318 Project

[TreeFrog]

I have a son with ADHD, and well other issues as well.
At the age of 8 1/2 and thousands of dollars invested he has begun to finally show advancement, and an interest in Man Time!
I promised him we would work on a car project.  As I can not aford to pick up a 340, 360 or 440 right now, I have to use what I have. first stage of tearing an engine apart would not be a big deal...

I have at my diposal 3-318 engines. a 1973 truck, 1982 van and 1987 truck. 
As those who know engines better than I do some parts are better than others, and I am asking for your help

I was once told that you could mix heads, blocks etc, and would come out with a better engine.
can anyone make suggestions.

the only other option I have is a 383 I have.

[Tonefiend]

I wish my dad was into cars.  It has been my dream for years to work on a project with my pops. He had a 55 Chevy before I was born back in the late '60s/   I though I would be able to get him interested in my Challenger, but all he has to say abut it is "Thats what you get for having an old car" and "When are you going to sell that thing"   He 'dont get it.

Looking forward to your 318 project.  I would love to build mine.

[challngd73]

What is the motor going in?  What is the end goal?  All things equal, if I had a choice between a 318 or a 383.... 383 hands down.  But again, all depends on your overall goals for the car.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree , your costs will be similar no matter what engine you work on so the 383 makes more sense to me , toss in a 440 crank & rods & you have a 436 " monster
 If you decide to do a 318 , 87 makes the most sense to me , it will have a roller cam & the better 302 casting heads

[TreeFrog]

The End result .... to get my son's education caught up.... period.
the side effects a lil Father/Son time,
the byproduct an engine to go into a an unknown Mopar....

HOWEVER!

my Son just pulled a fast one on me....
The first car my Dad ever bought was a 1965 Plymouth Satellite.  He taded it in at the dealership he got it from and a neighbor bought it... Oldly enough at 17 I bought it from the neighbor... making it the first car we both bought.  20 years ago Dad and I torn the engine down, and I gave it up to go to college... he pegged me on wanting to work on the Satellite, and well since I have the original engine, and the parts ... it's on.

Now he just has to earn the right to work on it... Guess I should change this to "361 Project" huh?

[Road_Runner]

Hang in there Dad, I went through the same thing with my son who's now 23.  It's taken a little longer perhaps than some kids, but he's got his act together, knows what he wants to do and is working toward his career goals.  If you ever want to talk to someone who's been through it just let me know.  Oh, I'm partial to the 383 myself unless you think this might end up in his first car, then I'm thinking 318 2-barrel.

Later, Jim

[moper]

I don't think it matter what engine, or even if it's a car. Just keep giving him the guidance and attention. My Dad wasn't into cars at all. Nor really into me because  wasn't what he expected in son #2 or kid #4. It's taken a while (I'm turning 40 this year) but we're both realizing what a shame it was to piddle away all that valuable time. We didnt speak much after i was 13 until I was in my 20s unless I was getting yelled at or on holidays...lol

[TreeFrog]

I don't think it matter what engine, or even if it's a car. Just keep giving him the guidance and attention. My Dad wasn't into cars at all. Nor really into me because  wasn't what he expected in son #2 or kid #4. It's taken a while (I'm turning 40 this year) but we're both realizing what a shame it was to piddle away all that valuable time. We didnt speak much after i was 13 until I was in my 20s unless I was getting yelled at or on holidays...lol

I fear it is way too easy to go that route... you really get frustrated, I mean REALLY!
no excuse, I just have been there, but man he looks at me and I love him all over...