318 LA torque?

Hmm... 1983 318 2-bbl is factory rated at 145 HP, 240 lb-ft while a 5.2L Magnum is 230 HP and 280 lb-ft. From the factory, stock vs. stock that's at least a 90 HP boost and 40 extra lb-ft to boot. Not "still a 318" IMO.

I like the Magnum swap because I've been down the road of upgrading a stock low-compression 318 and all you can do is open it up to let it breathe which only gives you HP at higher revs. A 360 responds the same way but they have a lot more low-end and mid-range torque to work with.

Here's an idea: keep your 318 short block the way it is and put some stock Magnum heads on it with a mild flat-tappet cam like this Lunati Voodoo Camshafts 10200701 with new lifters of course and definitely valve springs. Use the factory Magnum rockers but you'll need custom length pushrods. In fact I have a pair of stock Magnum heads in good shape (no cracks but need a little machining) along with rockers, Hughes valve springs and retainers, and conversion pushrods from MP which *might* work... I've been trying to sell this stuff locally for a while but no real interest. Feel free to shoot me a PM I have pics of the parts I can send I'd be willing to make a deal.