The Full Experience

moper said
I think, if the car is in need of a restoration, the place to start is not the engine. I always found it strange that we all want more power and faster - but then don't have enough money for body and paint work. I know for me personally I made that mistake on pretty much every car i did until I was in my 30s. Get the body solid and waterproof, and the car mechanically sound in terms of suspension, brakes, rear axle, etc, then think about an engine.

I fully agree. Engines are probably the easiest problem to address in a deal like this too.

JBurch said
I'm confused..........dicent HP out of a 318 more work than its worth??? I take it that 400+ hp is not what you consider dicent HP.

There are a half dozen 318 builds spread out thru "Car Craft" "Mopar Muscel", "Engine masters" that make 400+ HP and its my opinion they are inexpensive and easy. Pistons, camshaft, cylinder heads; the same route it would take for 400+hp 360.

Good reference books: "How to Hot Rod the Small Block Mopar" by Larry Shepard is one, there are several how to rebuild build books; sorry don't remember excat titles or authors; when all else fails a factory service manual is good.

One aspect of engine rebuilding is that there is no such thing as too clean!!!!!

Good luck

Two words..............Stroker , Dude. :D
So many options , from buying one that is done to building one on the cheap. I'd seriously consider this. Maybe save for it as you get the rest of the car squared away. Because we all know , there is no point in having a good looking car that can't get out of it's own way.