304 vs 360 - one builders opinion

 

 

"Simply put, the small bore/same stroke/ small valves of the 304 just won't let it turn the rpm the 360 will."

 

I think 6800 is quite impessive from a STOCK long block, A cam (valve springs) intake and headers are nothing but very mild easy bolt-ons, the engine was completely STOCK otherwise. No head porting, 8:1 compression, factory valve job, no over bore, nothing but a smog 74 304 with a few parts beet in with a hammer. It went 6800 with ease. Altho there may be dozen of bone stock long block 8:1 360s on here turning 7500+ making the 6800 just average, since the 304s small bore, same stroke and small valves are no match for the superior 360s.

 

I have no complaints about the 360.  Mine has always gotten me where I needed to with reasonable power, fuel economy, and smoothness. It always starts right away and doesn't hessitate or complain.  It's like driving a modern car, and runs better and better each and every day.  I have no reservations about driving this car hundreds of miles cross-country, it has been so reliable to me. That is what makes a good engine in my book.

 

I like the MoPar 1992-2993 Magnum 5.9 (Updated Chrysler LA 360). The one in my family's Dodge behaves alot like my Jeep's 360. They both behave themselves quietly under the hood while being reasonable on gas and waking up when needed when the pedal is punched.

 

4.0L's and 2.5L's, however, dissapoint me. I wish I had a dollar for every one I've heard with a rod or main knock...or a wobbling harmonic balancer...or a shot water pump bearing. Noisy little suckers. As the years progressed, they kept increasing power output while decreasing block strength and bearing size: not a good combo. Just give me a 258. I know people love and get 200,000 miles out of the 4.0L, but alot of that is due to the electronic engine management. A 360 will go just as long if people actually gave them a proper tune-up.