I think the bottom end is probably ok. The plugs are fuel fouled. Too rich. That's just a tuning problem. I would run whatever regular Champion copper plug the book says for the engine. Compression ratio and cylinder pressure are all that's really important determining which plug to run in these older engines with iron heads. Don't get too carried away on plug choice, because there's simply not much difference at all any plug will make over another.
For like the third time now re-cam the darn thing. Cam, lifters, springs and new timing set. Make sure you break it in right. I think the Summit 6900 cam is a good choice. Simple, cost effective and it will work. Comp 901 springs will be perfect. Again, simple and cost effective. Use a Cloyes double roller timing set and degree the cam either 4 or 6 degrees advanced......if you want a little more extra bottom end torque, go 6 degrees. Won't hurt a thing. It will be a peppy little 318 when you are done. Change the oil to the Lucas Hot Rod oil. It has plenty of zinc for the flat tappet cam. Use 10/30. No need for anything fancy like synthetic. Don't waste your money. Make sure you slob liberal amounts of cam break in lube on the lobes and lifters. When you bust it off, keep it above 2500 RPM for the first 15 minutes, varying the RPM from 2500 to 4500. Do NOT let it fall below 2500 or idle for the first 15 minutes. Remember to vary the RPM as this helps splash lube at break in. If you get past the first 15 minutes without trouble, you will be fine.
That cam is small enough that it does not require an adjustable valve train and large enough that you WILL notice a nice difference in how the engine performs.
If you really wanted to get into it, you could remove the heads and have them done. They ARE where the power is and if they are worn and need guide and valve work, you will never have the power you potentially could with some reworked heads. If the budget allows, I would do it. You have the intake off so you are really half way there. Just something to think about.
Oh and I am about 20 miles NE of Macon. Thank God.
yup bosh platinum. They were in the car when i bought it. what should really be in there? I've got some other plug that I never used in another car but they are el chepo ones. autolight or something? do you think i should be concerned about the amount of fouling? Is it an indication that the bottom end is to far gone to put in a new cam/lifters?
Where in georgia are you from dirtyrat rod? I lived in marietta a few years ago. miss the BBQ but not the humidity!
