I have a 64 chrysler wagon with a 361, can I get some horsepower out of this motor or would I be wasting my time.

 

Yes
A 361 is a B block, so it is the same block as a 383, 400. Only the bore's and strokes changed. Anything that can be done to those motors can be done to yours.

What did you have in mind?

 

let me know what you decide to do you your man, I've got a 1964 dodge 880 sedan with a 361. Its one hell of a good running engine, My dad and I are in the process of putting on an edelbrock 600CFM carburetor and painting the engine up! Mine will run pretty decent!

 

ive got a 4 barrel comin too. I was thinkin of doing a cam and headers along with it. I also want to ditch the push button trans and find one I can put a ratchet shifter on. I also am considering changing the rear end out, any ideas on what I could put under it.

 

As for a trans I would look for something out of a later 70's c-body rear should bolt up and the later trans will have part throttle kickdown for better street cruizing. Headers and a cam are a good idea but no one except TTI makes headers for c-bodies witch your 64 Chrysler is. Some folks have had luck with b-body stuff but there are no direct bolt ins. H.P. manifolds will help but are expensive and again c-body specific on the driver side. A good dual system with your log manifolds will wake up that big wagon. The 361 is a little brother to the 383, they like to spin faster but I wouldn't be trying to go over 4,000 o5 5,000 rpm. Tune for torque and not high rpm horsepower and you will fall in love with it. Next would be a disc brake conversion. Same doner as for the drive train. Later 70's c-body. Looks like you are gonna be looking for a clapped out rusty New Port, Fury, or Polara from about 73 up. 69 to 72 are best for the brake swap as rotors from the later cars are expensive as well. When doing brakes get everything from the lug nuts to the master cylinder. Includig lower ball joints. Do a search for this swap you will like what you find.The best idea would be to locate a doner and get everything from it then junk the shell.