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  #1  
Old 07-09-2005, 10:28 PM
sfkennedy sfkennedy is offline
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Default 361 Motor or Not

I'm looking to purchase a 1965 Coronet 500 with a 361 motor. The car needs a total (emphasis on total) restoration but seems to be pretty straight and pretty complete. I've looked everywhere for engine parts for a 361 but can't seem to find any. For certain the motor will need a complete rebuild. Plus I'd like to swap out the 2-bbl setup for a 4-bbl.
- any idea who makes rebuild parts for a 361?
- did Mopar offer a 4-bbl version of the `65 361 motor?
- are there any aftermarket parts available for this motor?
- is it possible to make a stroker motor out of 361? (that is without breaking the bank)
Any other things to look out for on this car?
Many thanks!!
Steve kennedy
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  #2  
Old 07-09-2005, 10:42 PM
TK TK is offline
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All parts off a 383 will go on a 361, except for the pistons.
And, here is what I think of 361's Damn good motors, my favorite big block, hard to kill, and make real neat power for a 361.
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Old 07-09-2005, 10:45 PM
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ehostler ehostler is offline
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RPM Machine can get you setup with an engine kit for just shy of $700. The kit includes Pistons, Rings, Gaskets, Cam Bearings, Rod Bearings, Main Bearings, Oil Pump, Freeze Plugs, Camshaft, Lifters, Prelube,Timing Set And Wrist pin Bushings where applicable.

As it is a 'B' engine, you can use B/RB heads on it. It also accepts the standard 'B' engine intake manifold.
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Old 07-09-2005, 10:50 PM
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ehostler ehostler is offline
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As far as making a stroker out of it, the standard parts to make a 383/400 stroker will work in the 361 block.

I am sure that the folks over at Speed-O-Motive can get you set up with a great stroker kit.
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Old 07-09-2005, 11:32 PM
TK TK is offline
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a 3 3/4 stroke would make it fly!
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Old 07-10-2005, 12:39 AM
MAXINE-70 MAXINE-70 is offline
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yeah, you could stroke a 361....but why? with 400 blocks relatively cheap and available, and physically identical to the 361 block it just wouldnt make sense, especially since youd have to have stroker pistons custom made for this, when theyre an off the shelf item for a 400 stroker. id suggest buying a 400 and either using the 361 crank in it (its forged) and ending up with a 400 steel crank engine, or using the 400 block and the 440 crank in it. the 361 isnt a bad motor, its just limited on its parts availability (pistons).
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Old 07-10-2005, 04:45 AM
TK TK is offline
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cause the car came with a 361, and a 361 block is thick, hard, and tough! The 400 has heat problems, and just aint as tough!
just my two cents.
Not to mention (stealing dwc's restoration soapbox) it would not be a restored car with a 400.
sorry folks, but I am one of those guys that arent blinded by cubic inch.
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Old 07-10-2005, 06:51 AM
custom880 custom880 is offline
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The 361 is a great motor as are all Mopar big blocks. It does have it's disadvantages. The biggest one is piston size. No one makes an on the shelf oversized piston for this motor. You can get them but they aren't cheap and will be cast not forged. They did make a 4 bbl 361. In fact they made a 361 with a long ram set up with two 4 bbls. I think it was called the sonoramic motor. I saw one in a car that had a siver conamdo nameplate on it.
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Old 07-10-2005, 07:32 AM
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That same engine, the Sonoramic Commando, was also used in the Dodge Dart under the D500 nameplate. Not as many of those built that way, both for Plymouth or Dodge. The Ram Induction 383 was just a tad more powerful. It was rated at 330 hp.
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Old 07-10-2005, 11:23 AM
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ehostler ehostler is offline
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A pureist would say that if you stroke the engine, it is no longer original.

As far as pistons go, most of the piston makers will be glad to make them for you. I know that Ross Pistons will make then for under $700.
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Old 07-10-2005, 01:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ehostler
A pureist would say that if you stroke the engine, it is no longer original.

As far as pistons go, most of the piston makers will be glad to make them for you. I know that Ross Pistons will make then for under $700.
Thanks E.
And Dick is right, the 383 did make a tad more, but, a 361 can perform. I have dealt with 361's in trucks, and they last forever. (and run like stink)
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Old 07-11-2005, 01:35 AM
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dave571 dave571 is offline
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I like the 361 also.

It can be made to go, but I too will say why?

It's a big block car,so put the 361 under a tarp in the corner, and put in a stroked 400 or a 440. It will be cheaper, and faster.
AND..... if you are really worried about keeping it original You will have the original engine with no fear of destroying it.
Not that the motor could actually be traced to the car anyway, since the blocks weren't numbered to the cars till 68.

As far as value goes, it would most likely be worth more with a newer high out put motor than a modified 361 anyway. Clone cars are commanding a very good dollar these days.
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Old 07-11-2005, 01:59 AM
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ehostler ehostler is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave571
Not that the motor could actually be traced to the car anyway, since the blocks weren't numbered to the cars till 68.
Try to find another 361 with the correct date codes...
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave571
As far as value goes, it would most likely be worth more with a newer high out put motor than a modified 361 anyway. Clone cars are commanding a very good dollar these days.
What would it be a clone of??? A 1965 Coronet 500, oh wait, it already is a 1965 Coronet 500. I know, he could clone a 1965 Coronet 440, but why?
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Old 07-11-2005, 02:15 AM
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Biggrin

My dad had a new '65 Coronet 500 with the 361-2bbl. Yellow, with a black interior. Good running car.

I found a chart that says only 818 were built as a 'vert. As a hardtop, 7011 were built with that motor.
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  #15  
Old 07-11-2005, 10:07 AM
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dave571 dave571 is offline
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I guess it would be a clone of a hi out put version of the car, instead of one with a 361 2 bbl.

I guess I consider any car that's not original a clone of sorts. Just my .02
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