Engine Consideration For A 1974 Maverick 363?

So I have been hearing about these Dart SHP 363 Shortblocks that as a crate engine build if done right get out about 400hp to maybe higher. While maybe interest for me including in a 302 format? I'm more about if this is something that can fit right into the Maverick? Or, eh go something more of a 302 or 331? Just looking at more muscle for fun, to take down the road, and so forth. But wanted to make sure I didn't have to chop too much to fit it also. Might do a Cruise O Matic 3 Speed Auto on her too, with a 9 inch rear axle and leaf springs, but overall just looking at descent engine with good horsepower for fun!

 

If I'm not mistaken you can go short deck or tall deck 363. The short deck would make it an easier install but the tall deck probably would be cheaper. I wouldn't buy a dart block for just cruising with. I'd build my own stock block short block or look at d.s.s or jegs 331.

 

That would definitely increase the fun factor. Excellent foundation to make whatever kind of power your looking for. They have a forged crank/h beam and cast crank/I beam. The cast/I beam should plenty for what your looking to do, also lighter rotating assembly if your looking to run without boost. The 347 from dart is almost $700 cheaper, with the same components.

I agree with greasemonkey, for the power level your looking at an aftermarket block isn’t necessary. I had a supercharged fox body that was making 550 rwhp with the stock short block, heads, and intake.
It was a time bomb that never went off!

 

Yeah, I heard about the 347s and thought on HotRod.com they mentioned something about issues with them. Okay, so in consideration 302 Stroke? 331? Any recommendations for home builds then?

 

Do you have an engine already?

 

I have one of these I'm gonna stick in a '69 Fairlane, got it from a friend CHEAP(less than 50% ). No pan or carb but it does have early front cover/water pump & harmonic balancer. Has something like 2K mi. I'm gonna tame it down a bit with a milder cam.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Blue...qZlLfTo2GqAcq9D4tNVP7UWnre8XoS9BoCZJkQAvD_BwE

 

Right now considering, why basically I came here. 302? 331? Just wanted to compare opinions and options.

 

Thanks for the comment Crazy Comet. And just bear with me here learning about these engines. Does the 347 still have issues? Or was that just more on how people were improperly building them not knowing what they were doing?

 

The 347 no doubt went through a learning curve. Engines of 15-20 years ago had issues with ring seal, now days piston and ring improvements have pretty much cured those problems. Blue Print warranty is for 30 mo/50K mi, good for a Hi-Po engine.

 

We just installed a Blueprint Engines 347 in my car. It has 415 hp & 427 lbs/ft of torque and I'm just finishing up the break-in mileage. It is a great engine with a lot of low end torque. It has a nice idle that rocks the car at intersections. Very street able cruiser even with the dual quads I just had to have.

Bruce

 

...

 

You running manual or auto. trans? If auto, what trans and converter?

 

Everett, we replaced the top loader 4-speed I had previously installed with a new TKO-600 5-speed at the time of the engine installation. The rear end is a 9" 4:11.1 Trac Loc from the same '70 Boss 302 as the transmission. I installed the 4-speed & rear end in my 1st Maverick 46 years ago.

Bruce

 

Bruce, sounds like a KILLER setup! I can only imagine how big the smile on my face would be if I had a setup like that.
Even though I am a very conservative driver, " I've only had my car to about 85mph, in the decade I've owned it". I probably would have hurt myself w/ a setup like that. "Awesome -- I like it."

 

Thanks Everett! I do have a pretty wide grin on my face when I drive it! I've been extremely blessed in the selection of parts that I've assembled and the friends that helped put it together. Next phase is much wider rear tires.

Bruce