Opinions on powerplant

[RAD1229]

  Ok, I have been a member here mfor a while and the kind people of this board have helped me to assemble my dreamcar!! Its a 72 challenger.  I haven't been real active over the past few years because of a move, a new job teaching and coeaching, and I just got married; but lately I have been back to my neglected mistress!! 
    I want more power! (currently running a tired 360, an upgrade from a 318) So I have decided to have a 360 built for me. I was going to assemble it  my self but because I coach and teach time is short and I want it done right I am having a local speedshop build it. It is going to be around 9.5:1 compression ratio.
  This is where it gets interesting.  Today I came across a guy with a 69' 383 that is complete from fan and pan to the 727 trans. for a reasonable price.  SO I am left to wander ...Big Block or small block?  I am really just looking for some feedback here to make me feel a little better!
  This is how I feel about the decision! 

Thanks lots
RAD

[Alaskan_TA]

If both have the stock bore, you only gain 23 CID with the 383. You also gain about 100 pounds and have to find a new transmission or bellhousing.

You could get a stroker kit for the 360 and end up with more CID than the 383 and still have less weight as well. 

Personally, I would stick with the 360.

Best of luck with the decision. 

Barry

[hemi71]

 

Between the 383 or the 360....the 360 for all the above reasons.

If you are going thru the expense of changing to a big block, go to the 440.

[RAD1229]

As I have been running through the situation in my head I agree..I like the 360 idea.  But I have another question, its kinda off topic.  What makes a car #'s matching  Is it just the block matching the body or is there more to it..just thought I'd ask!

BTW thanks for the feedback it makes me feel better about my decisions!

[Alaskan_TA]

Two articles on numbers matching;

http://www.aarta.com/numbers_matching/numbers_matching.html

http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/numbersMatching.shtml

If you have any question on it after you read them just ask?

T/Ake care,
Barry

[RAD1229]

 Barry,  do those same criteria hold true on pre 70' vehicles?   Also what is the difference in the commando and magnum motors from ordinary 383 or 440.

   Thanks for the info in the articles!!
  RAD

[Alaskan_TA]

The numbers hold true for '69, and for some '68s. They started stamping engine and tranny serial numbers sometime during the '68 model year.

For '67 and earlier bodies, the stamped numbers are the vehicle order number, not the VIN.

Commando - Plymouth

Magnum - Dodge

The performance engines had a hotter cam and dual exhaust.

Anything before or after 1970 I am a bit sketchy on, most of my time is spent researching the 1970 stuff, so if anyone has other thoughs please feel free to correct me. 

T/Ake care,
Barry

[Carlwalski]

Go the 383ci I say. If you build a stroker 360 why not spend that money on a Big Block? 
At least that way you start off with more hp and more cubes.

Mopar rule of thumb is:

A Small block is 100lbs lighter than a Big Block. A Big Block is 100lbs lighter than a HEMI.
100lbs in extra weight is a loss of around 10hp. You do the maths.


 

[Alaskan_TA]

It depends on what you want / expect out of the car too. Any additional weight over the front wheels with have an effect on handling. If you like going around corners fast, keep as much weight off the front wheels as possible. If you like to drag race, same thing, lighter weith up front and you will get better weight transfer and your rear tires will hook up better.

That said, you could build a 383 with aluminum heads and be close to the same weight as an iron head 360.

But then if you have the money for aluminum heads and already have a 360, you can shed even more weight and have a car that handles that much better.

So it comes down to what you want and what you are expecting from the car and your budget.

Tom Cannon is getting 120 MPH 1/4 mile times with his 340 T/A on stock polyglass tires,  he kicks some big block cars hard right where it hurts.

Just food for thought, it is your car and your decision.

As a die hard small block fan I am biased and freely admit it, I like going fast straight just as much as going fast around corners. 

Barry

[RAD1229]

  I agree...I am a SB fan and prob going to keep the Chally a SB  but I think I will get the 383 for dad who drives a 69 RR originally a 383 car now sporting a 440.  He has wanted to go back to a 383 for a while and this looks like a good opportunity.

  I am not looking to be a world beater at the track! I just want my car that looks like it has balls to really have them!  I am very eager to see what kind of power that this 360 will make.

[Carlwalski]

As I thought, you wouldn't be in it for drag racing. E-Bodies are basically whales around corners and if you did have money to spend on making them corner ("better") obviously money wouldn't be a factor so big block would have been the call. No replacement for displacement. You'll have fun with your 360ci let us know how you get on. 


From one small block owner to another. 

[Street_Challenged73]

Awe, no option of a 340 in the mix?   The 360 built healthy will produce some good power for you.  I'd say still buy the 383 if you have the funds and room as perhaps it'll work out in another project of yours. (or your father's RR)

[Alaskan_TA]

Whales around corners? 

I have gone around tight corners in my T/A at close to 100 mph, so I must disagree. 

They can corner exeptionally well without a lot of weight up front.

It was not smart, but as a lad in my teens and 20s I never lost a road race in the car and I raced a lot of 440s. They fell behind in the corners and up the hills every time. 

Barry

[Carlwalski]

Whales around corners? 

I have gone around tight corners in my T/A at close to 100 mph, so I must disagree. 

They can corner exeptionally well without a lot of weight up front.

It was not smart, but as a lad in my teens and 20s I never lost a road race in the car and I raced a lot of 440s. They fell behind in the corners and up the hills every time. 

Barry

They can take corners don't get me wrong, I've had fun in the Cuda too. 
But they don't take them well, if you say they handle well, you're obviously just talking up Ma Mopar.

I love Mopar and these cars but they just can't handle well, for their time, "maybe" but man around round-abouts and 90 degree corners it's really a whale. I'm just stating the truth. Open roads and some windy bends, yeah, sure they handle nicely and are nice to drive but are they good, no.

 

[RAD1229]

SC,  would love to have a 340...they are few and far between here have come across none here in about 6 yrs.  next best thing is the 360 for me!