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bbrasse1

Posted 2016-07-01 6:18 PM (#515686)
Subject: 361 cu in Firedome engine advice

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 537
500

Location: Upstate NY

I have a 361 cu inch 2 barrel carb version in my 58 Firdome. Was this a good engine worth rebuilding or should I put the more recognized and possibly more reliable 383 in it? The current 361 is rebuildable but there are other items on the vehicle that are not keeping it original so now is the time to make a decision. I know nothing about the 361 so that is why I am asking advice. I have already put 3800 dollars in my 57 341 rebuild so I want to be smart about investing more in another car.

BigBlockMopar

Posted 2016-07-01 6:36 PM (#515688 - in reply to #515686)
Subject: Re: 361 cu in Firedome engine advice

Expert

Posts: 3575
2000

Location: Netherlands

An engine is as reliable as the mainainance it gets.
A 383 is not more reliable than a 361.

That said, what ever you decide, you will need the 361's crank as it has an extended crank-flange which bolts to the convertor (provided you still have a castiron transmission).
Unless you find a usable pre '62 413 engine, which would be a fairly bolt-in deal.

b5rt

Posted 2016-07-01 8:37 PM (#515694 - in reply to #515686)
Subject: Re: 361 cu in Firedome engine advice

Expert

Posts: 2519
2000

Location: central Illinois

I always thought the 361 was the most under rated engine Chrysler made. Quick revving, big block torque and if tuned correctly can get good gas mileage. Only issue I see is finding pistons for it and that's only because I've never gone looking for them. Resale wise, certain people would put a higher value on a car with an original engine.

Viper Guy

Posted 2016-07-01 10:10 PM (#515702 - in reply to #515686)
Subject: Re: 361 cu in Firedome engine advice

Expert

Posts: 2004
2000

Location: Branson, MO

The 383 B block is just a 361 bored out to 4.25". Stroke is the same.

Powerflite

Posted 2016-07-01 11:42 PM (#515710 - in reply to #515694)
Subject: Re: 361 cu in Firedome engine advice

Expert 5K+

Posts: 9741
5000

Location: So. Cal

b5rt - 2016-07-01 5:37 PM

... Resale wise, certain people would put a higher value on a car with an original engine.

I agree with this statement. It is neat to still have the original motor in it. But is it worth the extra cost to do so? Only you can decide that. In this case the extra cost is just with the pistons. Everything else would be the same. The 361 in my '58 Desoto is going to get a stroker crank to boost the cubes and probably a '62 727 transmission to mate to it. I like having the original motor, but don't care for the original trans.

bbrasse1

Posted 2016-07-02 7:09 AM (#515726 - in reply to #515686)
Subject: Re: 361 cu in Firedome engine advice

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 537
500

Location: Upstate NY

Thanks for all your input and help. I never realized the 383 was the same engine only bored. I think I will stick with the numbers matching engine. I also waasn't aware the crank flange was different for my transmission. Again, great advice thanks.

FIN_NV

Posted 2016-07-02 9:17 AM (#515734 - in reply to #515686)
Subject: Re: 361 cu in Firedome engine advice

Expert

Posts: 4589
2000

Location: Northern New Jersey

I have a 361-2 BBL in my 60 Desoto. It Runs great, and will chirp the tires from a dead stop.
Leavyour car as original as possible.
If you want a car to modify, get a 57 Chevy.

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