I got some good heads for my 360 at a yard, $75 a head though.

I'd want to pay less than $300 for it for sure.

 

The issue I see with any ideas of reusing stock heads is the known issue with cracked valve seats. I would not pay anything for rebuilt or used stock casting heads.

There are enough companies offering the aftermarket casting heads and for very reasonable prices that it just doesn't make sense to waste money on the stock ones. You can get stock sized valve heads from Odessa for about $600 for the pair.

 

The motor does run, we ran it this morning, it runs good but burned oil but not overly bad. I'm kinda running out of time and options for a 360 so I bought it today, $350 for everything on the motor but starter, a/c compressor, and alternator; I also get the flexplate too. The guy said if one of the heads is cracked, I can go back and get another head free to replace the cracked one. I just need to go out and get a torque converter now. I was looking at replacement heads for the motor but since money is going to be an issue for the most part on this build, I might just go with stock heads..unless I find a really good deal on aftermarket heads and argue w/ my auto teacher about putting them on.

 

You don't need a torque converter. The flex plate is what balances your engine. You have everything you need to do the swap.

 

How does your shop teacher define "stock"?

Many companies make "stock replacement" heads for the 318/360 engines. They look EXACTLY like the stockers. Only difference is heavier castings. A set can be had for under 600 bucks. (I am seeing more folks selling them on Ebay now.) In all reality, this is not really a 'performance' upgrade, as it is a 'reliability' upgrade. You don't get any better performance out of them, (aside from the better performance from a new head.... as opposed to the old ones with valves that leak.....) they just last longer.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-5-9-MOPAR-DODGE-MAGNUM-JEEP-CYLINDER-HEADS-360-RAM-DAKOTA-VAN-CHEROKEE/350844692735?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D492773855114542742%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D300944726489%26
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-DAKOTA-JEEP-MAGNUM-5-2-5-9-318-360-CYLINDER-HEADS-NEW-VALVES-SPRINGS-/170925488846?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27cbf3face&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REBUILT-5-2-5-9-MOPAR-DODGE-MAGNUM-JEEP-CYLINDER-HEAD-318-360-/350844616416?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51aff7fee0&vxp=mtr

 

Thought I would need a new torque converter because of stall speed? or was I told wrong? And HeyYou I'm not sure what my teacher defined as "stock" heads but a couple years ago a kid built a max wedge for a daily driver, complained of the horrible mpg's and after some other things, nobody can do much performance mods. And dumb question but those heads you posted Wildman, it doesn't matter which heads I get correct?

 

money is money, but for a truck you intend to keep and drive, (and while the engine is out and you're looking at the TC) - replacing a stock TC with a new, good one, is a good move if you can afford it.

as is replacing all freeze plugs, front seal on trans, rear main. anything that wears out and is hard or impossible to get to once you reinstall everything

several places offer the built aftermarket heads. they probably all start with the same "thicker" castings from the same supplier. consider price, service, reputation, support.

 

Definitely subscribing to this!

 

The stall speeds from a 5.2 or a 5.9 should be pretty close. Just as dhvaughan said it is all about money. If you can afford it then yes get a new torque converter.

Now for the heads I listed, yes any of them are ok I was just trying to find you some examples to show what they can cost. All those heads are of the new casting so any would work. And remember there are no DUMB questions so if you don't know ask. We all started not knowing things and then learned one way or another.