Rebuilding a 318.....ideas for upgrades to the engine.

[Clyde9]

From: WrongWay1120  (Original Message)
Sent: 6/4/2006 11:34 AM

It appears I am going to have my 318 rebuilt. I have decided that some upgrades should be in order. I have been doing some research, but would like to hear what you guys have to say. I am willing to drop a few bucks into the old '69. Also Should I do anything to the transmission other that service it while the motor is pulled?



Thanks Everyone..........



From: kd4pbs-1   
Sent: 6/5/2006 9:20 PM

If you want to keep better fuel mileage, keep it stock.
If you want more power, then general hot-rodding style modification would be in order. Upgrade the camshaft, intake manifold, heads, and put on some (ceramic coated) headers and some heat shielding. Go for parts that are stronger than stock and you'll be good to go. Don't expect big block power from the 318 though; you'll never get there. With good matching of the major engine parts, you can expect 15-20% power increase, and if you're lucky, no major decrease in fuel economy.



From: PhÃ¥rÃ¥oh   
Sent: 6/5/2006 9:33 PM

... and don't forget the upgraded carb... or maybe a supercharger... that WILL get you significant power boost$$$! ... Blaster coil, better wires and plugs... - Sob



From: Slantsixness   
Sent: 6/7/2006 11:47 AM

If the Tranny ain't broke, don't fix it.

I'd still look more critically as to what exactly is wrong with the original motor....

Tom



From: denisondc   
Sent: 6/7/2006 7:50 PM

I think that if you change out the original truck camshaft, you might get more horsepower at high rpm - like at 60 in 2nd gear, but you wont have as much torque in the mid range. And of course the distributor advance curves have to match to the camshaft.