“Max effort daily driver” 318 build vs “Budget” 400 swap

273 said
Why isn't a big block good daily driver?
Whatever power level eg.. 300 350 400 hp etc.. 400 will be the mildest version needing less gear stall, it will make the most power idle-4500 rpm where 99% of street driving is. The only so called drawback is size and weight which are minor compared to the benefits. A mild 400 would be an awesome daily driver, only thing better 500 plus.

Agreed and with a mild cam and reasonable head work it can make very good easy going lower and still get decent mileage. I was getting 17 mpg’s with 3.55’s on a 27 inch tire.

The weight issue disappears with aluminum parts. The smaller more inexpensive items are the water pump and its housing. A cast iron housing is very heavy on the BB engine. The water pump is small potatoes. But you might as well match what the small block came with. An aluminum water pump and timing chain cover. The timing cover on a BB is super light weight.

The aluminum intake is a nice weight saver and the expensive part is cylinder heads. Which MoPar Joe showed us there lighter than expected for sure.

The 727 is heavier by sheer size. Not a huge thing.

Pound for pound, the B (and RB) engine is a better deal.

On the 400 I have, I picked up a 440source.com aluminum water pump housing which has the inlet on the same side as the small block. That’s a FWIW. But here is the nice thing about that. The radiator used can be used with a small block later on if you want.

I used a Summit racing radiator, aluminum and big, price is right and cools well.