JoshNix66

I recently recieved a free 360 bare block. The casting indicates it's an 89-91 I believe. I still need to have a shop give it a look but before I invest any time or money into it I plan on building a stroker for my 99 Dakota w/ Magnum 318 and was wondering how compatible this block is with my truck. Will it bolt up to the mounts and trans with minimal fabrication? So far I've only been told there is a crank sensor on the magnums that the LAs didn't have requiring a rewire of the gauge cluster but that information didn't sound concrete. Any help would be appreciated!

Kuvasz101

The 273 and 318 blocks are compatible. The 340 and 360 live alone and are different in dimensions as far as transmission and motor mounts go. Not saying it can't be done but they won't bolt up.

JoshNix66

Thanks for the reply! Do you happen to know of any good sources of information to help me in this build? Im not dead set on this block but couldnt pass up the opportunity to get a free block lol. If its salvageable, by the time I actually finish it I may have to replace the transmission anyway as i plan on keeping the truck driveable while im building the motor.

Being my first engine build I'd like to learn and do as much of the work I can by myself. My problem currently is that I don't have the means to do much fab work but way down the road as I get ready to put it in the truck I'm sure I'll be better equipped to do more.

Iowan

Sourcing a Magnum block either a 5.9 or 5.2 should not be a problem (cheap)
Didn't the 360 come in the Dakota in the mid to late nineties.?

JoshNix66

Oh for sure, there are a several jeeps dakotas and durangos at the local junkyard with magnum 318s and 360s. But they cost money and this one was free 😂.

I wasn't sure how much of a hassle it'd be to build off this block when I got it but figured it didn't cost me anything so it wouldn't hurt to atleast get it. If it'd be drastically more cost effective and require less machine/fab work to just wait for a Magnum block I suppose that's what I'll have to do. So far ive only had someone on another forum chime in about a crank sensor being the only real limiting factor. I didnt think a block made in 89-91 would have soo many differences, I thought the only real difference was the heads/intake and how it's balanced but like I said, I'm new and still learning lol.

Kuvasz101

The only advice I would give to any first-time builder is " do it right". Even the most experienced engine builders have regretted taking a short cut. Here's a cut and paste from a 360 build. Enjoy and have fun!!
Build a Hot Mopar 360 for Street and Strip - AxleAddict

JoshNix66

I definitely don't want to cut any corners, thanks again for your help!