finally it looks like V-8 time

The Demon has a setup similar to what you're building up. Like you, I was looking for something inexpensive that would make a bit of power. The 318 with an aluminum intake weighs about 20 lbs more than a 225. The combination produces around 300 hp at the flywheel with headers.

It has a '68 318 with 302 heads and a Performer intake. The carb is a 625 cfm Carter AFB. This is the same carb used on the 273 HP. Found that the manual choke version does not fit the stock divorced choke without a bit of work. (I bent the rod around quite a bit to make it fit.) If I had to do it again, I'd go with an electric choke. I did a little cleanup, removing burrs and polishing on the head ports. The calculated static compression ratio is 9.3:1. Used the tuning specs for a '73 340. Runs fine on 89 octane.

The engine has a Crane cam. The intake has .441" lift, duration is 218º @.050 lift. The exhaust has 228º @.050 lift. Throttle response is good over 2000 rpm. A lot of that is due to the 2.76:1 rear gear. I am building up a 3.55:1 for a bit more immediate urge.