Opinions please

[Sonny]

Is spending $1300 on aluminum heads that much better than stock 340 or 360 heads? I’m not trying to lower ETs at the track. Just want my ports to match the air gap and get some more hp.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

It has a stock 360 cam and a new Edelbrock AVS2 650 carb on the air gap. The 318 Head intake ports are way smaller than the intake.

Yep.....change those heads for sure & do whatever else you can afford.
a. stock 340/360 heads $
b. cam/springs/lifters too $$
c. cam with aftermarket aluminum heads $$$
d. stroker 400+ cubic inch $$$$ (probably should upgrade transmission & rear end at this point)

Do you have an 8-3/4" rear end? (no bolts visible from the rear)

 

[Mike67]

Sounds like you want reliability and a little better performance....beautiful car by the way...
The car would be a perfect canidate for a modern Hemi swap....factory reliability, parts are readily available, modern Hemi swaps are getting cheaper and you have the capability of a modern OD trans...

 

[727]

I love big blocks and wouldn't hesitate to make the upgrade. Not knowing your skill set, budget and amount of free time, I suggested building on what you already have. If you absolutely, positivly have to have a big block here's what you need to get you started.

When looking for an engine to build. Try to find one with motor mounts, alternator bracket, power steering bracket, power steering pump, and exhaust manifolds applicable to your '70 b body. You will also need a transmission and kickdown linkage (guessing 727) for a big block. All of these items are available. It may take some time, effort, and cash to track them down if you can't find a complete set up.

There are some 383 haters on this site. It's not a bad engine. They are cheaper to pick up than 440's. You can get a strokes kit for either of these at 440 source to up the cubes.
Good luck with whatever route you take.
Nice looking car you got there!

 

[FrnkNsteen]

Wish you were closer. I have a couple motors ('77 400 & '68 383) I am getting ready to sell (pretty reasonably), and could hook you up with a 727 and all the linkages and cross-member. The motors are complete from oil pan to intake (missing pulleys and brackets though), and I am converting my Charger over to 4spd, and don't need the automatic parts anymore.

That being said, I agree with those above that it would probably be quicker and easier to upgrade what you have. If you go big block, you need to get everything you need for mounting it in (brackets, linkages, etc), but you also may have to look into upgrading the suspension (i.e. torsion bars). Putting the right "Wake-up" parts on that 360 should make a good bit of difference.

By the way,.... Nice looking car!!

 

[66Satellite47]

Is spending $1300 on aluminum heads that much better than stock 340 or 360 heads? I’m not trying to lower ETs at the track. Just want my ports to match the air gap and get some more hp.

Just for clarification, crate 360 motor that had no heads & re-used 318 heads? If this is this a purely street driven car? The stock 360 heads can be made to work just fine with a little pocket porting. Aluminum heads may not gain much HP when combined with low compression, but port flow should be big improvement. If its a true stock 360 cam, that needs an upgrade, including springs. I built a 360 for my tow vehicle van with slightly higher CR, Comp High Energy cam, pocket ported 360 heads. Made good power. Having said that, I'm still a big block guy. Your pick on B or RB. IMHO a good 400 is fine, 440 more torque. All depends on your pocket book. 40 years ago I adopted the times 2 theory, list cost of all planned costs, THEN double it. Good luck.

 

[747mopar]

I'm not a 383 hater by any means, I actually really like them I just see extra cubes as free horespower so why go smaller? Just to shed more light on the B vs RB blocks.... to incease the cubes Mopar added 3/4" to the block height (raised block) to lengthen the stroke which obviously makes them slightly wider, heavier and taller. The 400 became a popular candidate for stroker motors because of it's larger bore (larger than the 440), clearance 4 throws, turn the mains and slap the 440 crank in and you now have a 451 in a smaller package (win, win situation). I have $4,500 in mine.

 

[the mississippi madman]

Aluminum heads and stroke it to a 408

 

[65-440]

There are some 383 haters on this site. It's not a bad engine.

I agree, I am enjoying my 383 big time... big block cubes and small block stroke, can be a very potent package ! Very under estimated

 

[Sonny]

Is the 400 a bb or sb?

 

[Darter6]

If you are on a tight budget,Have you looked at Aero Head racing ? A division of Indy Cylinder Heads. Iron 360 heads reconditioned. $500 a pair and shipping.
A 400 is a "B" engine big block.

 

[Yatzee]

View attachment 613550 This is my ‘70 rr clone (Belvedere). Over the summer I swapped the 318 for a low mileage 360 crate engine. The bottom is great, good vacuum, compression, etc. but has 318 heads and exhaust manifolds, stock cam, etc. and not flowing to well with my rpm air gap.

I either want to:
A- keep 360 and install aluminum heads, hotter cam, headers, roller lifters, etc. or

B- find a 383 or 440 to rebuild, trans, and driveshaft.
I’m not looking to win car shows or sell as a rr, it’s just a fun car I enjoy but I can’t decide! I live in Florida so overheating is an issue for a 440? There is no right or wrong opinion, just curious.

Part of me thinks is it worth the work for the small jump from 0.030 bored 360 to 383?

Then there is the non existent torque box and undersized rear end issues. I think I just answered my own question lol!

Sonny

Go big or go home!

 

[Sonny]

If you are on a tight budget,Have you looked at Aero Head racing ? A division of Indy Cylinder Heads. Iron 360 heads reconditioned. $500 a pair and shipping.
A 400 is a "B" engine big block.

Those look great and I like the price. Will call them after Power Tour next week. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Basket case]

I'm a 383 fan. I would find an HP engine and rebuild it, spend some extra bucks where you can.

My 383 has all the fun I need. I had 440s for years, and for a street engine, I can't tell the difference. You don't need 700 horses for a driver.
sweet car!

 

[FrnkNsteen]

The 400 became a popular candidate for stroker motors because of it's larger bore (larger than the 440), clearance 4 throws, turn the mains and slap the 440 crank in and you now have a 451 in a smaller package (win, win situation). I have $4,500 in mine.

Yep! I have a 400in my Barracuda now that came in it. I also just picked a good original 400 from my engine guy. I have a steel crank out of my old 440 that is in good shape. Plan to build a 451 out of it for the Barracuda at some point.

 

[Kern Dog]

Throw a slant six in the dumpster!

A better idea....

 

[Darter6]

BOOO HISSS, ^^^^^^^^^ Slants are fun and will run !

 

[33 IMP]

From a dyed-in-the-wool big block lover: build the small block. The swap to a big block requires everything, and all at once. Car down for 6 months? It needs a trans for sure, mounts, bigger rear end ,new exhaust system, and maybe a new radiator.
Opposed to that, you can upgrade your 360 as time and finances allow. Here a set ot headers, there a head swap(which should make a world of difference over 318 heads) cam swap. ALL of which can be reused if you decide to go stroker later.
For what it's worth, All the hard running old mopars in my area are small block powered.) Plus noone can accuse you of trying to pass your bel off as a rr.

 

[Brandy]

While I too am a BBRB fan, for your situation I would say to beef up what you have, make it move more air. Better heads and exhaust and the right intake carb and it will surprise you. Unless, of course, you just want to have a BBRB then hell get one. The overheating issue can be dealt with through using a motorhome water pump housing with the sewer drain sized opening and good fans, big radiator. I just sold and shipped a 74 440 nearly complete BBRB to SC for less than $500 bucks. I'll sell you a BB 727 for it.