Would a 360 be a good engine for a first time driver?

[Ethannica]

I have a 1973 dodge dart sport that currently doesnt have an engine in it. I have the opportunity to get a free 360 through someone that knows my family. I am wondering if it would be good for a first time driver like myself. It most likely wont be the first car that I ever drive because I plan on getting a truck to drive before I get it running. But it will most likely be the fastest car that I will own. I would just like to know because you know, its a free engine!

 

[junkyardhero]

a free 360 is a great motor. lots of affordable and available parts, reliable and respond well to upgrades.

 

[Ethannica]

a free 360 is a great motor. lots of affordable and available parts, reliable and respond well to upgrades.

Alright! I plan on having that car be a daily driver for the Spring,Summer and Fall and drive the truck for the winter. Reliable and safe are my main worries.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Why wouldn't it?

 

[Ethannica]

Why wouldn't it?

Just wondering! Im pretty new to this car stuff and my dad always said he would rather me start out with something slower like a 318. But I feel like if I get more driving experience with another car I should be fine.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Just wondering! Im pretty new to this car stuff and my dad always said he would rather me start out with something slower like a 318. But I feel like if I get more driving experience with another car I should be fine.

It'll be fine. If you have access to it, get it.

 

[66fyssh]

Yes! Any idea what engine the Dart originally came with? If it came with a slant six, you'll have a lot more work putting the 360 in

 

[Ethannica]

Yes! Any idea what engine the Dart originally came with? If it came with a slant six, you'll have a lot more work putting the 360 in

It originally came with a 340 so I dont think it will be too bad? I have a transmission for the 360 too. Not sure what kind it is, all I know is that it can go with it.

 

[Bodyperson]

Just wondering! Im pretty new to this car stuff and my dad always said he would rather me start out with something slower like a 318. But I feel like if I get more driving experience with another car I should be fine.

Use your brain. A six cylinder can kill you if you are careless.

 

[66fyssh]

It originally came with a 340 so I dont think it will be too bad? I have a transmission for the 360 too. Not sure what kind it is, all I know is that it can go with it.

Awesome!! Go with the "free" 360 for sure!!

 

[junkyardhero]

Just wondering! Im pretty new to this car stuff and my dad always said he would rather me start out with something slower like a 318. But I feel like if I get more driving experience with another car I should be fine.

my 318 has tried to kill me more times over than i care to admit.

 

[Ethannica]

Use your brain. A six cylinder can kill you if you are careless.

I didnt think of it like that, that is very true. Thank you!

 

[doogievlg]

Use your brain. A six cylinder can kill you if you are careless.

I got my Dart when I was 15. I’m 35 now FYI. It has a slant six in it and my dad said I could put a V8 in it when I turned 18.

We went 90+ with that old slant six but it wouldn’t spin a tire unless it was wet. But once I got in it with the 360 I was much more wreckless.

With that being said, OP. The 360 will be fine. With some cheap bolt ons you might be over 300 hp but the car will still be slower than grandmas v6 accord.

 

[Ethannica]

my 318 has tried to kill me more times over than i care to admit.

I guess any engine is dangerous if you think about it!

 

[junkyardhero]

oh, and i'm gonna say my piece right up front: don't let nobody talk you into some big dumb cam or get it in your head that you need some big ol' rumpity-rump piece that "has that chop" and "sounds cool at idle".

get you a reasonable cam and a carb that compliments that and you'll have a wonderful piece.
(there's other, more granular details, but that's the gist of it)

 

[Ethannica]

oh, and i'm gonna say my piece right up front: don't let nobody talk you into some big dumb cam or get it in your head that you need some big ol' rumpity-rump piece that "has that chop" and "sounds cool at idle".

get you a reasonable cam and a carb that compliments that and you'll have a wonderful piece.
(there's other, more granular details, but that's the gist of it)

I will keep that in mind! Thank you!

 

[Bodyperson]

I didnt think of it like that, that is very true. Thank you!

My father's advice to me was to drive like he was sitting next to me all of the time. That kept me out of trouble for a lot of years. I started driving solo at 12 years old. Got my first ticket when I was 23.

 

[Ethannica]

My father's advice to me was to drive like he was sitting next to me all of the time. That kept me out of trouble for a lot of years. I started driving solo at 12 years old. Got my first ticket when I was 23.

I will definitely remember this. This means a lot to me.

 

[MopaR&D]

Definitely go for it. Stock 360 has enough power to be fun in an A-body but not to get you in trouble unless you try. Most cars made in the last 10-15 years are faster anyway.

What kept me careful driving my Duster when I got it as my first car at 16 was remembering that it has no modern safety features like crumple zones or airbags so if I got in a crash I'd probably end up in the hospital and/or dead.

 

[ProjectBazza]

One thing I read long ago in Hot Rod Magazine I’d like to mention:

When you build a car, the priorities are as follows:
* Safety
* Reliability
* Performance

And ALWAYS in that order.

Now get out there and start having some fun!

 

[Scody21]

If you can afford it. Look up a hi performance driving school or track days somewhere close to you and get some time with a pro/am driver instructor. Or even go karting to learn more car control than what the DMV wants for a drivers license. These cars when setup right can handle really good. Like a newer car. A stock 360 is not super powerful, but enough to get you in trouble, like any car. And if you want to tame the car down a little, adjust the throttle cable so the carb only gets 3/4 open or a throttle stop.

 

[Newbomb Turk]

Here’s good news.

The 1973 Dart Sport came with an adjustable horsepower switch.

Use it and you’ll be fine.

 

[Yunick13]

I was taught to drive with a goldfish bowl on the dash, figuratively speaking. If the 360 is free, then I'd want to know why. I'd check to make sure it turned over and maybe find a borescope to check the cylinders.

 

[FISHYPETE]

Had a 72 Dodge pickup 318 many yrs, no mods. Bought a new 79 Dodge pickup 360. Couldn’t tell the difference except the 360 had more pulling power but at normal driving both trucks were the same.

 

[Demonracer]

If you get stupid with anything, it can kill you.