318 stroker -> Mopar Performance A8 build guidance needed.

SOMMS said
Hello, long time lurker - first time poster here.

I'm looking for some small block stroker wisdom. I am building a track car out of a 72 cuda for 50% track days(twisties...not drag)/50% grocery getting/mopar events. I occasionally want to put the wife and kids in it so Im not planning on caging it. One of the primary focuses of this car will be handling and trying to get it as light as possible.

Race track you can build for any rpm you gear it for streetability idle to 3000 rpm is your daily
driving range so you got to keep that in mind when trying to extend the powerband to 5000-5500+ rpm with deeper gears and higher stall 6000-6500 rpm are possible, but you still want a decent idle-3000 rpm which how much cam overlap is gonna be the biggest factor.

SOMMS said
To this end I have decided to go the small block stroker route - particularly the 318/340 setup as the 360 blocks weigh 50lbs more. I already have a roller 318 block to start the build with.

Why would a 360 block weigh that much more?

SOMMS said
The goal of this motor is to: be reliable, make 500-600hp, run on pump gas, be light-weight.

My initial idea was to get the car on the street/track with my 318 block, and then later upgrade to a Mopar Performance A8 block (Mopar Performance A8 Aluminum Blocks & Components - JEGS) as these motors weigh in at roughly 350 lbs (compared to 525 lbs of the 318/340)

With the money it seems you plan on spending, build an all aluminum 500+ cid big block it will make the most hp/tq in the street friendly rpm band of idle to 5500+ rpms.

SOMMS said
Okay - so now the question:
Is there a good stoker crank/rod + valve train + head + carb combination that would work well in my 318 block,

I have Nothing against the 318 and if you really want to, build it. You want power & drivability which a 390+ cid could be decent at that and the smaller bore will allow enough flow for 500-600 hp but a 360/340 is gonna breath better and make like 20+ more cid for a slightly better idle-5500+ rpm.
Giving you more driveability.

SOMMS said
but then could be later transplanted to the A8 block?
Or is this just a crazy idea? (Would I need to start with W9 heads on my 318)?

The budget for the initial build is $5-6k, but then later ponying up the money for the A8 block.

Thanks for any help!

S

You don't need that for 500-600 hp that's more for a 700-800+ hp.