318 to 360 swap: which 360?

[scottlanes]

So that recent post about poly 318->360 got me thinking about doing it in my 68 satellite which now has a 318 with 140k miles.

I'm going to assume for the moment that the external balancer issue is a pretty easy refit, and other than that it should drop right in. Feel free to correct me on that if im off.

My real question is what year 360 should I look for? Are any years worth avoiding?

thanks in advance....

-scott

 

[Cranky]

Most 360's are pretty close in power but there were a few that had more power....like the ones that came in the Super Coupes etc. Seems like there was an early hi po 360 too but I never paid much attention to them since they were usually considered a smog motor. Yes, they are externally balanced but you can get the offset flexplate for use on a neutral balanced converter. Just use the front balancer that came on the 360 and don't use the 318 exhaust manifold either. Btw, they all had cast cranks but they are not whimps like GM's cast cranks are.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I'll agree with Cranky on the engine but I'd like to add there may be a difference is motor mount brackets. It's been a while since I messed with small blocks but it's possible the 318 brackets may not work. A buddy and I put a 340 in a 69 Dart years ago and I think we had to shim the drivers side mount to make the engine sit level.

 

[Red63440]

They also had the 360 intercepter engine in the Little Red Express

 

[Cranky]

I'll agree with Cranky on the engine but I'd like to add there may be a difference is motor mount brackets. It's been a while since I messed with small blocks but it's possible the 318 brackets may not work. A buddy and I put a 340 in a 69 Dart years ago and I think we had to shim the drivers side mount to make the engine sit level.

Passenger side bracket is the same but the driver's side is different but still can be used with a spacer or washers to take up the difference....