Re: [FWDLK] 1959 361 COMMANDO VALVE SIZE QUESTION SOLVED

[Curtis French <cmf392@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On the question of the first application of 1.74 exhaust valves in Mopar big blocks, according to my literature, the standard 59-62 413 Chrysler 300 motors (either the dual fours in line of 59 and 62, or the long rams of 60 and 61) had the 1.60 exhaust valves. 

 

However, the optional short ram 413's (long rams with a shortened internal divider) of 60, 61 and 62 (400 horsepower in 60-61, 405 in 62) had the 1.74 exhaust valves.

 

The 62 405 horse motor had 11:1 CR and a 292 duration solid cam.  Hot Rod Magazine got one to run low 13 second quarters with only 4.56 gears and headers (no slicks).  This was a 4000 pound car, remember.  It ran high 12's with a little lightening (PS to manual, removal of heater and radio, lighter battery), and was in fact runner up in the SS/SA class at the 62 Winternational Drags. 

 

Curtis in cloudy and chilly Tallahassee, Florida  (48 degrees) 

----- Original Message -----

From: eddee

To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2003 12:06 PM

Subject: [FWDLK] 1959 361 COMMANDO VALVE SIZE QUESTION SOLVED

Hello List

This will be a bore to most,,SORRY

 

There has been a lingering question as to the valve sizes used in the early 'B' engines.  With the great help of Roger Howard,, and David Agnew and Jim Pennington we now have most of the story for those interested.

ALSO a slew of calls and emails from yours truly!

 

In 1958 the 350 PLYMOUTH G/C  had the 1.95" intakes and 1.60" exhaust valves.

I believe the head part numbers were 1827968 or 1851887  but both were small valve heads.

 

Also in 1958 the 361 DODGE D500 I am fairly certain had the same set up.,,the small valve heads, although I do not have documentation of that.

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IN 1959 the 'HI PERF' MP2 PLYMOUTH with 361engine had head P/N 1944798.

SMALL VALVE HEADS with 1.95 intakes and 1.60 exhausts.  NO doubt about it!!!!  

 

Also in 1959 the 'HI PERF' MD2 MD3 MS1 MS2 MC3 ( I am guessing these are the 383 D500 Dodges and 383 Desoto Adventurers and the 413 300E Chrysler) had head p/n 1859478.

LARGE VALVE HEADS with 2.08 intakes and 1.60 exhausts.

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I was told that the CHRYSLER 300 book was in error stating a 1.74" exhaust valve for the 300E

Supposedly the 1.74" exhaust was not seen until 1963

 

ALSO--this means change you 1959 PLYMOUTH SUPPLIMENT,,,it is wrong stating valve sizes for the GOLDEN COMMANDO  361 @  2.08 and 1.74 respectively.  That is what started this .

 

ED ECKERSON

LI  NY

57  FURY