So Glad to have this resource! My first post question, of many to come...
I purchased a 62 fury with 318. It has been setting for 20 yrs but the previous owner actually ran gas to carb and it started for me to hear. Smoked quite a bit. My thought is to rebuild this motor, but before I spend a penny, any other opinions? Convert to 360, or just use 360 heads, crate motor, find newer 318 (magnum?) to rebuild. Please don't assume I know anything (high school mechanics 30 yrs ago!); I've only browsed the forum here to come up with preliminary ideas. I can pull the heads/engine myself and do bolt ons, but I'd have a shop do internal work. Ideally, my budget is 2k (realistic??) & I would like 275 HP or so. This won't be quite a daily driver, but it will be on the road regularly.
Much thanks for any input!! & I plan on posting progress as it comes.

 

First Welcome.

Not a tiny car so I'm leaning toward 360. You could go modern with computer and electronic transmission as a complete package from one vehicle.

I would do a LA 360 carb and 3 speed auto.

 

There is lots of swap info available You can not put 360 heads on a poly motor. I would run it for 1/2 hour THEN do a leak down test, compression test. Rings may just be gummed up. 62 trans has cable shifting that's another problem if doing a swap
A 2K budget? That would allow you to do rings and bearings, valve job on your polly motor
http://www.engine-swaps.com/Pages/TechInfo.html

 

Thanks. With my budget its becoming clearer that I should stick with what I have and do your suggestions Lynn. One thing I would like to find are headers; might be more difficult than I thought after looking around. I know generic 318 headers may be a problem with space. I haven't towed the car to my garage yet to physically check things out, but I know power steering, a/c, and power brakes may pose some limits on space.

 

Still in the planning stages. It seems there is a supply and demand problem with 318 poly performance parts. Only one option on headers, TTI headers $733 & probably need compact starter. One option for 4 barrel intake weiand 7503 $600, plus gaskets and misc. So just to upgrade to 4bbl carb, headers and dual exhaust +/- $2500; & lots of other list to pay for. I'm not deterred; maybe I'll get it on the road stock, then don upgrades in long run.