I don’t understand the 318 abuse really .
The block is almost identical to a 340,,,I know,,,,there are several differences,,but still very close . They can easily be upgraded for more strength and durability .
The bores are only .130 “ smaller,,after you bore it some,,,that margin is closer .
The cranks are almost identical,,,mostly different machining and balancing .
The rods are very close,,,,same floating pins,,can easily be changed if necessary .
When you clean and bore the block,,,,go ahead and upgrade pistons to 10.5 compression .
You can upgrade rods or keep same,,,,no difference in power produced .
You will need more cam,,but,,,which engine doesn’t ?
You will need to upgrade heads,,,,easily accomplished .
Aluminum,,,or a nice set of J heads,,,,,or,,,,maybe a really nice set of X heads .
You can use factory rockers or aluminum,,,or,,maybe a really nice set of factory iron rockers on banana groove shafts ,,and a solid lift cam ?
Then headers ,,or a nice set of factory 340 high performance manifolds .
If I don’t change my mind,,that’s the direction I’m going .
I have a 68 318 block and steel crank,,,excellent condition.
Aftermarket rods,,,domed pistons,,,solid cam .
68 X heads and adjustable rockers,,,and 68 manifolds .
I like mostly the machine work now ,,,,I finally found my X’s the other day .
I might still go 340 block yet,,,,but I’m not rushing,,,,and I still think the 318 is a fine engine .
We need to pull together as Mopar guys and help each other more than we do .
Myself included .
Tommy