How to tell a 318 from a 360?

[MoparSteve]

Question for the small block gurus. How to tell a 318 from 360 or the rest of the LA line up for that matter. I am looking at a late 70s D100 truck that suppose to have a 318 in it (according to the vin #), but I just test drove this thing and it has some serious go to it. So I was wondering if the 318 was replaced by a 360 once upon a time since the current owner doesn't know jack about the truck.

 

[grumpuscreature]

There is a casting number on the side of the block behind the starter that will look something like this XXXXXXXX-318-XX. The displacement is the 3 numbers between the 2 dashes, i.e. 273, 318, 340, 360. Chances are you have a 318 since they were far from gutless, even in the '70s. Hope this helps.

 

[leblanc]

the engine ID is on the block on the driver's side, around where the motor mount is. It tells you the year too.

 

[MoparSteve]

Thanks for the info. I will go back and take a look. I am not implying a 318 is gutless, it just felt like it had a lot more torque to it, thus my question on perhaps a higher displacement motor like a 360. Thanks again.

 

[66340SEDAN]

Another way is you could look at the harmonic balancer, if it is a skinny, flat one it is a 318, a 360 one will be thicker and have a counter weight on the face.

 

[C130 Chief]

Displacement is also stamped into front of block directly under drivers side cylinder head.

 

[69charger]

It might have good torque because of the rear gears too, don't forget about that.

 

[MoparSteve]

There is a casting number on the side of the block behind the starter that will look something like this XXXXXXXX-318-XX. The displacement is the 3 numbers between the 2 dashes, i.e. 273, 318, 340, 360. Chances are you have a 318 since they were far from gutless, even in the '70s. Hope this helps.

Much to my surprise, it is a XXXXXXXX-340-XX :cheers:.

 

[66340SEDAN]

No, you don't want to use that, it is no good. I have a great running 318 I will trade for it! :-D

 

[71DartGuy]

Much to my surprise, it is a XXXXXXXX-340-XX :cheers:.

You lucky bastard!!! Good score man, get that thing home asap! Sorry Keith!

 

[MoparSteve]

You lucky bastard!!! Good score man, get that thing home asap! Sorry Keith!

It is sitting in my drive way already :-D

 

[Charles Jenkins]

Much to my surprise, it is a XXXXXXXX-340-XX :cheers:.

I've had my truck for 4 mo now and just today decided to check how to tell between the 318 and 360, I read this post and found out I have the 360. I am stunned

 

[pishta]

Hey, you coulda' had a 273......

 

[AJ/FormS]

Good on you using the search feature.

 

[harrisonm]

No, you don't want to use that, it is no good. I have a great running 318 I will trade for it! :-D

What a nice guy.