73 Scamp... Hello everybody

Green73 said
I didn't know it was possible to build up those little motors. I figured everyone tossed them in favor of 340/360's. I assume the 318's have 2 bolt mains, cast crank, and crap heads. Would that be correct? Let's say I wanted to build the little 318... What would you suggest for it to build it around a Comp Cams 280 or 292 hydraulic cam? I would probably go with a Performer RPM intake and a Holley 650. Is the factory electronic ignition up to the task? What heads are ideal? Are the crank and rods good for 6200 rpm or so? I'd appreciate any suggestions you guy's have.

My brother told me the car has a 727 in it. He put a shift kit in it a few years back. Does this sound correct? Or would it have the 904? Just curious.

later, j

Normally it would have a 904 but someone may have put in a 727. Look at the shape of the pan to tell them apart. Either way the 904 is good for a 350 HP car. the electronic ignition is good. You can do some head work on the iron heads, dont need to get expensive aluminum heads if your shooting for 350 HP, try and get those 302 heads from a junkyard car. the intake choice is good. go with the 280 cam and a torque converter a little hotter than stock, like a TCI breakaway or something along those lines, should be good with the 650 CFM carb. But definatly plan on swapping the rearend with an 8 3/4 and put some 3.55 gears in it. Just dont go to ebay for an 8 3/4, look in the junkyards or in classifieds. like you said, most people toss these engines for a 340 or 360, but are you going to pay the high price for a 340 or get a 360 and deal with getting even more parts to balance it. Its not that hard to do but the 318 should be fine if your not planning on doing any serious racing. you can always get Mopars 4" crank to stroke it, not sure what displacement the 318 comes out to with the stroker crank, but its an option to get more out of your 318. theres an article on a 400 HP build up of a 318, ill try and look for it or maybe someone already has it and can post the link, but you should check that out.