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  #1  
Old 05-23-2005, 10:07 PM
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jd-indy jd-indy is offline
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Default Keep 360 or switch to 383?

I need to pull the 360 and auto trans out of my 69 Dart convertible to fix an oil leak and the transmission needs a rebuild. The 360 is built with 9:1 pistons , j-heads with 2.02 valves,a stock 340 cam, an edelbrock performer rpm intake and stock 340 exhaust manifolds. I also have a stock 1970 383 4bbl and automatic thats sitting in my 67 Belvedere thats not going to be back on the road for a while. My future plans for the dart include putting in a 440 or 500 stroker with aluminum heads and other light-weight parts, but this is a few years (and dollars) away. I'm thinking about dropping in the stock 383 with some headers to get the car converted to a big block. I was wondering if the 383 would perform as well as the 360 and was concerned about the extra weight (It would have to stay all iron for a while). Should I do this or keep the 360 and wait for the 440 later? Thanks.
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Old 05-23-2005, 10:46 PM
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cutting torch cutting torch is offline
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I think the 383 has a little more potential than the 360, and since you plan to convert anyway, go for it. If you weren't going to convert, I would say no, since the 360 can be made to be quite a screamer. Since you do want to convert, this will be a good way to get a head start. GO FOR IT!

torch
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Old 05-24-2005, 12:25 AM
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dwc43 dwc43 is offline
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Keep the 360. The convertable will need serious mods to take the torque from a 383.
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Old 05-25-2005, 12:04 AM
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dave571 dave571 is offline
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The 383 to 360 swap is a decent idea. Get's most of what you need for the 440 worked out.

The 440 is taller, so don't bet on everything fitting the same when you switch to it later.

I don't think it will need much more than subframe connectors, and to box in the sub frame area up front, to keep from twisting.

If teh question was "is it worth it to swap to a 383 from a 360" Generally, I'd say No. BUT since you have a much bigger picture in mind, it's not a bad idea.

I put a 400, I had laying around in my 330, before I put int he 440. It did simplify things, and made the 440 install much quicker.
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Old 05-25-2005, 02:02 AM
George G. Leverette George G. Leverette is offline
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Just thinking a stroked 383 will yeild around 440 cubes, and fit much better in the engine bay. Another thing to consider for future planning.
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Old 05-27-2005, 12:16 AM
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TrashedCharger TrashedCharger is offline
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Keep the 360.

A factory 360 has a longer stroke than a stock 383. The thing already has 9:1 pistons in it and those are some nice manifolds. If you want to go quicker, throw a bigger cam in it and match it to a new torque converter when you rebuild your transmission and get some headers (although those are nice manifolds!). The 360 is a MUCH better fit than any big block.

Trying to convert an A body into a big block without going to a 440 is a waste of time. It's hard enough throwing a 383 inbetween those fenders, so you might as well go all the way with a big block and go 440. The 383 is dead weight in the front of that car. You're only gaining 23 cubes (probably less since the 360 has probably had at least a .030" overbore for the new pistons.) and you gain a LOT of weight.

If this thing is a street car (most likely is, as making a drag race car out of a convertible is a waste of everything) than you'll notice a lack in handling capabilities going to a 383 as well. I don't even know if you can keep power steering with a big block. You may be able to, but I can't recall.

A bodies handle like crap with big blocks in them and the restrictive exhaust and added weight is just enough to make that 383 quick enough to pull it's own weight as fast as the current 360 setup in your car is already going.

Yes, a big block A body will go faster than a small block A body that has the same modifications, but it will handle poorly compared to a small block and a 383 is a waste of a big block conversion in an A body when compared to a 440.

If I had a choice, I would even go stroker 360 over a 440 conversion in an A body unless it was an all out drag car and nothing else.

Again, keep the 360.
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Old 05-27-2005, 12:27 AM
73scamp318 73scamp318 is offline
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i would say yes, BUT get a 400 block to stroke to 500, its a low deck and will be easier to fit. also that way it will fit the same as the 383, sell you 360 stuff and start buying the stroker stuff!!!

steve
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Old 05-28-2005, 12:53 AM
Rug_Trucker Rug_Trucker is offline
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383's become 431's with a stock cast 440 crank. Put the 360 back in and build a 431 or 451+ B stroker at you leasure. A BB A can handle, all it takes is $$$$$$$$$
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