any body running a poly 318 in their car

I blew up the 426 wedge in my 64 Sport Fury in the 70s. Not having the money to replace the wedge (crank thru side of block), I found a 318 from a car with an automatic. I overhauled the engine and had the crank drilled for a pilot bushing. Finding a bell housing and flywheel was not fun. It came from a junk yard, probably from a 273. Had to modify the clutch linkage. It got much better gas mileage than the 426, and was still fun to drive with the 4 speed. I think I could get up to 20 mpg.

Over time the tranny froze up and had to replace with a 69 Plymouth 4 speed, requiring a different drive shaft (sliding yoke). I think I had to have the replacement drive shaft cut shorter. Problem with popularity of the 318 I suspect is that its not a very handsome engine. It has the reputation of a grocery getter, but its very reliable.

Today, I would transplant a newer smog controlled engine into a B body. I don't like the smell of the exhaust of those old engines. A Gen III 392 would be fun, but the K member would be a problem. I'd like to know about drivability with one of the hemi conversion kits.