looking for some opinions on engines

[moparmaniac10]

Here is my question. I have (3) 318 engines and I want to keep one, and sell the other 2, but don't know which one to keep. The running ones have comparable miles.

1) A 1975 with a 4bbl running motor

2) A 1967 with a 2bbl running motor

3) A 1967 with a 2bbl unknown if it will run or not, but is original to the car.

Please include why you think the motor you chose is better than the rest.

 

[RustyRatRod]

The 67 runnin motor is the winner, IMO. It probably has a steel crank and the lighter 273 style rods.

 

[Hemi Rebel]

Well, what do you want to keep 1 for? What will you use it in? I would probably keep the 75 motor. The early ones have different water pumps and timing covers. Not that its a big deal, just if you have a pump go up somewhere, most any parts store will have parts for the 75 in stock. The older motors could be a hassle. Minor issue , i know.

 

[WP29440SE]

why not just hold on to them all. it never hurts to have a spare laying around. I have a 67 318 in my duster and it is a strong runner for a 318. I really don't think it matters which one you keep as long as its a good one.

 

[YY1]

67 will have slightly higher compression plus the afore mentioned steel crank, but will not have hardened valve seats.

For the price of what you will likely get out of selling the two you don't want, I doubt you could buy a 4 barrel intake, heads with hardened seats, or the timing cover parts.

If the chambers are the same, I'd put the 75 heads and intake on the 67, and have a 9:1-ish unleaded friendly motor.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Yeah, I'd chunk the early heads too. Between all three, you could make a real nice motor.

 

[WP29440SE]

yea I didn't think about the earlier heads not having hardened seats, but I haven't had any issues. the 67 engines have a cast iron water pump housing which exits on the drivers side where the 75 has an aluminum housing and exits on the passenger side, if they haven't been messed with. the cast housing uses a 2 3/4 deep WP pulley and the aluminum uses a 3" deep pulley in non -air applications. I think from 69 to 70 is when they went to an aluminum housing, not positive on that. I would at least keep one 67 and the 75

 

[moparmaniac10]

This all sounds great. I am putting the engine in my 67 belvedere convertible and it will only be used for car shows,cruises, and parades. I don't need to go fast in this one. I have a challenger for that. I like the idea of the 67 with the 75 heads. Is that a direct bolt on or do I have to change out anything else? I'll have to use all the brackets and water pump from the 67 so hose routing will be correct. The pistons are not different from 67 to 75?

 

[YY1]

I believe the pistons ARE different.

67 is listed as 9.2:1, while 74 (75) is listed as 8.6:1.

I suppose that could all be in the head chamber, but it seems like a lot.

 

[Meep-Meep]

This is easy. If you need a good running engine to get you down the road for cheap keep the newer one with hard seats. Do a gasket and freeze plug rebuild, a little detail and pop it in. If you want to build a hot rod 318 then probably the 67 motor with the steel crank, or as mentioned take the best parts from all three.