numbers matching opinion?

[highspeeddirt]

With the fact of a car being more valuable with the numbers matching engine, trans.....does the same hold true just as much if it was a 318 car?
            HSD

[N96cuda]

I wouldn't think that it would make any difference. Let me rephrase that, I don't think that it would make much difference. If I had a 318 car, I would drop a hopped up 340 in it and just keep the numbers matching 318 block to go with the car if it is ever sold. I personally have zero interest in actually driving a 318 car. Just my opinion, no disrespect meant. 

[highspeeddirt]

and what if that 318 was pumping out somewhere around 400 Horse?

[N96cuda]

Then I would use and drive the car with it and forget about the 340. If it broke then I would build a stronger 340. 

[hemi71]

It's always nice to have the matching #'s engine with a car. I'd build up a nice 360 for that car, pull the original and set it aside. Just my .02!

[moparnut]

and what if that 318 was pumping out somewhere around 400 Horse?

I would keep the numbers 318,bag it and build whatever,BB,RB,Hemi.Doesnt matter if its 400hp,it didnt come from the factory that way.

[willhaven]

In terms of collector cars, numbers matching is a big issue it seems. If you want to take a grocery getter and turn it into a custom with lots of power (basically throwing originality out the window), it's probably for the best. Hell, even turning a 318 into a cloned car is a better prospect than restoring the 318 I would think. It's all about desire. Everybody wants the big engines, even if it isn't the original one to begin with.

I'd settle for a 318 at the moment as I don't even own an E-body yet.

[Carlwalski]

I'd also store the 318ci safely away and go for something with a little more bang for your buck.
340, 360 383...HEMI do what you please as all will do more than a 318ci.


With MoPar prices being the way they are don't be surprised (I won't be)  when you see the day that 318's are worth what 383 and 440 cars are worth at this point in time.
Remember the old days.... "a 440 or a HEMI will never be worth that much!?" 

Boy, were they wrong...............

[71340RT]

I would store the 318 in a bag and build up a 440 and have some fun. It will never loose any value this way and you can run the crap out of it and not worry about tearing up the original engine.

[Follicly Challenged]

Ditto the above. NEVER, EVER, lose the original 318, but rather put it away for now and go have fun with an RB, B, or stoughter mouse motor. Not that the "wee-18" can't be a credible little performer, but why ?

Bob out.

[highspeeddirt]

Ok, to add to the question, does it make a difference on the "originallity value" if it doesn't have the "original" heads on the "original" 318?  I know 318 car values aren't as high right now, but as NZ440R/T said

With MoPar prices being the way they are don't be surprised (I won't be)  when you see the day that 318's are worth what 383 and 440 cars are worth at this point in time.
Remember the old days.... "a 440 or a HEMI will never be worth that much!?" 

Boy, were they wrong...............

Also, this is a car that has the build sheet and original window sticker.

[Carlwalski]

Ok, to add to the question, does it make a difference on the "originallity value" if it doesn't have the "original" heads on the "original" 318?  I know 318 car values aren't as high right now, but as NZ440R/T said
Also, this is a car that has the build sheet and original window sticker.

That definitely helps having the build sheet and original window stick, definitely.
Just at this point in time and probably for some time yet the 318 will still be a low value.

About the heads it won't hurt it too much at all. 

[hemi71]

Since you have some good documentation but you want to have some fun with the car and increase performance, I'd pull the #'s 318 and store it. Build up a nice 360/340 stroker, you should easily make 400+ HP, and since you stayed with the small block, you dont have too many mods to do to fit the new powertrain.   

[71fish]

unless it's a true survival.. I don't thinki it makes a difference.. UNLESS it is a 71.. and maybe a 70 cuda convertible.