318 Build on the cheap
I am essentially doing the same thing. Building my 318 in the cheep. As it is only going to be a temporary engine, I did not want to sink to much into it. Almost done so should know how it turned out soon. Here is what I did, with allot of advice from people on hear.
Stock low miles 1971 318 block pistons, rods (Lucked out hear. It had the heavy 340 bushed rods). Just gave her a good hone job, debugged the block, gave her a good cleaning, and new barrings and rings. Also added a windage tray, new pump, and a nos Milidon 70's deep pan.
Found a set of 273 commando heads. Figured it would help raise up the compression with the stock pistons. Did a good home port job, and gasket matching. Took them to a machine shop to have a set of bigger 1.88 and 1.60 stock 360 valves I had laying around installed. Also had a Edelbrock Per RPM spring kit installed.
For cam I went with a Comp Cams 20-223-3 lift .477in .480ex duration 224in 230ex. Also added 273 rockers and comp cams double roller chain.
Going to run an old Edelbrock LD4B intake, also gasket matched, and notched the center divider like they do on there newer intakes. And for now an Edelbrock 600 carb, since I have it.
Car will be running a manual 904 with a 2400 stall converter, and an 8 3/4 with 3.55 gears.
Should be a pretty good combo on the cheep. The only real expense is the head work. (yet to get the bill on that)
I picked up a low mile 1970 318.727. 83/4 355 sure grip for the 66 Dart.
My plan is to do a low budget build, If the jugs measure out good i'll use the stock pistons, dingle ball the jugs and rering,I'll either use the 675's and do a port job like 1 wilds thread ( By the way great thread Justin, looking forward to more !!) or use a set of 302's, and a LD340 intake,
Now i'm trying to figure out a good cam choice Was thinking of the voodoo 268,Any thoughts or suggestions?? Oh i'll run a shif kit and a 3000 stall verter.
Thanks.:burnout: