So this month has been incredible for reaching goals. There are so many 360ci's that get rebuilt monthly coming through our machine shop and the main question I get asked is how to get the towing power higher without buying a diesel. Of course we are at 5000 feet in Utah and lose a solid 30 percent torque and horsepower. So this month, we are taking a 360, performing a fresh rebuild and using the same formula we used in testing the UTP450 camshaft, installing it in a normal 3.55 geared Ram 2wd. That camshaft already tagged 450 tq. That means, bone stock intake manifold, stock 1.92" untouched Magnum heads with 1.6 roller rockers and a valve spring upgrade. The main difference is the compression. We are zero decking a piston height that is normally fifty to sixty thou in the hole. So the last dyno was in a 4x4 pushing 37" mudders. The transmission has been rebuilt with a billet plate torque convertor from Randy's Transmissions in Tooele Utah. Those that do not know Randy's work, simply look up Red Delicious Ram Utah-nuff said. I believe too many underestimate the change from LA engine heads and intakes to the 92 Magnum design. So many throw away the stock long runner intake for shorter runner intakes. Only to find that their peak torque is no longer at 3000 rpm but above 4000. Every build should have a purpose and that purpose needs to have matched components. So many of us have forgotten that purpose built LA 360's made 500 foot pounds. You do not need a 4" stroke crank to achieve that. Although it is easier to hit with that crank than your stock 3.58" stroke. So stay tuned, our goal is to get as close to 400 tq at the rear wheel on this stock rebuild with excellent drivability. I had a customer running a competitors camshaft, single plane manifold and stock parts with another's tune in it. His complaint was that he could not spin the tires and no power till past 3000 rpm. After sending him a free tune to check the cal, the problem was still there. I recommended he clean up his old stocker intake manifold and simply try it. Here is his response:
-Just wanted to say thank you for the information on swapping intakes I put the stock one back on and made a big difference... If you don't spend every waking moment at WOT with gears and higher stall, rethink your purpose. You will not see many 360's making 400rw torque on motor, even some 408 dyno's sent to me do not hit it. Do not listen to the folks who say a camshaft change should never be used with a stock kegger intake and stock heads. They will learn sooner or later. Remember, rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools and accepted by idiots. Stay tuned for all my details and specs on this rebuild!
10 Comments
Howard Snellgrove
4/1/2018 07:29:11 pm
What headers are on the orange motor. Just bought a truck with headers like those. The ones on truck came from mopar performance but they don't sell anymore
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Marty
4/1/2018 08:20:31 pm
Yes, Mopar Performance headers
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Marty Fletcher
7/24/2018 09:38:33 pm
EBAY Shorties with a 3/8's flange
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Jesus cardona
7/11/2018 06:35:05 pm
Hi utawesomeperformance. My is Jesus cardona, I was wondering if u can help me. I have a 1996 ram 1500 ss/t with the 5.9L 360. I want to make it fast. The mods on the truck right now or. K&n intake short headers distributor cap and wires for summit racing. Some exhaust work and it has jet pulleys. I want to cam it but want to use the stock heads. I got a intake manifold too but haven’t install it yet. If u can help me with what mods I will need. Thank u
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Ron Trumbauer
5/19/2020 02:28:07 pm
I've got a ' 99 1500 Ram 2wd with a 5.2 in it. My plan it to move the 5.2 to my Wrangler and put something in it's place with a about 500 ft/lbs of torque for towing an rv but everything I've seen of the 360 rebuilds has the torque peak around 4000 rpms or more. I'm looking for around 2500 to 3000. After reading this I'm hoping I won't have to go Big Block 440. The swap would be essier and cheaper with a 360. Thank you so much! I'll keep watching for for info before I pull the trigger. Thanks again....
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Kyle Feldkamp
5/29/2020 10:58:39 am
This is exactly what I want! I have an 01 Ram 2500 4wd with a 170k on it. Got a burnt valve on #5, so ill be putting heads on it and with the milage I might as well do a whole refresh. Its a daily that pulls a trailer (6k to 10k). I don't hot rod it at all and don't care about any power above 4k rpm. I would love to know this build! And any recommendations for rebuild kits?
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allen todd walker
10/6/2020 07:45:51 am
I am wanting to up grade my 5.9l magnum 369 in my 1999 dodge ram I want to go above stock what size and what cam to put in it.
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Craig V
4/28/2021 02:30:02 pm
95 5.9 liter ext.cab long bed want to get more power out of it without sending a lot of money.
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Steve McNeil
12/28/2021 01:55:41 pm
Looking at stock 360 Magnum 500 foot pounds of torque rebuild did you ever publish your results and if so where can I get them from looking at rebuilding my 360 from a 2002 Dodge ram 3500 to tow a 14 ft gooseneck dump trailer so any help would be great you can email me at r e n n a g a d e 03@hotmail.com
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Marty FletcherHands on engine builder and tuner for Dodge since 1993. Archives
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