Strange 318 Block

As long as the subject of desirable strong 318 engines blocks is up, here is a comparison of three 318 blocks.

First up: The 318 X Block, Racing Block, 25 lbs heavier that the standard production cast block.
With the solid fill mains webs and extra beef in the weak areas of a production block.

Second Up: 1969 318 Factory 230 HP, 9.2:1 Compression, with the solid filled mains webs. Has one of the Best Cast mixes, cast in the muscle car era of 69.

Third Up: 1979 318 standard production engine, with the lighter duty undercut mains webs.
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First Up: 318 X Block, Racing Block

View attachment 1715320225


Second Up: 1969 318 Factory Production 230 HP, 9.2:1 Compression Engine Block
Good Strong mains webs. (also notice it came with a forged crankshaft)

View attachment 1715320228


Third Up: 1979 318 standard production engine, light duty block with recessed mains webs.

View attachment 1715320230

Good look at a few blocks here.

Availability: The X Race Blocks are all but gone, 69 318 230 HP Blocks strong and still in the 69 cars that are up for sale yet, and some are on the shelves of the Mopar folks hanging on to wanted parts. 79 318 production block still available from used vehicles.

My personal preference is the 1969 318 230 HP Block, plenty strong for the street class of cars we are building, not an over kill, 20 lbs lighter than the X and they are still available yet.
Notice I said Yet !


There was ONLY ONE and ONE ONLY production block with a filled pan rail. That was the T/A block. There was never ever ever a production 318 block with a filled pan rail. Ever.

The X block was sent out with the rough bore of 3.91 (which is actually more like 3.800ish at best) and was given a 318 part number so the stock eliminator guys could use it.

Even Ray Charles can see in the second picture you posted that 318 doesn't have a filled pan rail. That dude is not only blind, he's dead and he can see it.

This **** isn't hard. The order is: T/A block, then the X block and then the R series. There are no magic production blocks. One is no better than the other.