360 Crate Magnum with 904 vs 440/727 OPINIONS NEEDED

[daves68sweptline]

[Noelie84]

It's my opinion that most types of pizza are delicious


Seriously, though, what aspects of these combos are you looking for opinions on? Both will motivate your truck very well. Both will get bad gas mileage and make lovely lovely noises while they do it. The 440/727 is generally stronger in stock form, but a properly built 360/904 will be very reliable while also being capable of ruining your underwear and your rear tires

[daves68sweptline]

Thanks for the reply. Originally had way more info in this post but that was nearly a week ago. 0 replies. So I deleted all the text. I probably wasn’t specific enough. I like this board but seems like it’s a seldom used and/or visted forum. Likely due to the fact there aren’t many sweptline owners out there. I’ve had enough time to think it over and I’ll go with the small block.

Was hoping for any input on using a magnum 360/904 combo instead of the big block. I’m an A-body small block guy. I’ve never dealt with big blocks before. Small blocks are what I know.

I’ve researched a little on the engine brackets but it seems they are hard to locate for the small blocks in a 68 D100. And the aftermarket doesn’t seem to fit always. Info on this would be helpful.

Luckily the truck has the extra cross member for the tranny. I would think it mounts similarly to a car 727 or 904. I would get a new driveshaft made to length.

Once I get going on things I’ll be more specific with posts.

[Noelie84]

Thanks for the reply. Originally had way more info in this post but that was nearly a week ago. 0 replies. So I deleted all the text. I probably wasn’t specific enough. I like this board but seems like it’s a seldom used and/or visted forum. Likely due to the fact there aren’t many sweptline owners out there. I’ve had enough time to think it over and I’ll go with the small block.

Was hoping for any input on using a magnum 360/904 combo instead of the big block. I’m an A-body small block guy. I’ve never dealt with big blocks before. Small blocks are what I know.

I’ve researched a little on the engine brackets but it seems they are hard to locate for the small blocks in a 68 D100. And the aftermarket doesn’t seem to fit always. Info on this would be helpful.

Luckily the truck has the extra cross member for the tranny. I would think it mounts similarly to a car 727 or 904. I would get a new driveshaft made to length.

Once I get going on things I’ll be more specific with posts.

And most of them are old Not as much screen time as the younger generation. Generally more knowledge, though.

I've always been a 4 speed guy, but have ridden in some trucks that have a built 360 bolted to a slushbox and they go like stink. A buddy of mine had a L'il Red Express with a lightly modded 360 in it and even that truck would push you back in the seat.

Not sure about the Magnum-era trucks, to be honest, as far as engine mounts go. I've mainly tinkered with the pre-1993 stuff, but I'm pretty sure you'd need to have something custom-fabbed for it.

[Conrad]

Having driven a 318/904 combo (Scamp) vs. the 440/727 my truck has, it depends on how much you drive it and what you want when you drive it. The 'lazy' 440 sounds great but makes more noise than power (i.e. fun to drive). Feels like driving around with a paper weight out front vs. a slot car.

I would suggest looking at the engine weight combos and cost for a reliable-performance long lock. I would leave the 904 with the 'stock-ish' 318 unless you have some cash to make it last. But if you have an unlimited wallet, go for a stroker 340 and (choice of trans). But if I had that cash I would probably get an overdrive A41 trans from SST (that was formerly sold by Keisler).

http://www.hughesengines.com/TechArticl ... eights.php
Mopar Slant Six = 475
Mopar 273-318-340 "LA" V8 = 525
Mopar 360 "LA" = 550
Mopar 350-361-383-400 "B" V8 = 620
Mopar 413-426W-440 "RB" V8 = 670

[stumblinhorse]

I am working thru the plan to stroke my original 318 to 390. But did a bunch of research and phone calls and Blueprint makes a great crate 408 that has a warranty. You can get a LA block with magnum heads and still use LA valve covers to make it look more original. Dressed long block is $5k ready to run, with a dyno sheet. Figure in about $500 to 800 for the externally balance change over and brackets for accessories.

Or for about $3500 you can make your own 390

[daves68sweptline]

I just want to get it on the road and driving. The 360 should have plenty of power for trips to home depot and hauling my little 6x10 aluminum trailer. My Sprinter has been my main hauler the last couple years. Just miss driving an old mopar. Plus the truck is badass. Just need to start truckin.

904 should be okay for pedestrian trucking. I’m not pulling stumps or anything.

The engine brackets/mounts are my biggest issue at the moment.

[stumblinhorse]

The biggest issue is flexplate or flywheel, external balancing :)