What would you do next to this 318

[Cranky]

A supercharger would be about 1/2 the cost of a 408 Blueprint stroker motor.
And you'd still have the old iron, rings, heads etc... sitting underneath.

If you keep the boost at a reasonable level, those parts will survive....and imo, it's better than taking a chance that nothing will ever go wrong using the laughing gas. I know you didn't suggest that but at least using a _______ (insert type of force air induction you would prefer), the power is always there under your right food and the engine is still nice and tame for in town driving and the fuel mileage is still good....until the boost is used.

 

[toolmanmike]

Interesting twist.

On FABO, "I'd like a little more power" from a 318 threads usually devolve in to:

1- put in a .590 lift cam, 4.56 gears and a 4000 RPM stall converter otherwise it's not worth doing anything to.

or

2- "just" get a 360.

This is the first time I've seen "get fiberglass body panels".

FBBO for stupidity!

 

[Cranky]

Interesting twist.

On FABO, "I'd like a little more power" from a 318 threads usually devolve in to:

1- put in a .590 lift cam, 4.56 gears and a 4000 RPM stall converter otherwise it's not worth doing anything to.

or

2- "just" get a 360.

This is the first time I've seen "get fiberglass body panels".

FBBO for creativity!

It is kinda odd LOL....but start up a thread there about hopping up a /6 and everyone is fine with that! Not me....rather hop up a teen vs a /6 any day!!

 

[72redbird]

The combination that I use to perk up a 318 is as follows: Use the factory heart shaped combustion chamber style head (bumps compression slightly), use a 340 spec cam, LD340b intake manifold (or similar) and a Carter AVS carb. Dual exhaust and 3.55 gears. Cars have always ran great and its an easy combo that lives and runs well at my altitude, should run even better at lower altitudes

 

[Fran Blacker]

NOS and a cam. Then you'll know what a 360cid+ is like for a short burst and you can add it to the next engine when you pop the 318. Watch out for the fine print. You'll be ok if you don't over do the NOS.

 

[toolmanmike]

NOS and a cam. Then you'll know what a 360cid+ is like for a short burst and you can add it to the next engine when you pop the 318. Watch out for the fine print. You'll be ok if you don't over do the NOS.

NOS = More's Law does apply.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

There is/was an article around about how to get 400 hp from a 318 with parts out of the box.

Pretty sure included some pistons. However a closed chamber heads (stock iron or aluminum) are a must since raise the compression is a guarantee for more HPs. Aftermarket aluminium heads can get bigger valves included, sooo…

In Mexico since 1969 were made on factory (Local Chrysler plant managed by AutoMex) a 4 bbls 318s with 340 parts but locally made high compression pistons for local Darts GTS up to 71 or 72. These engines were shipped also to Venezuela (to Chrysler of Venezuela) and installed on locally assembled 70/72 B bodies. Claimed to be on 270 HP rate ( not sure if Gross or Net ).

70 with AFB or ABS carbs and 71 and 72s with 800 cfms Thermoquad carbs

 

[Detective D]

I am just going to put this out there.....

Everyone I have ever met from the Mopar or GM teams that has "wanted a little more" out of their small block has ended up spending money on the small block, and 3 years later(give or take) yanked the small block and either swapped something more modern or a big block in.
GM people just shrug and drop a 5.3 junkyard engine in or if they want to spend more then $400 they look for a 6.0 or 6.2.
Mopar guys work a bit harder and look for Magnum engines or pull the trigger on a big block.

Mopar, well, a warmed up smog era 400 is going to out-do a 318 handily. Of course, it costs you gasoline lol. but the power bug can bite you hard And then you will see what people get out of a 400 and the trend will continue....

I would seriously look at what your goals are for the car and decide what is the most effective way to get there before nickle/dime on an engine that 3 years from now you will want to pull out of the car.

I generally find 318's to dissapoint off the line, and then put a big smile on your face once you get to about 35mph and up when they can spin up a bit into their power band.

A big block will lower that MPH requirement
a Magnum small block with an OD transmission bolted to it with some 3.73 rear gears will lower that MPH, and let you keep your gasoline, plus give you a little boost in HP. Much more entailed swap though if you want to keep an OD transmission working for you, most "cheap" ones will need a computer+ harness to go with them. But, if you are going to go that route, might as well move up to a 5.9 also. They will end up costing the same for the project. FB market will have one within 25 miles of your home probably sitting on a tire for under 500 bucks. Or a whole ram truck for 700 so you can take all the harness stuff too. They are kinda everywhere.

 

[DeltaV]

Just put a 360 crate motor in it and call it a day?

Yes, stop pussyfooting around.

Seriously though, crate motor and upgrade/replace transmission as needed.

 

[toolmanmike]

So this is a basically stock 318 in my 1973 Roadrunner. Lots of replacement parts but not many upgrades outside of Intake, Carb and Headman Headers. I'm not looking for a lot more power but still wish I could get a little more out of her. adding 3.55 gears made a pretty big difference. But as far as engine upghrades what do you think would be my next best option? Cam? Would a Cam in an otherwise stock 318 make much of a difference? Different Heads? Just put a 360 crate motor in it and call it a day? What do you guys think?
View attachment 1749884

A 4 barrel and intake, headers, and a 340 cam for more power. 318's don't have much for heads or compression so if you want more you have to deal with that. A loose converter works with a bigger cam as does a higher rear gear. Smaller cube engines need just the right combination to work well. I wouldn't bother with a 360 unless you want to build a stroker. A 5.9 Magnum would make anyone happy. Probably without a cam change. An intake and carb to get rid of the factory injection and may be some headers is really all you need. I like the underdog and I own a 273 and a 318 but I know their limits.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

Heads/Cam, but that’s going to be more than $1000. More like $2000 and that won’t include rocker assemblies. I would save your money and replace the motor. You are not going to see significant gains to justify spending over $2000 for heads/xam upgrades. A nice turn key 408 CI drop in motor is $9000 and will make over450HP. Save up your money.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Is amazing how most ppl in USA underestimate the mighty legendary 318… while is highly appreciated in the rest of the world.

Same basic engine than the appreciated 340, and later Magnums. Just some easy tweaks and will get good power out of them.

On a side note, if not getting HiPo brands pistons, stock magnum pistons are higher and run on thinner oil rings, so less friction.

I don’t think OP is thinking on race, but just get a bit more juice.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Not sure if is the same article I have meant, but is the one what is still around and posted everywhere

https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/mopp-0409-318-engine-build/

And here is another one

https://discover.hubpages.com/autos/Mopar318

 

[kiwigtx]

Heads/Cam, but that’s going to be more than $1000. More like $2000 and that won’t include rocker assemblies. I would save your money and replace the motor. You are not going to see significant gains to justify spending over $2000 for heads/xam upgrades. A nice turn key 408 CI drop in motor is $9000 and will make over450HP. Save up your money.

View attachment 1753760

Pretty much what I did - 408 from BluePrint Engines..... fitted with a Holley Sniper - 445HP and 503ft/lb

Awesome engine.

 

[Runcharger]

When I bought my new 92 D150 with the new 318 Magnum I was shocked. My 86 with the old style 318 ran 19.20s and this new Magnum ran close to 16.0's.
I vote for a set of Magnum style heads. I don't know if those iron Magnum style heads are still available though, used to be made in Australia as I recall?

Enginequest was what I was thinking.

CHRYSLER 318 / 340 / 360 MAGNUM HEAD WITH LA INTAKE BOLT PATTERN ( BARE ) | eBay