361 Cam and Piston Suggestions

[Ben_10]

Hello all,

I'm planning on pulling the original 2-brl 361 out of my 1966 Plymouth Satellite for a reseal in the coming months and while I have the engine out I would like to put in a rowdier camshaft than original and maybe even some better pistons. This motor looks like its in great shape and I don't believe it needs machine work, with that being said this is new territory for me and I don't know what I'm looking at.

My question is what pistons and cam would you all recommend on a budget? I would like to note that I am putting a 4-brl carb on as well and I currently have 3.90 rear gears.

Thanks!

 

[493 Mike]

Your money would get you a lot more with a larger engine to start with. Put that 361 in storage.
Mike

 

[qkcuda]

I went down this route with the 361 in my Charger. My short block was in good shape, so I had the heads redone and added a small cam (204/214) which was close to the original 383 4 barrel grind, and a performer intake and four barrel. With the stock pistons and composition head gaskets compression was right at 8.5:1, and I think you would be hard pressed to find new pistons that would provide more compression. It ran well but I always felt like I needed more torque, especially because I am still running the stock 2.94 gears. You may be happier with it since you are running 3.91 gears. I ended up building a 400 which I am in the process of installing now. The original 361 and transmission is going under the work bench.