[cv70chall]

I'm going to refresh a 360 for the time being so I can save up for a big block and I would like some advice on which parts/kits to purchase.
I'm not wanting to go crazy or bore this thing out, but I would like to do the following:

1. Give the CAM a nice upgrade for some 'bump'
2. Replace the rings, gaskets, seals, freeze plugs and anything else that would benefit from a refresh with out breaking the bank. (I hear of some kits that contain most of what I'll need)
I'm not building a stroker here. I just want this baby freshened up and able to run nice for a while until I can do a big block.

Thanks

[Eddie]

Since you didnt mention anything about the block or machining, I assume you just want to get it running well before investing in your bigblock. Having said that I would just get the basic kit that includes rings, main and rod bearings and gaskets. The 'problem' with doing it this way is what the condition the old engine is in. If there is significant taper on the cylinder walls, loose valve guides, uneven decks or head surface, putting a new wilder cam will make sealing worse and the engine will run bad. I would at least do a leakdown test on the old engine before turning a wrench. This way you will know exactly what condition the engine is in. If it has 90-95% it will run fine with a new set of rings,bearings, gaskets. I would leave the cam bearings in unless they are nicked, scratched or plain worn out, chances are they will be fine. This will save some money. I would also check the valve guides, if they have more than .002 clearance they will in time pound out the valve seats resulting in less seal in that area. The reason I havent suggested new pistons is that if no bore work is done and there WILL be a slight ring ridge at the very top of the cylinder and new pistons are put in they probably wont have the exact same deck height and the new rings will wear out in short order especialy if the new rings 'crash' into the ridge. Carefully inspect the old pistons especially the piston pin bosses, if they have lost their press fit they must be re-placed. Also carefully check the ring lands for cracks. I would use replacement rings pre-gapped for your bore,,no sense in file fit rings with a used bore that will have some taper and and an out of round condition. Make sure and clean everything well,,keep the lifters with the cam in their respective bores/lobe, carefully check the bottom of the lifters for any grooves, scratches, or heavy wear. The valve springs should also be checked for seat pressure and max lift pressure, replace any that have gone 'soft' or are broken, the Fel-Pro gasket kits are what I use, they come with new valve seals. I have done a few Chrysler engines this way and they ran fine but never as good as a fresh bore job,(Bore&Hone&blueprinting&flat decks on both block and heads). Summit Racing,,Jegs,,,Mancini Racing all have kits without pistons or with,,,also make sure the entire lot of enigne fasteners are cleaned well and oiled prior to assembly using a good torque wrench,, I would leave the old freeze plugs in,, a good cam would be something in the .450-.480 lift range,(Approx. for stock 360 heads) and no more than 230@.050 duration on the intake anymore lift than this will require the valve guides machined for clearance,Good Luck