milling heads for comp ratio increase

That's fine J Par, I know where you are thinking... in our game there is no substitute for cubic inches. Aussies think exactly the same way and the 360 engines are very sought after. You are right, a 318 or 360 will fit into the same place and make more power for less hassle - that is, IF I had those choices available. My 318 is now sitting in my blue 1970 Hardtop (aka 69 Dart body). Personally, I like the idea of a solid cam 273 and it is going into a daily driver. So fuel consumption is also a consideration. This car is very light, a 1970 Valiant ute, as we say, (short for utility) or in your terminology - pickup. See photos. The B3 Blue one is closer to how mine will be after a paint job. I actually bought this car with a 360 in it. But sold just the engine for exactly the same price as I bought the whole car for! Also these model Valiants never got the 360 and the trans tunnel is too small for the TF727, without mods. Mine had a 904 and it was burnt out from the 360. The rear axle is also only a Borg Warner 6 cylinder unit, so that's another thing to consider for using a small V8.
BTW, Fifty bucks for a good running 318 must have been the bargain of the year!

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I understand about making do with what you have completely. I can assure you that 904 didn't burn out just because it was behind a 360. Too many people on here with good drag racing results with the minimal of modifications. That 904 burn out because it was time for it. The only time I've ever wanted a 727 is in my truck consequently that's the only one I have right now. I built a nice 904 Last Summer that I drag race behind that 318 with the 360 heads I was talking about. Keep making do with what you have for sure but if you ever want to see any real power or anything that will light your world on fire it ain't going to be in that 273 unless you put a power Adder on it. And again by that time the money spent elsewhere will get you bigger smiles. Oh yeah I should probably shoot you a picture of that 318 with the 360 heads? The $50 318 motor with the 360 junkyard heads that I lapped the valves Myself by hand and had milled?
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For my wife...