My first Restoration. needs help!!!!

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moparnoob86

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I'm currently rebuilding my first: 360 LA Small Block Mopar; 3870230 Engine #
and my heads are i guess stock and the casting number is; #3769974

I'm not looking to do a whole bunch to the engine as this is my first car, so im really only looking to put a cam and some other smaller mods to give a little HP. i'm wondering what the highest life for the heads i have is and which cam i could stick in there before i have to change out valve springs. links would be appreciated and any other information for noobie car advocates.
 
Let me be the first to welcome you to this great site, and we have many great tech's here :coffee2:
that will chime in and lend a hand.
To start they will want to know what car and gears you are running and how much carb/intake/exhaust will you be going to, and I am assuming this will be a daily driver. :glasses7:
Give the good tech's (not me) time to step in and direct you in a good solid direction :coffee2:
 
Thanks! but honestly i'm not sure about carb/intake. as my status in the restoration area is of an apprentice just learning everything.

I'm looking into building a "little" hotrod like Sunday drive not a daily driver. I'm aiming more towards the Dodge Dart 1968-1973 im looking for more or less 400hp if possible with using my stock heads/pistons/crank.
 
moparnoob86 said:
Thanks! but honestly i'm not sure about carb/intake. as my status in the restoration area is of an apprentice just learning everything.

I'm looking into building a "little" hotrod like Sunday drive not a daily driver. I'm aiming more towards the Dodge Dart 1968-1973 im looking for more or less 400hp if possible with using my stock heads/pistons/crank.
Click to expand...
so this does tell us you will be going with headers and to achieve 400 hp at lest a 670 or bigger carb, and a good intake.. This will help... 400hp :coffee2: thats allot of ponies, but lets see what the pro's have to say here :happy1:
 
400HP is no joke. If that is your plan, you will need to look into building up the transmission and rear end in order to handle the power.

The engine build can definitely be done on a budget, and has been done before: http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/engine/mopp_0003_360_engine_build_top_end_part_4/

Do a search on "Budget 360 builds" and there will be no shortage of information out there. Also, if you give us some more information on your specific car (or the car you plan on putting this motor in if you don't have one already), the more experienced builders can definitely help you with how to do it on a budget.

Welcome to FABO!

-Mike
 
The motor is 30+ years old. Any cam you put in it, even a stock cam is going to need new valve springs. You can buy a new set of Comp Cams 901 springs and a Valve spring compressor for around $100.

If your looking for 400hp your going to need to do more then just stab a cam in the old block. Your gonna need to put some money into those heads.
 
"restoration"
"rebuilding"
"not looking to do a whole bunch to the engine"
Total contradiction in terms/statements.
I don't have a crystal ball but I do know what typically happens.
A lot of easy to bolt on performance parts are piled on a well worn bottom end,
then the driver proceeds to stomp the fire out via the throttle pedal.
If/when the bottom end comes apart, do you buy new cam, etc.., etc.., for the proper "rebuild" or reuse what was new ?
My advise, Gather parts ( as those good deals come along ) and leave them in the boxes until time for the proper "rebuild".
 
I would say at the very least take a look at the bottom end, maybe get everything checked to see if its even usable, and throw in some new ARP rod bolts.
 
I would suggest, taking what you have apart, and checking the bottom end.
You may find that it need bored, if it need bored, add some higher compression pistons.
Start with a solid foundation and build on it, cheaper in the long run.
 
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