I am going to eventually rebuild my 318 and drop it in my Challenger. I am looking to make around 500 hp. My question is can I build an engine with that kind of power and still be somewhat reliable? (I will be driving the car about 2-3 a week and maybe some longer trips) Any advise?

 

500 hp, no./ 400 hp, maybe. /350-375 yes.

 

Your best bet would be to get a BB for that kind of power. You are going to need to upgrade your rear axle to a 8 3/4 or D60 too.

 

Oxy moron, like almost pregnant, a fine mess, high performance 318. Don't do
it man! A wise man once told me, there's no replacement for cubic displacement. You have a much better chance building a
big block and getting that kind of
power. And you have to ask yourself are you looking for 500hp to the flywheel. Or 500 to
the rear wheels?

 

Well I was thinking of building a big block but the 318 is matching numbers and I wanted to keep it that way. I think 500 hp is a little to much and there is really no where to go fast on the streets. I am think of going for the 400 hp range, that should be enough. I am not expecting it to have no problems, I dont mind a few. This is what these cars are for, working and playing. Thanks for all of your quick replys!

 

maybe this link will help



http://www.popularhotrodding.com/eng...ine/index.html

 

good point

 

I remember a few years back Mopar Muscle magazine did a few articles on building a 360 and I think that they hit ~360-375 HP at the wheel. This was in a Duster so having 1 HP per CI is pretty good, especially at the wheel.

I'm sure that you can get about those numbers too if you are willing to have machine work done to the motor. Don't forget to upgrade the internals of your tranny and rear axle too.