should i dump my 361

[skeets 66]

I have a good running 361 in my 66 Charger (not matching #'s) should I get rid of it for a 383 or 440,or just keep it ?

[davidlclassic]

Just got through reading How to Rebuild Big Block Mopars, This author says 361's are a thing of the past, anyone else have a thought.

[The70RT]

If you need or want more performance....dump it.

[694spdRT]

Considering the cost vs cubes there are much better ways to go if you are planning on rebuilding for more power than a 361. If you just want a car to drive it should be fine as is.  Depends on what you want from the car i guess

[RD]

i would love to find a running 361 and make it into a thumper, just because i could...  talk about braggin rights

[Ghoste]

Same architecture as the 383 and 400 so all the other low deck performance parts will fit. 

[Silver R/T]

361's are pretty rare in 66's so Id keep it even for someone else who's restoring matching # car with 361

[Ghoste]

I agree somewhat Silver.  They sold over 6000 of them with 361's so they aren't all that rare but not exactly common either. 

[Hot_Rodder]

I have a '64 361 sitting on the porch with original 516 heads..... Tried to find some part's for it, but it's a small bore, and have yet to really find any pistons for it..... It needs rebuilding, but otherwise is fine. Up to you, I'd say if you can find a good bb in which parts are gonna be easier to find, I'd replace it. Besides, what you gonna do with the car? If it's gonna be shows and such, keep it. If you gonna do any kind of racing and such, change it.



Was cruising around the net, and came across this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/361-Dodge-Mopar-master-engine-kit-new-1961-66-si_W0QQitemZ8069045258QQihZ004QQcategoryZ33620QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem thought maybe you'd be interested

[Nacho-RT74]

isn't posible convert a 361 on to a 383 or 400 just overboring ? or does the cilinder wall thick an issue on that ?

anyway if your car did come with 361 ( no matter if matching # ), I'll try to keep it.

I would be agree on try to sale the 361 to someone who would want a matching # ( hard to find ) or at least get the right engine on his car!!!

[Nacho-RT74]

I have a '64 361 sitting on the porch with original 516 heads..... Tried to find some part's for it, but it's a small bore, and have yet to really find any pistons for it..... It needs rebuilding, but otherwise is fine. Up to you, I'd say if you can find a good bb in which parts are gonna be easier to find, I'd replace it. Besides, what you gonna do with the car? If it's gonna be shows and such, keep it. If you gonna do any kind of racing and such, change it.



Was cruising around the net, and came across this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/361-Dodge-Mopar-master-engine-kit-new-1961-66-si_W0QQitemZ8069045258QQihZ004QQcategoryZ33620QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem thought maybe you'd be interested

that is a great setup !!! and not expensive in my numbers!!! very affordable.

[Ghoste]

As far as the whole matching numbers thing, for a 66 model there really isn't any such thing anyway.  You could have a date coded block and one that is the correct size according to your fender tag but beyond that there are no other numbers to match.  It wasn't until later that the vin began to be stamped on there as well.

[Hot_Rodder]

The 361 spec's, for those that don't know, are a 4.12" bore by 3.38" stroke... As far as hopping a motor up, imo, it would be better to just start off with a bigger motor..... On the other hand, if originality is more of a key, then I would say keep current motor.

[BrianShaughnessy]

361's are limited by their bore to what heads you can run.    A 1st gen guy I know tried to bolt Eddy heads on top of one - didn't work.    That means you're pretty much stuck with stock valve sizes.

[Hot_Rodder]

being that the 361 that I have, has the 516 heads, I know I can go up in valve size. I was planning on going to a 1.81 exh valve, and retain the stock intake valve but go to a higher flowing valve. Also, was gonna gasket match the ports, and do some bowl work, but that's also when I thought it was a 383 based on what previous owner told me (which that's what he was told), foud out that it was 361 after I pulled the motor  .

[Ghoste]

Are you planning a mostly stock rebuild though or do you want a mover? 

[Hot_Rodder]

Are you planning a mostly stock rebuild though or do you want a mover? 

Same question I've posed. Still no answer though...

[skeets 66]

I haven't really decided on what to do with the motor,,,,build it up,,,sell it and find 440,,,just don't know

[Nacho-RT74]

I think you need to define what will be the use of the car...

for driver or show, I would keep the 361

[skeets 66]

just to drive around for fun,,,maybe some small local cruz's or small shows

[Ghoste]

Then I'd be pretty tempted to just stay with the 361.  About the only thing that would change my mind would be the availability of a bigger engine at a dirt cheap price.

[Hot_Rodder]

I agree, I'd keep the 361, rebuild it, maybe with a kit like I listed above. Also, go to a little bigger cam, add some headers, aluminum intake, and use some kind of electronic ignition. As for the heads.... What heads are on the motor again....

[ACUDANUT]

 If it ain't broke. Don't fix it.