Cam is too small to take much advantage of Aftermarket aluminum heads. I did a "test" doing the same thing but a 360, and gained 2.5 tenths. It would help, but it wouldn't be what you'd be looking for in my opinion. If that's the cam and intake you are using, I'd do up the 318 heads.
I'd have to know the gear ratio, the converter being used (or is it a 4 speed??). I mean, you could bolt a set of aftermarket heads on, but I think you'd be disappointed. The 318 heads could be worked, such as porting. But, if you can't do any of the work or not willing to learn, then that can add up too.
what gears, what converter??? That's HUGE when selecting parts for the engine. SERIOUSLY !!!
Stock converter, ok. Now, if you look at the back or your rear end, there will be a tag (or should be) that says the gear ratio. 2.76 ? 3.23 ?? It will be on the cover bolts... if it's original
Thanks for bearing with me! It’s 2.76
ok, do you have any intentions of changing the gears or converter?? The 318 isn't going to get a lot of help with those gears and converter. IF you aren't changing them, then your cam and intake will be fine. I would then work with the 318 heads.
I would like to at least upgrade the converter but I don’t know where to start. What would you suggest I get to replace the stock one?
I'd have to know what kind of budget you are looking at for the projects. A decent converter may cost you 600+... I wouldn't get a 200 dollar converter, I'd keep the stock one in that case. I'm guessing you have a 7.25 rear end, which is ok with a mild 318 but not a big HP engine. FABO is a great source to learn. Honestly, I have a lot of ground zero stuff for newbies on my youtube channel, heads included. If you haven't looked yet, here's a link. 318willrun - YouTube
Thank you for watching. The biggest thing is selecting components that compliment each other. If you are going to do more "drag racing" as in 1/4 mile and that's your biggest concern, but still drive it on the streets but not really on highways, then you may want at least a 3.55, but maybe 4.11. The higher the number, the more RPM's it will turn on the road, but the quicker it will launch. The converter gets the engine in it's RPM range of power quickly - if not immediately. Larger cams, big flowing heads, and high rise single plane intakes moves the RPM band up - and more power. So you can see, large cam, heads, and such on the small 318 will not play well with the 2.76 gears and stock converter. It can be lazy out of the hole shot, and not very fun. So you have to compliment that engine build with better gears and converter.
