Rebuilding an '81 360...is it worth it/suggestions?

Tin Man

The '81 360 I transplanted into my '85 Cj is now in need of a rebuild and after perusing the original (dismal)specs from this year motor I'm curious what kind of results I can expect with what the rebuilder has to work with? I currently have a performer manifold and four barrel, headers, and dual exhaust. I'm not in search of crazy hp/torque numbers but have to admit, MC's 400hp thread is intriguing. Any suggestions I can take to the rebuilder for this engine? New heads are out for now so the factory units will have to suffice. Looking in the 9-9.5 to one compression range and a cam will be included. The rebuild will cost $1650 with coated pistons, $1850 with forged pistons and a 5year/60k warranty either way. This is from a very reputable local buider. I can pick up a 401 long block for about $2200 with core charge from another local builder with a two year/24k warranty but I have no idea as to their reputation and was less than impressed by the salesman I talked to. Thanks in advance for your help. J

jeepsr4ever

Any 360 Any year is always worth it. Their heads never were less flow from 1974 to 91. The only differences were 1. camshaft 2. smog 3. intake and carb I wouldnt hesitate to build a 88 360

rollen dean montoya

JUST REBUILD IT MAN!!!!!!! :lo1l: :mrgreen: =D> :t:

ol' school power

Build it!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Tin Man

Looks like a rebuild is in order...any suggestions for the builder? I figure I'll hand them the list from 400hp thread as far as valves, comp, and cam go. Wise decision? Thanks again guys. J

jeepsr4ever

Hey Tinman I will put up a special topic area for your buildup if your serious and can take a few pictures. Cam is relative to 1. compression 2. valve spring rate 3. rpm range 4. peak hp-tq 5. rocker ability 6. pushrod integrity 7. lifter style Let us know what your shooting for as far as daily driver-race-offroad...ect

Tin Man

The Jeep will be used as a fair weather daily driver and weekend warrior. Medium to harcore rocks and maybe the dunes once a year. Running 35's with 4.56 locked front and rear. Primarily looking for torque, it won't see much high rpms.
As I am nearing the end of a two and a half year build up I am trying to keep an eye on funds so I am looking for the best bang for the buck power-wise. Engine gets pulled this week and sent off for reman.

Here's what I spent the last two plus years and most of my income on... http://www.otisace.com/JON/Jeep/
Thanks again for the help and suggestions.

Dusty

Depending on how well you want to build the motor, i think Fast engine parts.com ... maddog racing had 343 kits (should be same parts?) with forged 360 pistons for $850 and the 360 cast kit for $400. I probably would opt for a different Cam but thats me cause i would like it to spin to 5500. but thier kit does have an operating range of 2000-4000 A little more RPMs to play with when passing is really nice. If you plan on keeping it id spen the extra change for forged pistons but shoot stock cast pistons have been known to last a long time. I opted for the Howards cam at .479 lift 222@.50" 292 total dur and a 114 seperation. All in a 10:1-10.5:1 401 I would build it 9.5:1-10:1 Forged pistons .30 .470-.490 lift 218-224 duration @ .50" 270-295 total duration 114 lobe seperation prefered for idle but 110-114 would be cool 108 is the lope (MC could probably coach you through evaluating this really well) Additional mods Air gap intake or Performer New cam gear and Dist gear DUI Distributor or the bulltear more affordable alternative Nickle plated timing cover / oil pump set from bulltear. Thatd be my thoughts, but im a little 111!!!