361 rebuild

[Danny1983]

I have a 67 C500 with a 361 in it and I'm hoping some one can help me with finding a good master rebuild kit for it. Surprisingly NAPA actually has a 1967 Dodge C500 361 CU.IN in their search but I'm afraid the rebuild kit isn't really for mine, I just have that kind of luck where everything matches up and I order it and turns out to be for something slightly different. Also I know there is a difference in 361's used in the medium/heavy duty trucks and the one in passenger cars. Also was toying around with the idea of stroking the 361 to get alittle more torque out of it, is there a kit for that or would it be better to piece one together?
Thanks.
Danny

[712edf]

Welcome Danny.
Why do you feel the NAPA kits wouldn't be correct? You are right in that the 361 in trucks is somewhat different than the passenger car 361. This difference lies mainly in the cylinder head, water pump & intake areas. For the record I think the passenger car 361 disappeared in maybe 1962. I'm fairly certain it was gone by 65. The medium duty truck 361 was made til 1977.

As for torque increases I can't help you as far as what is available. I'm surprised there is even a rebuild kit still offered.

I have owned two 361 engines, both from 1961 DeSoto's.

Bucky

[Bullheadbum]

I had a factory installed 361 in a 1966 Charger. That was probably the last year in passenger cars.

[712edf]

I believe you are correct, it was still around in 1966 in cars.

Bucky

[Kaegi]

I would look for factory part numbers for what you want and look up the vintage NOS mopar suppliers. and check ebay. there is a lot of NOS parts on ebay. if I rebuild my truck 361 ever I'm just going to put flat top pistons, a bigger cam and port the heads and manifolds a bit. also going 4 barrel. mine just runs so dam good i cant bring myself to tear it apart! it uses ZERO oil even running 4.88s and short 17.5s wound up tight on the highway

[Danny1983]

Thanks for the replies and ideas. Bucky, like I said its just my luck so I've always been alittle paranoid and often look for some reassurance, I'll probably take the plunge and do it just wanted to check.
Thanks again.
Danny

[Hulkd700]

I have 1963 D700 with a 361. I couldn't tell you about the rebuild kit compatibility but I can tell you that the distributor is different than a car engine. We found this out the hard way.

[Kaegi]

the piston rings might be different than a car. more HD with chromoly top ring. the valves are different and the oil pump is very high output. the cam is different because the cam is gear driven not chain driven. gear drive is the best. distributor is reverse rotation because of this as well. I suppose that could mean the oil pump is different as well? but your engine most likley doesnt need an oil pump and may not need cam or timing gears either. unless it has 400 k on it.