I've seen A LOT of posts about making HP with a 318-So why is it so ???

I recently did a warmed over LA318 for my '77 D100. Basically a 0.030" over stock bottom end, pistons were 0.08" in the hole. Heads were "302" heads that were gasket matched and mildly ported with 1.88/1.6 valves installed. Milled down to 58cc. Gasket matched LD340 intake topped off with a StreetDemon 625. Mild CompCams 262XE, double roller, windage tray, MP distributor, shorty Hedman headers, etc..

Initially I was thinking it would make around 300hp, but after getting it in my truck, I was a little let down. It didn't have the punch that the very mild 360 in my Dart has. Once it got rolling it started pulling hard, but off the line it was a little soft. It wasn't what I thought it should be.

Then I rode in my buddy's '79 D100 with the low mile stock 318 2bbl. Apparently my 318 is WAY faster than the stocker, once compared side by side.

If I had to do it over, I would've just found a 360 shortblock and went from there. Torque is KING on the street!