Steve Dulcich on building a budget 318

YY1 said

...but the problem is-

99% of those threads about "next step" upgrades for 318's end up just like this one, without actually spending any time on the topic.

A- do nothing because nothing can be done.

B- build for maximum HP at 7000 RPM and live with zero torque off idle.

C- "just" buy a 340 (but not a 360, because 360's suck compered to a 340)

D- buy a 360

E- buy a stroker

F- install a big block

G- install a gm ls

Click to expand...

Two main problems arise when talking 318 performance, Velocity and Compression, for most it's simple add a 4bbl 600/650 and a cam 205 to 215 maybe headers, a stall and deeper gears would be nice and a good tune and if want a bit more power do something about the heads. Then the Velocity and Compression Police come along and make it a jumble of confusion for the OP on what to do and make it sound impossible to squeeze an extra 50-100hp out of a mild 318.