Not a A-body but a couple of questions about a 318.

[318power]

Hello everyone I am new to the site and have a few questions about my 1984 Dodge D150. Its a 318 with a overdrive 833 tranny. Its bone stock, has been converted over to a regular electronic ignition. It has 2.94 gears in the 8 1/4 rear. My questions are if I was to put LD4B intake on the 318 and dual exhaust would I see a nice power gain? Not looking for a power house but would like to pick up some power! Also could I run newer magnum style exhaust manifolds on this motor? And how hard would it be to change the gear ratio to a lower gear and add a suregrip to the 8 1/4 rearend? I have never dealt with a 8 1/4 before only the 8 3/4. My Dad was the one with all the knowledge and know how and sadly he passed away in November, so I am going at this alone. I may put a 340 cam in the 318 to, but my first actions will be dual exhaust and a 4-barrel. Any help and tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[BlueDream]

Hello everyone I am new to the site and have a few questions about my 1984 Dodge D150. Its a 318 with a overdrive 833 tranny. Its bone stock, has been converted over to a regular electronic ignition. It has 2.94 gears in the 8 1/4 rear. My questions are if I was to put LD4B intake on the 318 and dual exhaust would I see a nice power gain? Not looking for a power house but would like to pick up some power! Also could I run newer magnum style exhaust manifolds on this motor? And how hard would it be to change the gear ratio to a lower gear and add a suregrip to the 8 1/4 rearend? I have never dealt with a 8 1/4 before only the 8 3/4. My Dad was the one with all the knowledge and know how and sadly he passed away in November, so I am going at this alone. I may put a 340 cam in the 318 to, but my first actions will be dual exhaust and a 4-barrel. Any help and tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Sounds like you have a pretty good plan so far. The LD4B intake is widely recommended for the small runners on the 318 heads. A 340 cam is a good choice for the 318 and will help wake it up without losing torque. As far as exhaust goes, why not just go with headers since you'll be redoing the exhaust anyways? You can pick up a pair for cheeeap. 3.55 gears would be good with the overdrive and low first gear and you could still cruise it on the highway. I've never swapped gears in a rear end before but I'm sure someone on here can give you some good tips, there's tons of knowledge on this forum. For a 318, a carb in the 600-650 CFM range is a good size, no need to over carb the 'teen. Vacuum secondaries would work but mechanical secondaries would work well too since you've got a manual trans. Welcome to the forum! :cheers:

 

[318power]

Thanks! The cam would be the last thing I would do. I may just use the exhaust manifolds that are on the truck now. I am working on a 89 Dakota to so have to watch the money lol. Here is a pic of the Dakota. That's the D150 next to it. I am having a 360 built for the Dakota. It currently has one in it. But it needs rebuild etc... So I will just stay with the 318 for now in D150. I really hope I can wake up the 318!

 

[BlueDream]

Thanks! The cam would be the last thing I would do. I may just use the exhaust manifolds that are on the truck now. I am working on a 89 Dakota to so have to watch the money lol. Here is a pic of the Dakota. That's the D150 next to it. I am having a 360 built for the Dakota. It currently has one in it. But it needs rebuild etc... So I will just stay with the 318 for now in D150. I really hope I can wake up the 318!

I like that Dakota! 360's are great engines and I think that'll be a lot of fun. Someone I know has a stroked 360 in a Dart and it's a wicked car and it runs 10.80's, I want it lol but a 318 can be quick. It would definitely be a lot more peppy with some mods. Do you know what cylinder heads the 318 has? The 302 heads are a good upgrade and will bump up compression some. If you're just going to use the truck as a truck and do truck stuff with it then I'm sure the manifolds would be fine. A dual 2 1/4" exhaust would be a nice upgrade. If it's going to be a hot rod or you're going to upgrade it a lot in the future then you might want to look into headers sooner rather than later. I like 318's a lot. The one in my Dart is pretty mild but has a COMP 268HE cam, headers, Eddy 4bbl, and some other stuff and it'll roast my 295's and it makes all the right noises. On the forum here when people ask about how to upgrade a 318 the common answer is get a 360 if you want more power and use the 318 as a boat anchor. I think beefing up the 318 is a good way to go.

 

[318power]

I am pretty sure the 318 would have the stock 84 heads on it. Its a bone stock motor. Maybe I will consider the 302 heads. I may eventually put the 360 out of the Dakota in the D150 but that would be way down the road. It needs to be rebuilt and all that good stuff. I have spent most of my money on the new 360 for the Dakota. But I would like for the 318 in the D150 to be peppy etc... So for now I am just going to go with that. I pick up the LD4B manifold on Sunday. I think if I can wake it up a little, it would be fun to drive with that 4-speed!

 

[rumblefish360]

I've done a few 318's and my advice is do not use the 302 heads just use what is on there now. To expensive for what you get in return. Almost nothing. Do a cam with the Edelbrock intake. I suggest the Edel. AVS version. Doing all 3 at once yields the best results in what you will feel. Also do not be afraid to go to a 2-1/2 exhaust.

A better head upgrade is ether a set of ready to bolt on 360 heads or Edelbrck heads.

 

[318power]

More than likely I will just use the heads that are on there now. That LD4B intake is a good manifold correct? If I was to change the cam, would I have to change the springs etc.. on the heads? Thanks

 

[66fs]

More than likely I will just use the heads that are on there now. That LD4B intake is a good manifold correct? If I was to change the cam, would I have to change the springs etc.. on the heads? Thanks

Yes, If you change the cam, I'd get springs to match and a double roller timing chain. Your plan sounds good. LD4b is one of the best manifolds. I'd go with early magnum exhaust manifolds myself, they are cheap flow well and never leak, then get your dual exhaust.

 

[Jo Diesel]

On all my landscape trucks I would change cam to a small RV or towing cam with new timing chain [which it probably needs anyway] dual 2 1/2" exhaust, Edelbrock intake. 4bbl carb. Make big difference for towing and snowplowing.

 

[318power]

Would the magnum style manifolds bolt right up without any modifications?

 

[66fs]

Would the magnum style manifolds bolt right up without any modifications?

Yes, the Magnum exhaust manifolds should bolt right up. I think 92-93 have the larger outlets.

 

[AJ/FormS]

I just have to butt in here.Theres something I dont get. You already have a 360, not 20 ft away. I heard you say it needs a rebuild. Then I hear you talk about spending all this money on the teener. I can almost guarantee you, that you will be disappointed in that 318 after you spend alll that time and effort on it. That 84 D-100 is not a lightweight Dart. It needs torque to get it moving. That means more cubes. plain and simple. Any performance cam you put into that 318 will push the tq up higher in the rpms. That means your gonna have to slip the clutch more to get going, and once is out it will still be a dog until you get the revs out to where the tq is.And the worst thing you can do to it, is to put that 340 cam into it. Headers/duals are good. The rest? Unless you change the rear gears, is a wash. Have you weighed that truck?
You may be thinking; who is that jerk?(me).Well, I have exactly that D-100 tank. And The reason I have it is My son begged me to sell him my snappy 318 winter motor out of my Formula S. He really liked that motor. I explained all this to him. He wouldnt listen. He made me an offer I couldnt refuse. Well of course that little motor fell flat in that beast of a truck. So he begged me to sell him one of my diffs. So he coughed up the cash and I put in an 8.75 set-up with 3.55s. Well that woke it up. A bit. Now it had a ton of wheel-hop out of the gate. Well theres no way a pinion snubber will work under that box. So I fabbed up something for him. Ok,wheel-hop cured. He drove it this way for a year or so, complaining about how much fuel it sucked.And how terrible the handling on it was. And this and that. And finally he wanted out. So I traded him for my winter beater; a 95 Sunfire. That truck is still sitting out in the back forty, going on 5 years now.
So long story-short; why not do the obvious; Give that 360 a quick once-over, and in she goes. 360s make torque, and thats what that truck needs. You will be way ahead in the end.
Sorry if I rained on your parade, but honestly 360 - 318 = 42 cubes. Thats an easy 30hp right there, and a mountain of torque more, right off idle. If you are cash-limited, put your money where it counts.
And if for some obscure reason you just have to stick with the teener,do yourself a favor. Before you spend a nickel on that girl, upgrade the rear gears to something between 3.55 and 3.91. Since you stated you have the od box, go 3.91s. Its all you will need until the 360 goes in.
Sincerely AJ-bin-there .

Edit; Calling that truck; a beast,and a tank, etc, are actually terms of endearment,lol.Thats just what we all used to call it. My son drove it for quite a few years. It collected all kinds of; Im struggling for the expression,character damage(?), along the way. And my rant may have come off sounding as if Im bitter about it. Heck no! We had good times together, and a boys gotta learn. After I lost my winter beater to him, I picked up an 03 Grand Am GT, as a winter beater. Well that sunfire only lasted maybe a month when someone broke into it and wrecked it. He used the insurance money to buy my GT. hah. Im still walking. Kidding, I got something else. No no, we had a swell time together. Hes still driving that GT, now with more than its fair share of, character damage,again.

 

[Treblig]

If you're interested, I sell "machined" Dakota driver and "machined" 360 magnum exhaust manifolds. I buy them and machine them out to a little over 2 1/4" for maximum flow. They come to you sand blasted, painted with high heat paint and heat cured for 12 hours. I know you are on a budget but just thought I'd let you know that these are available and you won't find a better flowing cast iron exhaust manifold.

treblig

 

[rumblefish360]

More than likely I will just use the heads that are on there now. That LD4B intake is a good manifold correct? If I was to change the cam, would I have to change the springs etc.. on the heads? Thanks

Yes, very good intake manifold. I have used it myself. It'll make power to 6K no problem and then some.
What ever cam you select, purchase new springs that match it. Nearly ever cam manufacturer has matching springs for there cams. You can see there listings on there on line catolog. You should (IMO) change the retainers to standard retainers over your stock one because the factory used "rotors" Instead of standard retainers. Rotors rotate the valves. Get the retainers in the same degree as stock.

As noted a new timing chain is a excellent part to purchase as well as inexpensive. I'd also ad a timing chain tentioner to boot. Also a cheap and very effective part to ad on.

I myself would not bother with Magnum manifolds. If exhaust manifolds are a must have, see my man above selling them. He does nice work. Otherwise, the right exhaust manifold could be a pain in the *** to find, then clean. Treblig Will set you right up with a done part, ready to rock and roll.

Use a cam with 8-10 degrees more exhaust for manifolds, 6-8 for headers which will make a noticable amount of power over manifolds.

 

[318power]

Would a 9 1/4 rear out of a 89 Dodge go in my 84 fairly easily? Supposed to have a 3.55 suregrip in it. I have the 8 1/4 right now. 2.94 gears and no suregrip. Also on the Ld4B intake the gentleman said it has been gasket matched and the ports are bigger than 318 ports, said it came off a 340. Would this matter or make a difference going on my 318? Will post the rear end question later in that section to. Thanks everyone for all the advice!

 

[318willrun]

Hello everyone I am new to the site and have a few questions about my 1984 Dodge D150. Its a 318 with a overdrive 833 tranny. Its bone stock, has been converted over to a regular electronic ignition. It has 2.94 gears in the 8 1/4 rear. My questions are if I was to put LD4B intake on the 318 and dual exhaust would I see a nice power gain? Not looking for a power house but would like to pick up some power! Also could I run newer magnum style exhaust manifolds on this motor? And how hard would it be to change the gear ratio to a lower gear and add a suregrip to the 8 1/4 rearend? I have never dealt with a 8 1/4 before only the 8 3/4. My Dad was the one with all the knowledge and know how and sadly he passed away in November, so I am going at this alone. I may put a 340 cam in the 318 to, but my first actions will be dual exhaust and a 4-barrel. Any help and tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

1st of all, sorry to hear of your loss. 2nd, Welcome to the forum. 3rd, I like your trucks, and your ideas are spot-on.

 

[318willrun]

Would a 9 1/4 rear out of a 89 Dodge go in my 84 fairly easily? Supposed to have a 3.55 suregrip in it. I have the 8 1/4 right now. 2.94 gears and no suregrip. Also on the Ld4B intake the gentleman said it has been gasket matched and the ports are bigger than 318 ports, said it came off a 340. Would this matter or make a difference going on my 318? Will post the rear end question later in that section to. Thanks everyone for all the advice!

might need a shorter drive shaft for the bigger rear end. I have mis-matched ports on my 318 right now, its a Weiand action plus. Works very well.

 

[sireland67]

I have a ld4b on a 318 with a street demon 625 carb, everything else is stock.
Made a difference from the 2bbl.
Its in a 78 power wagon with a granny low 4-speed, 3.55 gears it pulls good.
I think I am going to update the stock single exhaust to headers and duels this spring.

 

[318power]

318willrun thanks! It sucks not having Dad here anymore. AJ I know I should just build the 360 that I am pulling out of the Dakota but it needs a total rebuilt etc... I may put it in my other truck down the road. Funds are limited because I am getting a 360 built right now for the Dakota! And I am changing the rear in the Ram. Thanks to everyone for all the information you have given me!

 

[BrianT]

I'm gonna weigh in here just cause I'm bored. The LD4B is a great intake for the 318 because it has smaller runners that work well with the smaller displacement. They are not that common and can bring pretty good money if they are in good shape. That being said, if it's been hogged out to work on a 340 than it's basically not a LD4B anymore and you could probably get a Performer for less money. I would use this as a negotiating point with the seller, maybe you can get a few extra bucks off of the price.

I would not run a 340 cam in your 318. It's thirty year old technology designed for a larger engine that has bigger valves, higher compression and is made to turn higher rpm's. Buy a RV cam as recommended before that makes it's power off idle and down low in the rpm range. Get the matching springs. A timing chain is great insurance that the engine will continue to perform for years to come.

For what you say you're going to do with it, I'd stick some dual exhaust on it with the stock manifolds. It's a lot cheaper than headers and you don't have to worry about all of the headaches that come along with them.

A sure grip unit with some 3.55 gears would really wake your truck up. Limited slip differentials should be stock in all two wheel drive pickups. They are not very common but can be bought new.

Just one old guy's thoughts. Good luck!

 

[krazykuda]

1st, put dual exhaust on it, that will give you the most improvement off the bat.

Next go with the LD4B it will run real great on that engine with the stock 318 cam or 340 cam. We put a LD45B on my son's 71 valiant 318 when he first got it. It came with dual exhaust and an edelbrock performer intake. We swapped the LD4B on it and a new edelbrock 625 it ran much better. Stronger off the line with no bog.

If you decide to run headers, make sure that the ones that you choose don't hang too low. They will just end up getting banged up on parking blocks, speed bumps, and curbs. then they will be more restrictive than the stock exhaust manifolds.

I would also recommend using an electric choke if you plan on driving it year round. When adjusted properly, you can drive away in the middle of winter without any hesitation when cold...

 

[Cuprum-74]

First off 2.94 gears with .73 OD and let's say 29 inch tires. You're only running at about 1600 RPM's at 65 mph, your way out of the power band. You can even cruise in 3rd gear on the freeway at that speed and be at 2200 RPM's.

As said previously 3.55+ gears is a good way to go and it is cheap. You'll definitely will feel it at the seat of your pants.

With 3.55 gears you're at almost 2000 RPM's at 65 MPH at OD.
With 3.73 your at 2050 RPM at 65 at OD
3.91's you going to be at about 2150 at 65 at OD.

Keep in mind this is calculated with 29 inch diameter tires in mind, things can change with different tire sizes.

 

[krazykuda]

First off 2.94 gears with .73 OD and let's say 29 inch tires. You're only running at about 1600 RPM's at 65 mph, your way out of the power band. You can even cruise in 3rd gear on the freeway at that speed and be at 2200 RPM's.

As said previously 3.55+ gears is a good way to go and it is cheap. You'll definitely will feel it at the seat of your pants.

With 3.55 gears you're at almost 2000 RPM's at 65 MPH at OD.
With 3.73 your at 2050 RPM at 65 at OD
3.91's you going to be at about 2150 at 65 at OD.

Keep in mind this is calculated with 29 inch diameter tires in mind, things can change with different tire sizes.

If he wants seat of the pants, the gear will help, but it will kill economy.


The dual exhaust and LD4B will wake it up quite a bit even with a 2.xx gear. I've run many that way....

 

[Cuprum-74]

If he wants seat of the pants, the gear will help, but it will kill economy.


The dual exhaust and LD4B will wake it up quite a bit even with a 2.xx gear. I've run many that way....

Agreed, go for the intake and exhaust.

Even with 3.55's he'll still have the economy he wants. On a 2wd truck, he will easily hit 20 mpg's, he won't be disappointed.

My old 4wd Ramcharger, had 32 inch tires, mild 360 3 spd auto, and 3.23 gears with a Thermoquad. At 65 I cruised at 2200 rpm's. I still got around 13.5 - 14.5 mpg.
Pretty good for a 4wd box with 2 inch lift.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Tantibus
Are you sure about your rpm@ 65 numbers, in post22? I took the liberty of double checking, and am coming up with different results.I suppose I could be wrong.
Edit Im wrong. My mistake.Sorry