What about the Brazilian 318s that we in Australia got in the late seventies. I have a 318 dated 1978 and on the side of the block is cast in "made in Brazil" By all accounts my machinist says he sonic checked one and found a much thicker bore! I also know a guy who worked for chrysler in the USA and also chrysler Australia and he says yes these blocks were a lot better than the USA blocks.
They probably weighed more meaning there was more material meaning it would have cost more to make in the USA. Cheaper labor in Brazil, possibly cheaper materials if iron was locally sourced so they could use more material at the same price point.
