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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