318 carb questions

Whoopsie said
First off, I apologize for this question and the no doubt countless others in going to ask in the near future. Besides changing spark plugs, filters, and oil, I've never done anything (nor do I know anything) about engines. But I'm excited to learn.

I'm finally getting down to taking apart my 318 to, at the very least, replace some gaskets and the carb, and most likely the heads. I've decided to keep the 318 for the immediate future.

The car (68 Valiant) already has headers and duals. My first instinct is to swap out the 2bbl for a 4bbl, but after searching around it seems like some folks are saying it isn't worth it. So question 1 would be, should I go 4bbl or a newer 2? If I decide to go with 4 do I have to get a new manifold or will the stock one work?

TIA

First thing to do to a 318 is dual exhaust which you already have...

Next thing is to REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN... The stock single row timing chain and nylon dipped gears are junk... The nylon chips off the gears when it gets old and brittle, and the chains stretch too easily...

Get a stock 340 double roller timing chain minimum... Here's a great one that I've run over 150,000 miles:

Edelbrock

Then swap a Wiand Stealth intake manifold:

Weiand Stealth Intake Manifold

And a Holley 600 vacuum secondary with electric choke:

Holley 4160 Aluminum Street Carburetor

With this carb gasket, nice and thick to keep fuel from boiling:

Edelbrock Heat Insulator Gasket

The stock 68 318 is a great engine... 9.0 compression and stock 240 HP...