360 rebuild Questions

[Chewievette]

Hi all, I'm doing my homework getting ready for a 360 rebuild and a few of my questions I just cant seem to get answered. My one big one right now is something a friend told me, that a 440 big block crank will fit in a 360, is this true? If so does that mean there's the potental to stroke a 360 out to 4.15 inches? (using a 440 stroker crank) Another question of mine was that I read online that there have been a few of the early thick bore blocks that have gone .100 over, how many have done this successfully? I'd think that before even considering this you'd have to find an early block and have it sonic tested, but what else could be done to ensure some level of reliability with a bore that big? But if my calculations are correct then isn't it theoretically possible to make a 438 cu in small block? Perhaps more with new rods and offset grinding on the crank? I'm also curious about how reliable big inch engines like this are, would it last me more than one trip down the 1/4mi? I'll be back with more questions soon.

Thanks.

[MAW]

It "may" be possible to stuff the 440 crank into a 361 block, since both are essentially "B" series motors. Not so with the 360 which is an "LA" series motor.

Regards, Mark

[riverhorse59]

I dont profess to be any Chrysler expert ,but I happen to have the Chrysler racing manual in front of me and so far from what I can find I think the answer is no. Maybe Your friend is confusing your 360 with the old 361 block .the 361, 383, and 400 are part of the b series family --lo block. The 413,426,and 440 are part of the b series family-- hi block or rb block.Quite a few parts are interchangable in this b series. The LA engine family consist of the 273,318, 340,and 360 engines. many of these engine parts are interchangable.This book is over 25 years old, 877pages long . put out by chrysler. Its called the Mopar Direct Connection Racing Manual. This book tells you everything You need to know about anything Chrysler.I would suggest that You go to your local Dodge /Chrysler parts counter, look for the oldest counterman there and ask him about this book.I waited several hours for a knowledgeable chylsler man to jump in here and help you out.No luck so far .This is the best I can do and dont put two much stock in what I have said ,as I was just skipping through trying to find info for you.