[carnage]

I have a huge project I want to start in a few months, I currently have a 2001 dodge ram 5.9l 2wd 1500. I want to stroke out the 360 to a 408, I know the top end of these motors like the back of my hand I just never dug too deep into a 360. Has anyone stroked out their 360? Any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

I looked really hard at a 408 stroker for my '99. Even found a builder for it and talked with him at length about getting one.

Then I traded it in for my '07.

I say do it!

 

[ScatPak07]

I agree with Maddog! Do it hahah!!! That would make for a really bad ass truck!

 

[City Slicker]

That would be pretty BA :smileup:

 

[rustyolred]

I would do it if funds were present.


Rusty

 

[CdnoilRAM]

I have to agree with the 'Bad Ass' group. As for stroking out the motor, forged is your friend, and if you can get ahold of cryo'd pieces, even better, they hold up under the strain so much better and with more reliability. A big failure point would be the head gasket depending on what compression pistons you go with, so a set of head studs is an absolute must. As for the block, not much to say, bore it (I'd cryo it as well for good measure, but that's me) and use good grade hardware to put it together, somethings should not be done on the cheap, IMHO.

 

[TLars]

Maybe not the right post/thread for it, but I'm not one to have the patience nor the tools to take on a major engine project like this. I'd like to find a BA 360 that's been built to handle almost anything, but not something that's going to cost me a 2nd mortgage. Suggestions welcomed!

 

[carnage]

Thanks for the input, I am a college student I have done a bunch of work on my brother's 02 with a 5.9l, we took apart the top of his block (i.e. heads, intake manifold, pulley system) the only thing wuz we had somebody to put in his cam. Needless to say I was sittin under his hood for hours on end so im pretty familiar with these motors. My plan is to pick up a block from a junkyard (kinda iffy), order the stroker kit(internally balanced or externally?), take the block to a machine shop get it bored out(know who will do it), get misc parts (oil pump, overhaul gasket set, etc.) heads(probably r/t), intake manifold(any ideas?), cold air intake set, B&G pcm flash, any thing else help me out. thanks.

By the way my bros 02 dodge is pushing just below 400hp and about 430+ft lb of torque...badass ride!!!

 

[rustyolred]

Will the factory "computer" work with the 408? What will have to be done to it to work?


Rusty

 

[carnage]

I already have the cam, pushrods, valve springs, lifters, and roller rocker arms in mind so thats taken care of. This will be a long project due to my source of funds so I will keep the motor running in my truck until the 408 is complete. Any help on how to keep the block from rusting over a period?

 

[carnage]

No check out B&G, they have a specific flash for a 408 stroked 360.

 

[Guest]

No check out B&G, they have a specific flash for a 408 stroked 360.

Yes they do and that's who I talked to as I was planning my upgrade. I've used them on other vehicles with great results.

 

[TLars]

Carnage - check your local Craigslist for engines. There are a couple listed in Phoenix for around 500 complete!

 

[CdnoilRAM]

Sounds like you've got everything planned out. As for keeping it rust free after machining, we always sprayed hydraulic cylinders with a mist of hydraulic oil and wrap them in a plastic bag, should work the same for you. Another thing I've seen is hydraulic oil and a wax paper over the block's ports. oil prevents moisture penetrating and wax paper stops more moisture from getting in. When you're ready, just degrease it and you're ready to go.

 

[carnage]

Yea my brother used B&G for his cam upgrade and that truck runs like a bat outta hell, as for the hydraulic oil that sounds like a damn good idea I will deffinately do that man. I'm sure im missing something so when i start this project im sure ill be back askin about something i missed lol. but this weekend im gettin new ball joints pitman arm idle arm, and all 4 tie rod ends. My truck still has the original ball joints and I know them revitts are goin to be a pain to get off any suggestions to make it easier?

 

[carnage]

I live on craigslist by the way lol, I found all sorts goods on there. I found a bunch of 360s but were too far away or askin too munch $$$ for stripped block.

 

[GTyankee]

I just looked up 360 engine core charges, they go from $300 to $500 at a local machine shop in Lakeside Calif.
they do engines for the tv show, pimp my ride, & several hot rodders & law enforcement entities, like the little known railroad cops that used to be known as Pinkertons

 

[carnage]

Hell yea thats cool man, I am going to talk to a cousin of my that does a lot of part transports for a junk yard, hopefully i can find something that is in decent condition. I probably will check out some machine shop close by, but the only thing is I don't have a core. The motor thats in my truck now is staying untill I get done with the 408 completely.

 

[carnage]

Does anybody know if there is any variation in the 360 blocks throughout the years or are they identicle and just the top end changed over the years?

 

[rustyolred]

Just wondering what you are going to do about the trans behind such a monster engine? We have heard stories about these trannies not holding up to factory stock 360, much less a 400hp 408.


Rusty