Need some Big Block Schoolin'

[Darter6]

I have a passion for doing odd ball stuff. I also work on a very small budget.Here is what I'm working on.1963 361 in need of pistons. One was damaged from a stuck valve. The bore is standard 4.125.They make tons of pistons of that bore size for Chevys. I know that the wrist pin size is smaller than Mopar. The question is can you bush the Mopar rod to use the Chevy piston ? Cost factor for the Chevy performance pistons is about $200 for 8. Looking up pistons for a 361 low po cast slugs is about $600 for 8.
I do like the challenge and also like to use what I have as far as Block, Crank and Rods.
Any advise for a novice at home engine builder ?

 

[dryheat]

I guess anything is possible but you'll need to verify your compression height on those Cheby pistons first. Personally I would just get the pistons that are correct for your engine.

 

[rumblefish360]

At a $400 cost difference, it’s worth the look and twisting the mind a little for the challenge. The cost difference could be rolled over to newer and lighter rods that already have the pin size needed with the Mopar journal. I think that rod is EZ to get, no?

If you contact the piston manufacturer, often they will adjust the off the shelf piston with 1 or 2 mods before they call it “custom” and charge more.

The thing that comes to mind is valve angles & the pistons valve pockets.
Pin height is also another adjustable spec.

 

[gtxracer]

I guess anything is possible but you'll need to verify your compression height on those Cheby pistons first. Personally I would just get the pistons that are correct for your engine.

I agree with "dryheat'. There is nothing wrong with adventure and experiments but every trip you make too the machine shop it costs more money.

 

[Dajkzo]

The answer is yes, you could make a bushing for the rods. However, you need to turn the bushing, press it in and then machine the hole to the proper size which is a close tolerance. But you have approx .350 difference in compression height. A 361 B block is very different from a SBC.
There are piston kits at Summit for the 361 in the $400+ price range. You can also purchase one piston.

 

[747mopar]

Once you confirm that the compression height, valve reliefs, etc will all work I'd order pistons set up for a floating pin and bush the rods. This is very common in performance builds so it should be doable.

 

[dvw]

More trouble and cost than it's worth. Small bore 361, poor head. Better off to find a cast off 383 that runs ok .
Doug

 

[rumblefish360]

More trouble and cost than it's worth. Small bore 361, poor head. Better off to find a cast off 383 that runs ok .
Doug

For general performance, it'll be OK.
I'll tell ya small block guys (340/360 engines) would love that head and valve size stock on there mills.

 

[Darter6]

Thanks for all the info. I know it's odd,I just hate to scrap things that have possible use. This was just a thought about what to do with it.We pulled it out of a car 40 years ago. Maybe I'll just keep the crank.Not that I need another project.
As far as heads go I do have a set of worked 440 Source heads.
You guys know the story "I have this intake,maybe I'll build a engine around it.God knows I can't get rid of it".