Re: Big Block 318

Posted by Hal/WA on August 14, 2002 at 14:17:52 from (208.8.194.68):

In Reply to: Big Block 318 posted by JDBert on August 14, 2002 at 11:15:51:

The old "wide block" 318 is not a bad engine, just kind of old tech. I am guessing that someone would be interested in it if it runs good or maybe as a core for rebuilding. Some of the 318 truck engines were supposed to have a better crank and rods than the car engines. The racers looked for these parts way back when. I remember the term 318 III, but have no idea how to tell if your engine would have the better parts.

Chrysler reengineered the small block engine to fit the 1964 Dart and Valiant models and probably to make the engine cheaper to produce. The former 318 was too wide for the existing engine compartment on the compact (for then) cars, and they really needed a small V8 to compete with the Ford 260-289 and the Chevy 283. Using the crank and probably rods from the wide block 318, Chrysler produced a significantly different engine, the 273, with much narrower wedge heads that looked like a cross between a small block Chevy head and the big block Chrysler head. They used some existing parts from the old style 318, but most of the parts are a lot different. The 273 was joined in 1967 by the new style 318 and in 1968, the high performance 340. The 360 came out in 1971, but it uses a different crank with larger main bearings to go along with a longer stroke.

Although there were huge numbers of wide block 318's produced, I don't think any were produced past about 1968 or 1969. I don't think there is any particular advantage in using the early style engine, except for authenticity, or because you have one. The later style engines are lots easier to get parts for, although there is not much problem with the wide block. It is hard to find much in the way of upgrade parts for the earlier engine, like 4 barrel intake manifolds, and if you have any idea that way, bring a heavy wallet. The later engines are cheap to build, although not anywhere as cheap as a Chevy.

I have had a succession of small block Mopars and have found them to be great engines that last a long time and give great power.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Re: Big Block 318 Andy 21:02:51 08/16/02 (1)
  • Re: Re: Re: Big Block 318 wrenchman 03:32:39 08/17/02 (0)

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