318 rebuild suggestions

prostreeter9 said

Hey guys:

I'm in the same boat as 69barracuda, in that I have a 318 and looking for a cam. I'm reading all this and I wondering is there a way to tell what your compression ratio is by doing a compression test? I'm really not planing to take the heads off mine unless absolutely nessasary.

Jon

Click to expand...

Not with any accuracy.

Too many factors influence compression pressure. Pistons, heads, head gaskets, cam grind, cam timing, engine wear.

A factory stock 318 with wear should test 100 to 120 if in good shape, but I've seen worn cylinders and valves bring it down under 100.

Who's to say that it doesn't have high compression and very worn cylinders...


The best way to accurately tell will require taking off the head, but we can get you very close to your actual compression for your engine if you follow this thread:

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=278215


And definitely replace the stock 318 timing chain with a good double roller one...