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Opinions please

Sonny

It’s all fun til the rabbit gets the gun.
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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
 
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I nice set of aluminum heads and cam should wake it up pretty good for a bit less than doing a big block swap... would be plenty enjoyable still
Just my opinion
 
Those heads & manifolds are garbage for performance. I'd just do the 360 over with your idea. ( and... nice car !)
 
Cheaper to build on what you have!

I also offer bad advice for $5.00
 
In an effort to make positive contributions to the world my good advice is free.

I figured putting a price on bad advice would make one think twice.
 
I'd sell the small block stuff and buy / build up a 440.

I like big blocks in 66-70 b bodies. If I'm putting in a big block, it's going to be an RB.
 
I like big blocks myself and cooling is not an issue at all if you put a big enough radiator and fan on them. This will get expensive quick in comparison to working with what you have so if you do it I wouldn't even consider a 383. My vote is put a good set of heads, cam, intake and carb on it and enjoy unless you can score a cheap BB drivetrain. 360's are no slouch at all and down the road if you decide you want more you can slap a supercharger on it:thumbsup:.
 
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I'd sell the small block stuff and buy / build up a 440.

I like big blocks in 66-70 b bodies. If I'm putting in a big block, it's going to be an RB.
A 400 is a BB and has a larger bore with less weight, height and width, with a 440 or stroker crank it's my pick..... I like the best of all worlds:lol:.

Also most don't realize their value so they're usually pretty cheap.
 
Keep the 360, add a SCAT 408 stroker kit w/ aluminum heads.
 
It's not a real clone till it has a big block in it.


However, keeping the 360 would be the cheapest route
 
Forgot something.... BADASS Belvedere!!! I really like the color with the black rims, looks sharp!
 
Honestly, I would stay small block. Depending on the cash in your pocket, maybe even some stock 340/360 heads, medium sized cam & a 4-barrel in the 600-650cfm range would be perfect (if you don't already have one now). The 318 heads are the big power limiting item on your motor FOR SURE. A stock 340/360 cams isn't bad, but the 318 stock cams suck.
 
It's not a real clone till it has a big block in it.


However, keeping the 360 would be the cheapest route

I agree. Kind of defeats the purpose of cloning if no big block. Car is very cool looking.
 
I'm a 383 fan. I would find an HP engine and rebuild it, spend some extra bucks where you can.
 
I'd sell the small block stuff and buy / build up a 440.

I like big blocks in 66-70 b bodies. If I'm putting in a big block, it's going to be an RB.
What’s a “RB”?
 
Honestly, I would stay small block. Depending on the cash in your pocket, maybe even some stock 340/360 heads, medium sized cam & a 4-barrel in the 600-650cfm range would be perfect (if you don't already have one now). The 318 heads are the big power limiting item on your motor FOR SURE. A stock 340/360 cams isn't bad, but the 318 stock cams suck.
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.
 
Rb stands for raised block, aka 426 wedge, and 440. B block series blocks are 350, 361, 383, and 400
 
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