Just curious what people think of this mild rebuild for a mopar 360 and possible horsepower ranges. I am either thinking of doing this to a complete stock bottom end, or a block bored .30 over with a stock crank. Most or all the mods will be top end only. I am thinking of modifying the top end only because this engine will be for derby use and my thought is I can use these parts over again. Below is a list of what I'm looking to do.

- Comp Cam 268H IN. 268, EX, 268 (Kit comes with lifters, springs, etc)
- Air Gap intake
- 308 heads, but thinking of getting a set up J heads. Wanting to port/polish with value and spring job, possibly machine for 2.02/1.60
- Modified 500 CFM Rochester 2 barrel carb

How would this setup work with basically just the cam and headwork? Curious if I will notice a gain over stock engine? Also if I use the block thats .30 over what pistons would you recommend? Basically a budget build because I'm still in school, I am just looking for input and/or ideas.

Thanks in advance!

 

600 cfm carb and take those cast 308 heads and punch some bigger valves in them....good to go

 

Without knowing your budget ?? I did a 360 build about 15 years ago.. Stock replacement cast pistons. Block decked .050. for 0 deck, J heads done by Bishop & Buel with 2.02 valves 64cc heads, custom fit on the intake manifold. Had it in a 67 Coronet.
Good strong motor. What ever you do use a stock type oil pump NO HV pumps. Unless you have a 8+ qt aftermarket pan, still not needed. Even then there may be clearance issues with the pump and pan.
A 360 with a HV pump and a lot of RPM can suck a stock oil pan dry.
Usually ran it with a Carter 625 cfm or an 800cfm thermoquad

 

With going to school and all I would feel spending $1500 on upgrades would be fine. Also, would you port the 308's as well as putting 2.02/1.60 valves in? Thanks for the responses so far.

 

For street use I would just clean them up with a good valve job. Save your money and get some aftermarket aluminum heads

 

You say this engine is going to be used for "derby". If you mean demolition derby, I don't think that will require a great deal of HP. Stick with stock equipment. If you overheat the engine or knock a hole in the pan, the loss will not be so bad. MOPARs should not be used in demolition derbys. It more fun to watch ferds and chebys get smashed up.

 

VERY true, we lost enough Mopar's with Duke's of Hazard and all the car movies..

 

I would hit the bone yard and grab a 360 Magnum motor. Prob run around 400-500 bucks. Stab in a distributor, intake and carb and you are at 300 horse easy and when you grenade it grab another short block..

Stock cams are small and built for torque. Should be great for derby.