Engine size recommendation

JMack said

Thanks to all for the time and input, this information is exactly what I needed to know. It sounds like I can accomplish this feat with either set-up. I think I will go with the 318 since 1) I already have one and 2) I like the idea of keeping the same size the car came stock with.

I haven't been a member of this forum long, but I'm very pleased with how active and helpful everyone has been.

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There's a ton of info on 318 builds on here. The basic formula I mentioned above, but there's quite a few different threads on here for specific builds. There's are a couple magazine builds too, one by Hot Rod and one by Mopar Muscle, both were 400 hp 318 builds. Surprisingly, neither build was really that extreme, and a slight cam downgrade for either would be a very streetable build. Both did use something other than stock LA 318 heads, mopar muscle used stock magnum heads, hot rod ported a set of 302's. Head work is needed to get to 400 hp, but not necessary for 300hp except for maybe the larger 1.88/1.60 valves and the port matching for mating to the slightly larger intake ports.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/mopp_0409_318_engine_build/machining_process.html

http://www.hotrod.com/howto/113_0304_318_small_block_build/index.html

But outside the headwork, the bottom end of both builds was pretty similar and is a good base for a 300hp build. The extra horsepower in the articles is due to primarily better flowing heads (and a cam choice to take advantage of it), which is probably the biggest bottleneck on a SB mopar, especially a 318.