alternate suggestions
I have a 72 charger with a stock 318 but not matching numbers, and have the chance to buy a 400 with 727 trans running as I speak for 1000 OBO and is from a 73 newport. So should I go for the change and what should be the most I should pay for it. Plus is there that much difference I will notice. Thanks
Darren
The 73 Newport 400ci engine is a smog engine & is more torque than the 318ci, but it's also a low HP version too, IMHO not really worth $1000 unless it's a fresh rebuilds on both the engine & trans then it's maybe worth $1000...
You could spend the $1000-$1250 on the lowly little 318ci, you maybe pleasantly surprised how well it can run, with out having to change the original engine & trans, I suggest you buy some books & do some research, then
Call Mancini Racing get a new 0.470"-0.500" gross lift max, w/270*-280* advertised duration camshaft, lifters, springs, retainers, seals & lock in full kit form,
at a qualified machine shop, have the heads cleaned & a multi-angle performance type valve job & the heads matting surface shaved 0.020"-0.030" or what ever the most the machinist recommends, to boost the low compression 318ci's 8:1 compression up some, boost the power level some too, if you don't know how to assemble a set of heads, have the machinist do that also, {
if your brave & get some books & knowledge, then maybe you can try to gasket match the intake & cylinder heads ports intake & exhaust sides, by using the intake & exhaust gaskets as a template, mark them out & use a carbide tipped dremmel or peanut grinder, don't hog them out, blend in 1" to 1-1/2" or so max, make sure they are completely clean & clear of any debris, just to smooth out the transition & have much better head flow}, also a new
Quality timing chain & gear set change, then some either 1-5/8" to 1-3/4" long tube headers w/3" collectors, attch them thru 2-1/4" to 2-1/2" dual full manderel bent exhaust w/H-pipe installed {
like Flowmasters}, then an Edelbrock RPM Dual Plane 4bbl aluminum intake "NON EGR" type, then a "new" 650cfm-670cfm Holley Street Avenger Vacuum Secondary Carburetor w/electric choke & appropriate Holley throttle linkage piece, easy set up that way {
probably the most expensive single part, but well worth the cost in performance & IMHO better than a Edelbrock 4bbl}, a hotter ignition coil like a MSD Blaster 2 & a Chrysler Electronic Ignition system in full kit form, if you don't have it already, then get an Orange ECU controller {
distributor, Orange ECU, ballast resister, wire harness kit from Mancini Racing}, also a
full Felpro Permatorgue engine & head gasket set, you will need almost the whole thing anyway, it's cheaper than buying them single pieces at a time, buy a Xtreme K&N gauze type air cleaner/filter, way better flow than a paper type... Buy a
72 Charger "Factory Service Manual" for engine/trans spec.s & torque settings, many other great points of information, electrical & body, etc., get a higher "stall speed" Torque Converter like a 2200-2500rpm stall speed 11" Mopar Performance & a Transgo or other transmission shift kit.... By a Book
"How to build a LA Small Block Mopar" You could get most all of the parts & books you want & need from Mancini Racing, call them @ Tech. Line 586-790-4100, tell them what your doing, they won't steer you wrong.... "I think you will be surprised how much performance you can get out of that lowly little LA 318ci engine", it will double the HP/TQ you have now pretty easily, it's a win/win situation... Summit Racing is also a good place to shop.... Good luck & HAPPY MOPARING
