Why are 318's low HP and torque?

Well said Matt I agree with you 100 percent. I have built 318's that have run high 11's low 12's in a convertible 4 speed car with 3.91 gears. The only reason I only ran twice was because I got kicked off the track because I refused to cage my convertible show car. I used a forged factory 340 bottom end because I already had it. Balanced it to near perfect, took 318 heads had 2.02 1.60's put in, boosted compression, wish I would have ran a little more aggressive cam but live and learn. I think most guys get a little offended because they went out and spent 2 grand on a running 340 ( which is a sweet motor ) and could have gotten a 318 cheap or free and would have been able to put that into a 390 stroker rotating assembly. Look we are all here to accomplish the same thing so people that get pissy can go elsewhere. I'm building a D1 pro charged 318 stroker right now that I'm hoping to get 750+ hp out of. If you think that's far fetched look at mopar muscle mag and look up pro charged 318 and see they got 667 hp out of a virtually mild 318. Yea I know blowers are expensive but if a little 318 can handle that then I'm in!