Engine Power

B&S, pick a cam for the man. I like your idea so far. Good ideas. I'd look at a 340 replacement cam.

As far as getting a Mopar only cam lifter, the idea is to take advantage of the larger lifter area for a quicker riseing ramp to whip open the valve for better cylinder filling. And more as well. It is not really needed, but helpful in the HP search.

Yes, 350 HP is very reasonable and easy no less.

Measure up your 318 and do the math for the actual ratio it has. You really do not need much. 9.0-1 would be great. The KB pistons are a zero deck piston and could cause a compresion excess problem with the iron heads. If you go that way, just use a slightly thicker gasket to take the edge off.

Also, on the heads, good prep work is what you'll be looking at. Back cut OE valves. Take to BJR or another head guy here.