360-390 help

[Ridgerunner]

What makes the 360 drink more gas? I have heard several things and have been told the stroke of the engine has a lot to do with it,which I find hard to believe.
What is the real story?

 

[SuperCab]

The compression is lower on the 360. That's what does it in my opinion.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The compression is lower on the 360. That's what does it in my opinion.

Thanks Supercab, but I need facts not opinions.

 

[blacksnapon]

What makes the 360 drink more gas? I have heard several things and have been told the stroke of the engine has a lot to do with it,which I find hard to believe.
What is the real story?

This answer (however strange it may sound) was told to me by the old grizzled veterans when I first started. Theres an "imaginary line" in power to weight ratios. Over the line has more power, under the line, more weight. The 360 and 390 are basically the same motor, but because of the power, you wouldn't think so. To reduce displacement, you either change bore or stroke. The dimensions of the 360 don't work well with the weight of the motor. Just look at the old 352.