crate motor

I would recommend running 9.2 to 9.5 compression, an edelbrock sp2p intake or edelbrock ld4B or wiand dual plane intakes with this crane cam:

Grind #: Z-268-2

Good low end and mid range torque and HP, good idle,
daily usage, off road, towing, economy, mild marine
performance, also mild turbocharged, 2400-2800
cruise RPM, 8.5 to 10.0 compression ratio advised.


Power band: 1200-5000


We rebuilt a 360 back in the day for our 4x4 Warlock II with this cam and it was great! With the stock 360 we got 9 mpg, after rebuilding it with this crane cam were at 11.5 pulling a car on a trailer with MUCH more torque and power.

I also strongly recommend using Rhoades variable duration lifters part #: 2018. They will give more low end and mid range punch. Rhoades lifters are the best, do not try the competitor's variable duration lifters as they do not work as well as Rhoades. It's all that I've used for over 25 years now and have run them over 250,000 miles with no problems.

Here's how we built our Warlock engine:

9.5 compression forged pistons, file fit rings, the crane cam that I mentioned above, double roller timing chain, rhoades lifters, wiand dual plane intake with the 600 - 6000 rpm power band, a carter afb carb (edelbrock wasn't available then), headers into 2 1/4" exhaust that exited under the step (stepside pickup).

I used to put the 4 wheel drive in low and race the early 80's vintage Mustang GT's off stop lights and embarrass them by keeping on their door up to 45 - 50 mph. They were so pissed that a 4x4 gave them that hard of a run! My friends (even non Mopar ones) respected our truck and would claim that we could hook our truck to a house and pull it off its foundation with all the torque it had.

In summary: Crane Grind #: Z-268-2 for your cam, Rhoades 2018 lifters, 9.5 compression, edelbrock sp2p, ld4b, or wiand dual plane intake with iether Holley 600 vacuum secondaries (List # 80457 with electric choke) or Edelbrock 600/625 carb, double roller timing chain, and headers if you desire into dual exhaust (H-pipe or x-pipe optional). That will get that big ol truck moving!!!

Take that recipie to MRL and let him build it.