feel like 360 should have more power
- Thread starter standup303
- Start date
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middleagecrisis
Well-Known Member
I didn't read through all four pages, so nobody roast me if this has already been asked. When you did your initial compression test, did you have the carburetor throttle in the fully open position? Compression readings are consistent, but way too low.
Have you tried Autozone or Advance? They have a loaner tool program for some tools. Basically you put deposit down, use the tool, then return it for your deposit...
When I was an impoverished college student and my 65 Barracuda still had its original 273, with close to 100,000 miles on it, I realized that it was getting pretty doggy. Told Dad, said I think something is wrong. Nah, he said, it just feels slow next to the 440 in his 62 Dodge. Thought about it a day or two and decided Dad didn't know what he was talking about. So I spent some of my meager funds to buy a timing light. Turns out that instead of the initial advance being 10 degrees BTC, initial timing in that little 273 was 20 degrees after top center. Added the missing 30 degrees back in, felt like a new motor.
I can't imagine not having a timing light. I'd say just buy one. They last a long time, and you will need it again and again if you stay in this hobby.
I can't imagine not having a timing light. I'd say just buy one. They last a long time, and you will need it again and again if you stay in this hobby.
This would probably be a decent grind.
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I would install it down around 102 intake center line. But it will need matching sprAngs too. The smart thing to do would be to have the heads worked get them milled no more than .030". Then install the cam as I recommended and put a performance ignition curve in the distributor. I think the short block is probably ok. You have cylinder pressure that describes a stone stock engine with a big cam in it.
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How would that isky cam compare to an early 340 auto trans cam ?
Dartswinger70
Well-Known Member
Timing yes timing start there...the advance etc. but also remember when a 69 dart was new 13.70s was pretty respectable on the street.
That was my immediate thought
MopaR&D
Nerd Member
I could add on to a bunch of what everyone else is saying to modify the engine with but until the tune is confirmed to be good there's not much point. 100-110 psi cranking sounds about right for a stock-compression 360 LA with a mild cam at that altitude. I lived in CO for 15 years, the thin air is a real killer for NA engines.
Make sure that thing has a bunch of initial timing, like 16° minimum, maybe even 20°. Total (not including vacuum advance) around 36°.
Make sure that thing has a bunch of initial timing, like 16° minimum, maybe even 20°. Total (not including vacuum advance) around 36°.
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