318 temp use

Skip the cam. As AJ pointed out that 318 is probably lucky to have 8:1 for a compression ratio, it’s more likely in the upper 7’s.

You don’t need a tensioner, just install a new timing chain. If the chain is worn a tensioner won’t solve it. If you want to keep using the 318 later just throw a double roller on it so you don’t have to think about it again.

You probably don’t need the headers, not going to do much for you. Dual exhaust with the stock manifolds will be fine.

A dual plane 4 barrel intake is the way you want to go, just a plain eddy performer or weiand or whatever you can get. An old streetmaster intake will work too, that’s what I have on the stock-ish 318 in my Challenger. It’s a single plane, but the runners are small enough it doesn’t kill the low end. A more modern dual plane would work better though.

Carb is probably easiest to make a 600, although really you could probably use a 500 for regular old street use. 600’s are easier to find though.

I put over 60k miles on the 318 in my Challenger. It was rebuilt by a previous owner but not run, I have no idea what it’s specs are. It’s an 84 block with the original 1972 heads for my car. I suspect it’s 100% stock, maybe an “rv” cam but probably not. I ditched the 2 barrel that was on it for the eddy streetmaster intake and a 600 eddy carb. Big improvement going to the 4 barrel, mostly tuning related. The stock 2 barrels are a pita to work with. I have headers on it, but I doubt they do much other than make it a little louder. The car was originally 2.76 geared, which worked fine. I upgraded to 3.23’s which gave it a little more acceleration but still managed the freeways well. It wasn’t a fast car by any means, but it was still fun to drive. And easier to drive in traffic and around town than the built up 340 in my Duster.