LA 360 Engine refresh?

Captainkirk said
I have a "spare" '69 X-head 340 but I'm very reluctant to let it go. You don't find them on every street corner. Besides, I "stole" the forged crank out of it for my current '72 340 build. Figure if I ever build this one I'll go aftermarket forged.
The 360 can be built to perform equally.

I’d hold onto those X heads as well... They seem to be more rare than a 340 itself. I’ve seen really awesome builds with 360’s. Here’s a question. I currently have a performer 318/360 and Carter 625 carb. If I changed those out to a Performer RPM intake and a bigger flowing carb, will I need to modify anything else, such as degreeing the cam? Or will they be ok to just bolt on? These are two components I plan on using for the future build and an upgrade in my opinion to what I currently have. Also, mechanical vs electric choke carbs... What do you prefer and why?

Dartswinger70 said
yeah they are difficult because they only made them 5 years, and the good ones are the early ones so that leaves 3 years. It was the same in the early 90s when I found my car. It came with spare engines etc. I paid for the whole "basket case" car and parts back then what a "basket case" 340 costs now:)

What changed in ‘72 besides the heads? I know compression dropped considerably to 8:5-1 from the 10.3-1 in ‘71 and was only rated to 240 net HP. I’m guessing emission controls.

Captainkirk said
Eagle LS Gen III, Big Block Chevy, Steel & Forged Crankshafts, Connecting rods & rotating assemblies

CHRYSLER SB FORGED 4340 STEEL CRANKSHAFTS

Forged SAE 4340 steel with non-twist forging and multi-stage heat-treatment
Micropolished journals feature a 3 r.a. or better
.125” radiuses improve strength and rigidity. Chamfered or narrowed bearings required.
Shot-peened, stress relieved, and nitrided for superior durability.
Target bobweight guaranteed +/- 2%. Designed for internal balance without heavy metal.
Recommended for use up to 1500 hp. Approximate weight is 57-60 pounds.

Awesome! This is another area that I need to research a lot more... External VS Internal balancing.