I'm getting ready to pull the 318 out of my 68 Polara & not sure whether to put a rebuilt 318 back in or bump up to a 360/383. Has anyone done the 360/383 conversion & know if it'll simply bolt into the same mounts? Same trans work? etc... This is my first Dodge, way new to all this stuff so I'd appreciate any help I can get. My thinking is another reman 318 since it'll simply bolt right back in but keep hearing that 318's blocks like to crack internally. Mine is the LA series motor, is there another series thats not prone to cracking internally?? I'm looking for reliability over 1/4 mile performance as my car will be a mild 60's custom eventually. Thanks in advance for any & ALL opinions!!

 

360 is a small block the 383 is a big block their not even closly the same. the318 and 360 are similar abd except the 318 in internaly balanced and the 360 is extrenal.

now idk were you heard that about 318 but its false the 68 318 is the best.year and they are by far more reliable than any other engine. there simple to modifiey and can pull great power from them. i personally dont like the 360.

now uf u want a big block 383 you need to change the mounts and the tranny and torsion bars

 

It just depends on "what you want."

At the moment my Dart has a used 318 I found, with stock low compression pistons and original small port heads

It's got a small 340--ish cam, Ed performer, and was small 4bbl now TBI injection, and headers. With a lower gear it's got plenty of "snot."

BUT if you are going to put MONEY into a 318 it's my opinion that you are money ahead to just start with a 360 in the first place. Other than good dual exhaust, the only real change you need make in your car is a rad with the lower outlet on the other side, and buy a BM flexplate to take care of the balance problem.

Other than that it's pretty much a bolt in.

 

You need to change the timing cover/ The pan seal is different from the 318.
If you are planning to rebuild an engine ??? If it is in the budget I would look at the 408 stroker motor --Internal balance, forged crank No special flex plates or clutches. I think it is a lighter assemble too.. Rev quicker.. Never heard of them cracking

 

For mileage, reliability, and some decent thump, I’m a big fan of the little 318.

Here’s an article I wrote on the awesome mill:

http://voices.yahoo.com/performance-...28.html?cat=27

 

I'm going to have my 360 (from a 71 van) rebuilt and put in my 68 Barracuda in place of the slant six. For my future Dart project, I plan to have my 318 from an 84 Diplomat stroked (390) and run it that way. Its all about having fun and doing it your way. I have experience with the 318 going back to the 70s and it is one tough motor that will run with a few mods. I used to know a guy who was running 340 heads and a 340 T/A six pack set up on a 318 that had a cam job and it screamed.

 

Yep, those little 318s can be built to have some mega thump. Also, 18mpg and extreme reliability to boot.

 

my 318 will be around 350 with topend work. then im gunna spray her a good 100 shot. there supper reliable. i personally like 340s there a full float rotating assy and they were built to make power

 

 

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