318 Power Ugrade

[darc1722]

I have a number matching 69 satellite convertible with a 318. The motor was rebuilt everal years ago (not sure what was done)but looking to increase performance with new heads, cam and carb (doesn't burn oil or smoke). Is it better to rebuild existing heads or purchasng new ones, with cam, intake and carb (is there a kit designed for this)? Anyone know of a reliable, trustworthy machine shop in chicago area to help me with this? Thanks!

 

[Coronet 500]

Most important is to know how far down your piston is at TDC "deck hieght". Stock 318's of this era had small combustoin chambers and to compensate the pistons compression hieght was lessened to keep commpressin low. If you don't calculate properly any head change can result in lowering compression ratio and poor performance regardless of which cam or carb you put on it. I had one with the .020" steel shim gasket with the piston .090" down in the hole. Unfortunately the only way to tell is by removing head and measuring or knowing if the rebuild pistons had a special higher compression hieght. I highly recommend the HP Books How to Hot Rod Small-Block Mopar Engines by Larry Shepard.