72+ 318s have a LOT of variations.
72 was the start of dropping compression that went lower in the late 70s and stayed there until 1985 when the 302 head (swirl port) was introduced. They used that head until 1989 and in 1990, there's another closed chamber head that lasted until 1991. Nobody talks about that head for some reason.
The 4bbl 318 was introduced in 78 and used 360 heads, which made the already dismal 2bbl compression worse (but the engine could breath better, and spin a li'l harder...). On the plus side, this was the "police" motor so it got some goodies like moly rings, good timing chain, and a windage tray. (and on some models, an engine oil cooler!)
Also in the mid 80s they started hydraulic roller cams. I can't recall what determined the camshaft (I think it was 2bbl and EFI motors). Good news is, all the blocks were cast with the provisions. I know the EFI motors got roller cams.
Personally, the hottest 318s were made from 1968-1971. the 318 2bbl in my 71 is a pretty strong 'teen. Some basic bolt ons will make a great motor, mainly because of the higher (decent 9:1) compression. A later one (especially post 73) would need a bump in compression.
