318 Chrysler durability and reliability

[Ramblen Ron]

Hi all,  The 1971 26' Winne I'm buying has a 318 Chrysler engine with 50,000 miles on it.  Nothing has been done to her except normal maintenance.   How is that engine and how long can I expect her to go before she need help?  I don't know much about MoPar, my dad always liked them.  One thing about it, I am back to an engine I can work on and know what I'm doing.  I look at an engine now and well , forget it.  I had to laugh, the other day when I went to look at her, the owner pumped the gas peddle 4-5 times before starting.  I haven't seen that done in a long while.  Takes me back.

[Oz]

They will last as long and are as reliable as any other brand engine (Chevrolet or Ford).  A lot of what you're asking comes down to personal opinion and experience, and since you can work on engines, then you know a lot also depends on a lot of variables, especially dependent on how well the engine was maintained, how much of a constant load was on it, what year was it manufactured (There's always a "bad run" somewhere along the line), etc.  LIke any engine, you'll have peripheral repairs to do (water pump, fuel pump, etc.), but the motor will run long and strong.  So whatever you know about the core engine reliablity and durability of Chevy or Ford, the same applies to Dodge.

But, the basic answer you will most certainly get here is that the Dodge engines are very reliable and will last a long time.  Anywhere from 70,000 to 225,000 miles.  There's your spread.

[LJ-TJ]

Yep! Sounds about right to me...I'm looking forword to many years of happy driving with my 318.....