Could use a little guidance on my build. Small block stuff

Thanks for clicking. I'm planning out how the build on the Dart will go and could use some guidance.

Currently it has a LA360 motor with Flat top pistons at 10.5-1 compression. Looks to be a fairly basic rebuild. A TCI Streetfighter 727 transmission with a manual valve body and an 8 1/4 rear end.


My ultimate goal is a built smallblock with forged internals and either a single or twin turbo setup making around 600rwhp. I've built turbo cars before but this will be the first mopar.

I have a few different options.

Option 1: Have fun with the current setup and run a 125 plate on it while building another motor. Probably a 408 at around 9-1 compression. Swap in the 408 and sell the 360. I'd probably run the 408 NA or with the nitrous for a bit before putting on the turbo stuff. I'm not sure if the TCI 727 will hold the new power and I'm fairly certain the 8 1/4 will not hold it even with the brace.


Option 2: See about dropping the compression on the current motor down to a more boost friendly 9-1 with a thicker head gasket and/or different heads and boost that motor. All the same drivetrain questions apply here.

I'm leaning more toward Option 1 because the current motor likely has internals that will not reliably hold 600rwhp. I'll be building another motor anyway and I feel I'm chancing hurting a perfectly good mildly built 360 that could be sold to help contribute to the cause.

What do you think?

What is the 360 worth carb to oil pan? It came to me as a less than 5000 mile motor and I've put maybe 500 on it. It's crisp and making around 300 rwhp according to the 12.98 pass it made last weekend.

If I'm going to be building a motor with forged internals, aftermarket heads, and EZ EFI, is there any advantage with using a magnum 360?