What engine do I need

[73Sportsman]

I've got a 73 Sportsman B300 RV with a 360. I blew it up and need to replace it. Is there a reason that all the information I find says that I can only replace the engine with a 71-74 360? The problem is that it is almost impossible to find a 71-74 360 for cheap. Will any other years fit? :help:

[stev]

I wonder if a 340 will fit and mate to the tranny? Will a 383 fit too? The 318 may be under power for the application unless it's made into a 349 stroker to move the B300RV.

With so many muscle car engine blocks out there for the 360 71-74 era, one should be able to find an engine. The 360 was a favorite in those Duster's or Dart's in that era too.

[Dodgevanman]

Any pre-Magnum (93-02) 360 will drop right into your RV. I guess the reasoning for the 71-74 only thing is the way 360 was spec'd out back then. ???? I don't know.

To add to what Stev typed, a 340 would drop in, but you'll pay a heck of a lot more for a 340 than a 360. A 383, 400, or 440 would drop into your RV, but you'd be looking at several changes needing to be made before you could do the job.

[B-300]

I think the reasons the '71-'74 is listed as a group are:
1. The '71-'74 was offered with only a 2bbl carb and had small port heads because of this... Later models had a 4bbl option which used larger port heads.
2. The '71-'74 360 engine used thrust washers that were seperate from the #3 crankshaft main bearings. On the later engines the #3 thrust washers are made with the bearing.. This I have read about but never seen.
(A 360 block from '71-'92 will fit. )

[73Sportsman]

Thanks for the input everyone This gives me a little more hope.

[77Utiline]

Also 71-74 had "heavy duty" or industrial blocks. On the side of the block just above the starter it will give the displacement etc. also from 71-74 if it reads 360-3 or something along those lines they are the heavy duty block

[B-300]

The '71-'74 blocks are thickwall castings that can be overbored more... They be safely bored 0.060" over. Later blocks are thinner so they warm-up faster with less emissions.
The 360-3 engine has different heads+valves, timing chain (double roller) and water pump/timing cover. It is the heavy duty engine and is used in motorhomes also.