318 Build

Nm9, good post and yes to what 318WR & I were poking at. I normally don't go there because most new people and novice's will not understand and have problems getting it.

I generalize by stating the advertised ratio drops to low to be an effective ratio for the cam to operate at. Add in the converter and gear issues and heads start to spin. Never mind cam timing events that add to the problem of understanding it all.

Dartswinger70, good idea. But, maybe not the best move. Though I have done it and I'm sure I'll just do that again..... LOL!

Davidrad; Hyd. Flat tapper cam right?
Generally speaking that cam is in the 2000-5500 rpm range unless cylinder heads and other parts complement it for another 500rpm's.

My advice for getting the best you can out of it from where *I think* you stand is to start with removing the 318 heads and measure how far down the piston is exactly. Then cc the 360 heads. Report backnor have a friend/machinist do the math and the required amount to mill the 360 heads down for a 9.0-1 ratio with a 9.5-1 being the max. (Try not to go for the max. It is unwarranted.)
Remember to include the gasket specs for n the calculations. (Bore and thickness.)

I suggest the rest of the drivetrain to be 3.55 gears (at a min.! 3.91's if there isn't going to be a lot of Hwy. driving.) and not more than a 26-1/2 diameter tire (approximately a 245/60/15 size)
A shift kit in the transmission. (Trans-Go) IMO, a general off the shelf torque converter should not be looked at. A call to a place like Dynamic will yield much better results. And there going to ask a lot of questions about the car. Just tell them everything you can so you can get the best result possible.

Also knowing your cars actual weight is a huge plus!