I spy ... with my little eye

[Tigger4X]

I've had an exhaust leak, amongst other projects, and its time came to get it done and over with. Took a week to get all of the parts, dont ask , so I got it all torn down and then came the rain. Bound and determined I threw the passenger wheels up on the curb and ramps under the driver side wheels and went to town. Flat on my back, a mini LED flashlight in my mouth, wrenches a flyin' and what do I spy out of the corner of my eye through the engine mount bracket ...


















The original owner had said it was a 360. Somebody musta left the 401 gate open in CO.

[KaiserMan]

Very nice surprise!

Not very often a 360 turns out to be a 401, usually the other way around.

[HD_JEEP]

very nice....

[Suddendeath]

Wow! A 401 and you didn't even know you had one. That right there is a christmas present if I've ever seen one.

Awesome!

[jaber]

Very pleasant surprise...

[nc wagoneer]

SWEET!!! Now that horribly gas mileage you've been getting can be justified

[Oakknoll]

What luck! If it were mine the 360 I was convinced I had would be a 304.....

[jeeper54]

iSN'T IT A GREAT FEELING? When I bought the 78 waggie all the owner knew (I think he was just trying to flip it) was that it was a V8. When I looked at it I thought it was a 360. Until I drove it and then looked underneath! Then I gave him $1200 and drove it home. Straight body, new interior ( I think it had been in the water. Had a salvage title and later I found mud in the dash.) drove nice and straight but brakes surprised me on the way home.Really miss that one too. Congratulations!

[Flashfoto]

What is the difference between the two? My understanding is that they are the same block but the 401 is bored larger?

[tgreese]

The external block dimensions are the same. Each block is cast differently, with its displacement shown on the side of the block.

The 304 and 360 are a conventional gray iron block, with a cast crank and rods. The 401 is a high nickel block, with a forged crank and rods.

The 304 and the 360 are the same crank, with different bores and cylinder heads. The 401 has a bigger bore and stroke than a 360, but the same heads.

[Flashfoto]

Originally Posted by tgreese

The external block dimensions are the same. Each block is cast differently, with its displacement shown on the side of the block.

The 304 and 360 are a conventional gray iron block, with a cast crank and rods. The 401 is a high nickel block, with a forged crank and rods.

The 304 and the 360 are the same crank, with different bores and cylinder heads. The 401 has a bigger bore and stroke than a 360, but the same heads.

So what's desirable is the forged crank and rods primarily over cast ones I'm assuming?

[tgreese]

Originally Posted by Flashfoto

So what's desirable is the forged crank and rods primarily over cast ones I'm assuming?

Aside from the extra displacement. A 401 block is cast differently from a 360 block - you can't just bore out a 360 block to 401 dimensions... the cylinder walls will be too thin. And forged components are steel, compared to cast iron - stronger, harder, more durable and higher cost.

A 401 is a stronger, tougher engine than a 360.

[will e]

WOW! That would put a smile on my face if I thought it was a 360!

How hard did you hit your head when you saw the number and flinched?



Regarding the 401/360. The 401 has the advantage of stronger parts and more displacement. If you were going to build a higher powered motor the 401 is a better starting point (generally). The extra displacement means more power, all else being equal. how much more? No more than 10% (all things being equal). A guy that knows how to tune his engine will get more power out of his 360 than a clueless guy with a 401.


They are a little harder to find. Word is that many went to Colorado but have been migrating out of the state in search of warmer deserts and ocean views....