318 upgrades questions

You are getting good advice here Dwak, the guy you "trust" at work is offloading some parts on you. Sounds like he means well, but overcamming a teener is only going to lead to a dissappointing performer. Everything has to be matched up in an engine or car build to get the most out of it... Compression / Cam / Heads / desired RPM range / converter / rear end gears....

That 509 cam would be good in a 360 with 10:1 compression and good aftermarket heads, put it in a stock headed 318 and you will have a dog under 3500 rpm.

I would suggest something in the upper .400" lift range with mild duration figures, maybe a converter and some 3.55 gears = will run circles around a lopey idling 318 build. Good luck, take some good advice from those that have been there / done that.