1970 318 out of a camper??

[scott2683]

I just bought a 1972 slant 6 dart as my first project. The car came with a completely disassembled 360 that I don't know anything about. From the casting numbers all I could tell was that it was built in january of 1978. I'm going to have to take the engine in to be magnafluxed and checked over. The guy said that it had been bored over .30 and ran fine before he took it apart, but I have no proof.

Tonight on CL I found a 1970 318 and torqueflite transmission out of a camper with 42,000 miles. I believe a 318 from 1970 has more HP than a 360 from 1978, but which would be the better choice to build.

I'm wanting to achieve about 325-375HP.

Also he said the transmission is a torqueflite, would it be a 727 since it came out of a camper? Did they put a 904 in a camper? I have a 904, I'm wanting to install a 727, also other than the obvious stuff I need to change over from the slant 6 to the V8 would the fact that this set up is out of a camper cause anymore installation issues?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated....this is my first build so I'm gonna be burning up the forums seeking help.

Thanks!!

 

[Rockerdude]

It would likely be easier and cheaper to build the 360 and get a good 904. You could do the 318, but to get that power you will need to spend some money on the cylinder heads.

 

[RustyRatRod]

For that power level, 360.

 

[rumblefish360]

Skip the 318, stay with the 360. Rebuild the 360 and install higher compression pistons and as far as a cam goes, a grind like this, 230 @ 050 / .480 + lift will make your targeted HP goal easy.
The 360 heads should be rebuilt with 2.02 intake valves and well prep'd. Add headers and your good to go.

 

[scott2683]

Thanks for the replies guys. So should I keep the 904 out of my dart or grab this transmission for it? I have read pro's and con's for both. I can pick up the 318 and the 727 for $175. Even if I Don't need the 318, I Don't think $175 is bad for a 727.

 

[flyfish]

Stay with the 360, forget the 318. For the power level you listed, I would keep the 904. They eat less power, which means you will get more power to the ground.