Thoughts on a 390 cu in. stroker from a 318?

[volaredon]

As title says. My truck body is in paint jail, plan on having frame 100% done and ready to bolt the body onto, ideally would like that to include the whole power train in place and ready to go by the time I get the body back.
Initially thinking a mostly stockish 360 mag but also have 2 bare 318 mag blocks sitting here...
Build is a 83 D 250 reg cab long bed with an nv4500 and probably the 3.55 gears out back that I already have. Intended as part time daily driver and camper tow rig, to be parked under roof for the winter want low end torque and pretty high vacuum (no, 12" won't do) with a TQ on top ..

 

[273]

Technically a 390 will work fine, I just couldn't spend the money on a 390 and not go with a 340/360 block for the extra 18-32 Cid, since that's the whole point of going stroker is Cid, but obviously a 390 can be built into a good little (medium) *** kicker.

I'd look for a 360 block for the extra bore and Cid but it's up to you.

 

[273]

A 360-371 is the majority of the way there even without stroking. Between a 318 and 390.

 

[fishmens67]

390 can be built into a good little (medium) *** kicker.

Years ago, Herb McCandless built one, it made over 600 horse

 

[RustyRatRod]

It's a ridiculous argument saying to go with a 340 or 360 block. Use what you have and have fun.

 

[273]

It's a ridiculous argument saying to go with a 340 or 360 block. Use what you have and have fun.

Yes so ridiculous, luckily the OP ain't starting with a 273 block for a 336 stroker

 

[RustyRatRod]

Yes so ridiculous, luckily the OP ain't starting with a 273 block for a 336 stroker

If he had that, there would have been nothing wrong with it. It just gets tiresome the same old argument. Just let him build what he's happy with and you do the same.

 

[AJ/FormS]

If torque is what you want, with a side of fuel-economy, a small-bore 390, should get you there.
As others have said, there are other ways to get what you want, but I bet your way will be cheaper.

 

[273]

If he had that, there would have been nothing wrong with it. It just gets tiresome the same old argument. Just let him build what he's happy with and you do the same.

Who's stopping him?
All I said is I wouldn't but if he wants to go (390 instead if 408-422) would be fine in the end of the day, I don't see the big deal in what I said.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Who's stopping him?
All I said is I wouldn't but if he wants to go (390 instead if 408-422) would be fine in the end of the day, I don't see the big deal in what I said.

Of course you wouldn't. Carry on.

 

[273]

After all the title is

"Thoughts on a 390 cu in. stroker from a 318?"​

 

[junkyardhero]

After all the title is

"Thoughts on a 390 cu in. stroker from a 318?"​

i like how your first thought is: chuck it in the bin and start with something entirely different. smdh

surprised you don't have dyno sheets and a video for a 390, actually.

 

[RustyRatRod]

After all the title is

"Thoughts on a 390 cu in. stroker from a 318?"​

Bye.

 

[RustyRatRod]

There. That's so much better.

 

[273]

i like how your first thought is: chuck it in the bin and start with something entirely different. smdh

surprised you don't have dyno sheets and a video for a 390, actually.

Bye.

There. That's so much better.

Doesn't seem like the OP has made his mind up about anything yet and is only asking opinions on 390's, instead of worrying about mine why don't you give your own to the OP and he can make up his own mind.

 

[junkyardhero]

Doesn't seem like the OP has made his mind up about anything yet and asking opinions on 390's, instead of worrying about mine why don't you give your own to the OP and he can make up his own mind.

gear down big shifter, i was merely pointing out that he asked about 390's and your suggestion was prompt to veer the thread off into the: durr just get a 360 or 340 usual nonsense.

 

[RustyRatRod]

gear down big shifter, i was merely pointing out that he asked about 390's and your suggestion was prompt to veer the thread off into the: durr just get a 360 or 340 usual nonsense.

Just add him to your list like I did. I really do like the guy, but his crap has gotten old.

 

[273]

You guy's are something else lol.

Sorry OP for this idiocy

 

[fishmens67]

You guy's always think so small. lol

 

[fishmens67]

Years ago, Herb McCandless built one, it made over 600 horse

a stroked 318.

 

[fishmens67]

We're all good, as long as that Newbombturkey guy don't show up. lol

 

[92b]

Initially thinking a mostly stockish 360 mag but also have 2 bare 318 mag blocks sitting here...

Are the only choices you are willing to consider a stockish 360 mag or a 390 stroker? Or, are you willing to consider a 406 stroker? This will help narrow down the advice you're given to just the options you are willing to consider.

 

[273]

gear down big shifter, i was merely pointing out that he asked about 390's and your suggestion was prompt to veer the thread off into the: durr just get a 360 or 340 usual nonsense.

The OP original plan was a 360, to me spending decent dollars for 19-25 maybe 30 Cid gain (390) while leaving 18-32 more on the table (408-422) ain't the best strategy, but like I said a 390 will make a fine engine if that's what the OP want's. All I said I wouldn't, I'm definitely not an anti 318 guy since I'm one of there bigger defenders on here, I could careless if the OP swapped in a 2.2l run what you want, all I did was give my take on it, yet to see Krusty's, other than I suck

 

[Mopar44134]

Here’s a link to Nicks garage, dyno testing a 390. Not bad power.

I say build what makes you happy.

 

[volaredon]

I have 2 ea 318 mag and 360 mag blocks here, none currently a running drop in option. I must say im beyond tired of those that say to scrap a. 318 BECAUSE it's a 318. Stock wise I've had better service out of 318s than 360s. Stock wise from my experience I'm more likely to say ditch the 360 than to say ditch the 318.... Just my experience over the years.
But since I have both here and the application is a truck, AND I have to build up whichever one I decide to use, I originally figured I'd do a 360 and fix what I have found (for my usage anyway) to be what I haven't liked about 360s in general.
But since I do have both here and I haven't bought any parts yet just kicking ideas around