Possible 408 Stroker Build - Core Advice

[dave73chally]

I'm thinking of having a 408 stroker built out of a 360 core while I drive the 318. I found a 1972 360, full bottom end and heads. Engine was rebuilt a number of years ago, 3k miles on rebuild, bored 20 over but 2 pistons are missing, not exactly sure why and engine has been sitting for awhile. What sort of issues would cause the removal of 2 pistons that would make this core useless to a stroker build? Guy is asking $150 for everything. Is this a good route to go?

I won't be building the engine myself, I don't have the tools or know-how. Any information you can provide to help me make a sound judgement would be very helpful.

[dfrazz]

The first thing I would do is have the engine magnufluxed to identify cracks in cylinder heads, engine block, connecting rods and crankshaft.  Then you have a foundation to go off.  What does the $150 include?  When I was considering stroking my 360 the pricing I was getting was $4000-6000 for everything (R&R the engine including magnuflux, deck the block, all parts and labor).

[Chryco Psycho]

All of the wreckers in my area would sell 360 for $150 probably still running , nothing special about a 72 block , you can use the 86-92 block with the roller cam provisions & the better 308 heads for example  , or the later 360 magnum .

[dpcd67]

True, 360s are used as boat anchors around here.  You never know what will turn up until the shop boils it and magnafluxes it, even if it is running. But usually there is no problem. My 340 had a deep gouge from a broken ring which barely cleaned up after .030 bore and hone. 

[dave73chally]

So would the recommendation be to pass on this 72 setup and look for the later roller cam block or magnum block? Or is this 72 block worthwhile for a stroker candidate? For what it's worth, there aren't many 360's around here that I've seen for sale.

Also, my car has the stock 3 speed. Would this be too much motor for that tranny and I should go to an A-833 4 Speed?

[Chryco Psycho]

Make sure you know what you want , , the block you are looking at might be fine if it is what you want. price is reasonable  , if you want to use a hyd roller cam  the later block is better , the magnum & LA heads are totally different as well , personally I prefer the LA Shaft style with a more stable rocker system etc but the magnum design has some advantages as well .
 As a stroker core you use very little of the original engine anyway , block , maybe heads is about all , everything else is upgraded so if the block is std bore , in good condition & checks out OK it will be fine if you want other features 71-85 are la block , 86 -92 are LA roller cam blocks  , 88-92 have the 308 heads ,  93 up are magnum , most trucks & vans from 86-until the Hemi  should have V8 318 or 360 .
 3 spd will live they were std behind 383 as well

[dave73chally]

Awesome, thanks for the info Chryco. This engine has been bored .20 over, I'm going to keep looking for a better base.

[Chryco Psycho]

I am not going to tell you what to do but just providing info so you can make the best choice for you .

[dave73chally]

Found a local 360 magnum for sale. It's a 93, with 50k miles out of a Dodge Ram. Blown head gasket, motor was pulled when gasket blew. Anything I should look out for? Will I need a different oil pan? He's asking $200, pan to carb.

[dfrazz]

$200 for a complete engine sounds maybe a little too good.  I would want to know what caused the blown head gasket with only 50k miles.  Again, you probably will not know everything wrong with the engine, especially since it is not in running condition, until you tear into it.  Even if you have to R&R the engine with most of the parts you want, $200 is a good start.  That is unless the block is cracked.

[RCCDrew]

Magnum heads are known for cracking at the exhaust seat. Get them checked if you go that route.

[Rob C]

$200 for a complete Magnum engine? Go for it. Your not going to use the heads anyway are ya?
Of course not. You would onl be choking then crap out of it at 400 cubes so the condition of he OE heads matters not. Maybe good for resale at best.

All you really need is a good block. IMO, if the '72 checks out good, go for that. Ask for a block price only. Better to start off with a LA block IMO. Then you could run either head.

[Chryco Psycho]

If you are going to use LA style heads the Magnum block will not have oiling for the rocker shafts & you cannot pushrod oil the shaft style rockers

[dave73chally]

Did some more thinking and I'm inquiring again about the 72 LA block, I think that will better suit what I want over a Magnum. The casting number is 3418496-5-360, what does the -5 call out? Engine is bored .30 over, will this be an issue when building it into a stroker?

Also comes with the stock heads and an extra set of 360 freshwater cooled marine heads. Are these worth anything?

[dave73chally]

Here's a few pics of the block I'm looking at:






Heads: