Author Topic: 318 combo for mild build.  (Read 7223 times)

Offline Rdchallenger12

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318 combo for mild build.
« on: October 08, 2015 - 10:33:37 PM »
Hi all, was wondering from everyone experience here dealing with Mopars if this would be a good combo or should I start from scratch. I'm better at knowing Chevy engines from my racing days since any monkey can put them together haha.

Looking into
KB 167 Pistons bored .40
302 cast heads
Air gap intake
Not sure the cam yet (suggestions please)
Keeping stock manifolds since I do not want headers
4 bbl Holley 600 CFM? Or is that to little?

Any help would be great, just want some life out of this 318 and surprise some people.




Offline djw383

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2015 - 11:49:21 PM »
Trans?

Offline Denison636

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2015 - 12:09:07 AM »
Its just a little 340 with a miss

Offline Rdchallenger12

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2015 - 10:02:16 AM »
Automatic stock tranny
I'm kind of partial to comp cams.

Offline Rdchallenger12

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2015 - 06:55:58 PM »
Oh! Streetable as well please on pump gas. Anyone?!?!

Offline dougs bs23

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« Last Edit: October 09, 2015 - 07:22:43 PM by dougs bs23 »
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Offline Rdchallenger12

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2015 - 08:05:17 PM »
But I should be safe with those Pistons and head combo using thin Mopar perform gaskets?
« Last Edit: October 09, 2015 - 08:22:53 PM by Rdchallenger12 »

Offline dougs bs23

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2015 - 08:21:07 PM »
may be a good idea to send your heads out and have them redone, new valves, etc.   probably looking at about $500 for a " head job"
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Offline Rdchallenger12

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2015 - 08:36:02 PM »
Oh yeah, that is a def especially with them being junk yard heads. I will be putting the 1.88/1.60 valves in them.

Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2015 - 09:28:27 PM »

Automatic stock tranny
I'm kind of partial to comp cams.


The right converter and gears will really make the complete package work much better. My old basic 318 was good for a 13.6 in the 1/4.
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Offline Rdchallenger12

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2015 - 09:53:31 PM »
I'll more then likely keep the stock converter but I could see maybe changing the gears.

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #11 on: October 12, 2015 - 08:57:58 AM »
Make sure you port the heads once the valve seats are opened up . , it will help to radius the entrance to the intake port as the 308 heads use a smaller port window than the intake manifold port .
 My preference is to use Forged piston not cast or Hyper , this allows further increases in HP without rebuilding the short block down the road .
 Using the stock converter may limit the cam choice , 318/340 do not have a long stroke so torque is limited so getting them into the powerband before the load is applied is critical .
 I like Lunati cams for Mopar , the Voodoo series works very well  , they are designed to maximize the ramp speeds with the larger diameter lifter used in Mopars , many of Comps cams are designed around the small block Chev with a smaller diameter lifter & just copied onto the Mopar cores . The Chev & Mopar small block are very different engines , the Mopar not only has the wider diameter lifter but the rod ratio is totally different which alters the piston speeds & dwell time so the cam really needs to be very different between the 2 engines . Always check piston to valve clearance .
 600 CFM on a bored 318 will be perfect , you will end up with approx 322 CI & you want close to 2x the CI.
 The intake is a good choice although even the factory 340 intake is one of the best intakes .
 I would use a Melling HP not high volume pump , Billet double row timing chain , you can add the timing chain tensioner available from Mopar , use a windage tray , don't worry about 4 bolt mains it will not need it , balance the rotating assy of course ,
 For exhaust I would use the later 92 up Magnum manifolds , these fit well & are some of the best iron manifolds ever used from the factory .
 I bet the little 318 will surprise even you ! a 70 318 was rated at 230 HP with a 2bbl , with carb intake cam & exhaust it will make decent power
« Last Edit: October 12, 2015 - 11:52:37 PM by Chryco Psycho »

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Offline Rdchallenger12

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #12 on: October 12, 2015 - 03:21:11 PM »
Thanks for the great and well detailed reply Chryco! That's exactly what I was looking for.

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #13 on: October 12, 2015 - 11:42:06 PM »
That is what this site is for  :2thumbs:

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Offline Rdchallenger12

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Re: 318 combo for mild build.
« Reply #14 on: October 17, 2015 - 02:34:34 PM »
One more question. Do the Magnum manifolds bolt right up or will some machining need done?