I found a good deal on a fresh rebuilt 361 motor and was wondering if these are any good? I have a 76 Dodge D100 stepside I could put it in. It has a regular 318 with 60k on it but needs valve stem seals. I also have a fresh 318 poly I could put in there as well. Wat are your opinions as to what to put in there of these choices, and is this 361 a decent motor?
84 Ram
10-26-2007, 09:14 PM
The 318 Poly and the 361 are both excelent engines but, the aftermarket don't offer a lot of parts for them. The 361 is a pretty powerful engine making 310 HP , and 435ft lb looks like the 361 would make a good torquey truck motor.
GHS
10-26-2007, 09:26 PM
A 361 is nothing more than a 383 with fewer cubes. Except for pistons and rings, all parts are interchangeable. It also has the small-valve heads, which limit power. With '68, or later heads, the right cam, and improved intake and exhaust, it's a good engine. In stock form, it's somewhat disappointing.
84 Ram
10-26-2007, 09:26 PM
The 361 was used in somee of chryslers big cars and there really big trucks. It was run in the D-600,700,800 from the years 61-71.
Speed Dragon
10-26-2007, 10:20 PM
The 361 was the 2nd big block Chrysler came out with, started w/ the 350 in '57, then came out w/ the 361 in '58, IIRC. Was never really a performance engine, mostly used in trucks and full-size Chryslers, like Imperials, New Yorkers etc. You could probably put a cam and a 440 top end on it and make it scream.
