63 chrysler newport questions!

[RufusTheRam]

ressurecting a 63 newport, has the 361 and pushbutton auto. ran fine when it was parked about 15 years ago, drank oil though. this engine worth rebuilding? what sort of hi po parts are available if any? or would we be better off swapping in a more modern drivetrain? crate big block and 727 sounds nice to me. what about restoration parts? interior, chrome trim, light lens, etc. body is straight and fairly rust free, just needs a good bare metal sand, primered, and repaint, so no new panels will be needed.

[BillyBob]

I haven't tried this place, but it might be a help.

http://www.uneedapart.com

[Dennis Jokela]

Any high perfornance part that will fit a 383 or 400 other than pistons will work on a 361. The car already has a 727 transmission in it.It would be very easy to install a 440 or other engine of your choice just use the early engine mounts. If your (Detroit) u-joints are in good shape they will hold up well.

Hope this helps

Dennis

[Gary]

I have a low compression 361 in my '66 Coronet. It has a factory 383 4-bbl intake and RV cam and dual exhausts. It's about as quick as a good 318. I have some mildly ported 452 heads ready to install and will be installing cast iron headers and a better cam when the heads go on.

I like the engine because it's different. When people ask which engine I have, and I tell them it's a 361, they ask why I put a Ford engine in a Mopar!

[RufusTheRam]

man, that's good news! so what are my options for pistons? i'd like to do a mild bore in the rebuild... any idea what rearend i should expect under it? 8 and 3/4? i haven't crawled under it yet.

[Doug Wilson]

I have a factory dual quad manifold for it - not cheap, but original, if you're interested.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

[RufusTheRam]

how much is not cheap? the project will be on a limited budget, just trying to make a nice daily driver/highway cruiser.

[Gary]

You should have an 8-3/4 in your Chrysler, and that will hold any 361. It will probably have 3.23:1 gears unless it was special ordered.

[Marc]

I would think you have a 2.91 rear with tapered axles. The trans should be a two cable 727 auto. The engine is basically a 383 with a smaller bore. The 2X4 intake should be an inline underhood dual quad set up that was actually original on the 58 Fury with the 350ci engine, not the 361.
The 361 can make great power, the heads are small valve, but interchange with the later big blocks. What about a set of Edelbrocks?!?!

[RufusTheRam]

ok, here's the direction we're wanting the car to go in, so maybe you guys can help me on the drivetrain. i'm not at all familiar with this motor, but if it's as close to the 383 as you say i may know more than i think. also, how different is the 727 in this car different if any than late 70's-mid 80's models? my only experience with the trans is from those years. the 8 and 3/4, if it's the same as the one in my 73 duster, i know inside and out. so... here's the goal... street and highway manners are a must. first order of business is to get it in strong mechanical condition. it'll need to be able to cruise the highway at 70-80 mph with ease, and get respectable mileage. so i realize a high rearend will be needed, if it does have 2.91's that should be fine, especially when it recieves larger diamter aftermarket wheels, most likely 17's, but we also want the power to turn those gears and run maybe a high 14 sec. to 15 flat 1/4 if it had to. interior will follow next as money allows to include leather or tweed, power locks/windows, modern stereo, etc. to have the finished product be a modern, confortable, yet classic daily driver. so is the current drivetrain up to this? or should i consider an overdrive trans, 383/440, etc.? i'd like to keep the 361 and outfit it with 383 parts, but would it be cheaper to just find a 383/440? (not that the good ones exactly come cheap). any strong mopar knowledge i have stops around the 1970 mark...

[RufusTheRam]

forgot to mention it has factory or at least maybe dealer installed a/c, and that would have to be retained as well in the event of an engine swap...

[Doug Wilson]

Sorry to take so long to reply - since it's a very desireable resto part, and I just had it vapor honed, I think I need $350 for the manifold. I'll entertain swaps and offers.
My opinion is to keep the original block in it and go with later heads. Whatever you do, don't lose the original block and heads.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

[RufusTheRam]

what sort of trade? i have a fair amount of 340 duster parts, mid 80's fullsize truck, and 94-01 ram.

[gwaii]

Doug, excuse my ignorance,but what the heck is vapor honed ? Is it a term that i have never heard before,clue me in.Or was there a family of rodents living in there that you needed to get rid of.

[Marc]

The original heads should be #2463200 castings, which were also used on the 383 and 413 for 1963. They are OK heads, but definitely nothing special. The 2.08 intakes and 1.60 exhausts are OK, and they are small chamber, but they are not collectible outside of storing them away to keep the car returnable to "numbers" matching. Any 1963 big block head would do the same thing though, as they are not stamped to the CAR.
The bore/stroke of a 361 is 4.12 bore and the same 3.38 stroke as every other "B" engine. All performance stuff related to the 383 such as oiling system, cam/lifters, intakes, distributors, etc will work on a 361.
The trans is basically the same 727 internally as the later model units. The torque converter will, however, be a "small spline" and not interchange with post 1965 units. It is the spline on the input shaft that determines the convertor, and I think the change to "big" spline was around 1965. There used to be a conversion kit to the newer spline for the pre 1965 trannys, part# P3412071, but I'm sure you will probably never find the conversion kit and just be met with blank stares when stating the part#....LOL
Post pics of the car, I love the old Chryslers!