Cheap 318 build questions

rumblefish360 said
Warning!

“80-90 & 145” is a clear sign that engine is half way to toast. Use the late ‘80’s engine.

On the ‘80’s engine, it would be my opinion to spend the money on a roller cam to replace the roller cam. If the lifters are fit for re use, great! If not, there cheap to replace. VERY CHEAP TO REPLACE!

Keep the heads on top and just swap out the intake for a dual plane OE iron unit or a Performer. Use a 600 cfm carb. Don’t sweat the port mismatch.

Finish up the engine with dual exhaust and upgrade the ignition. Contact Johnnymac for a ready to run distributor. Very inexpensive and it’s the same dang thing as a MSD.
Mine works great!

Give us the vehicles weight, tire size and gear ratio.

I have decided to follow your tips and go with that 80's engine. Heads are 302's and I have worked on them today, the valves are tight and sealing now. Don't have time for any porting except for matching the intake.
Haven't had time for looking what I have but I should have an iron dual plane that will work. Think I have a 600 or 650 carb too.
Will build a 2.5" inch dual H-pipe exhaust since I have a pair of 2.5 Flowmaster lying.
I'll try to recurve the original point distributor and limit the advance. Cheap you know ;)

Just swapping the cam and re use the lifters sounds like a good idea. Where can I buy one?
I'm in Sweden so I need to find someone willing to ship overseas.

Guess truck weighs around 4600. Have no clue about gearing but I'd be surprised if it's not something like 4.10. Tires are 235/75-15 but I hope I can find some used 32"