So, I'm posting this poll to get some input on what engine I should put in my Demon. My choices are the numbers matching motor, rebuilt; a hotter than stock 318, a stroker 318, a 340, or a 360. I have my Duster which will be my stroker big block car, so going REAL fast is not a concern. I want to have fun with this car, and still have the option of a full boogy resto in the future.

j

 

What is the "numbers matching, rebuilt" motor?

What is a "hotter than stock 318"? (Does it actaully get hotter? That may be a problem. )

What is the "stroked 318" stroked to?

Also what are the excepted numbers (HP/TQ) with each motor?

Not sure about anyone else, but this will help me vote better.

 

What about a stroked 340??? Over 400" in a smallbock.... That would be my choice....

 

there is no substitute for cubic inches, if you go and change out the moter

 

J -

All of your choices have pluses and minus, not the least of which involves your budget. Unfortunately, a lot of us have to keep that in mind when we play with this stuff.

Archer

 

I voted for the 340 before I read all of the comments and all of the comments made good points.
The reason why I voted for the 340 is that I spent a lot of time in a 2 yr old plum crazy '70 Duster 340 (I was 15) and this is the car that made me a Mopar guy! It was impressive for being a factory stock car and yours being a '71.... the 340 would have been an option.
You said "resto" rather than "resto mod" which makes a big difference even though I opted to lose the 318.

 

Stone Stock rebuild

LOL I am thinking of say 3-350HP from a 318, keeping the approx. bore and stroke.

Not a clue. Most of what I know about stroking motors involves the big block, and the information I can get at 440source.com. I spent most of the past umpteen years wanting a stroker 400, I never looked at a small block.

Like I said, about 3-350 with a 318, and you know, probably about the same with all of 'em. That is what I am really shooting for with the Demon. I'm going to use the Duster as my QUICK car, and if it doesn't sell, the Dart as my FAST car, so this one is a fun bomber

I am looking for a fun driver that I can play with. I'm not looking for a boulevard bruiser, or a pavement pounder, but a fun street car that I can be proud of. If I can shut down big block camaros, even better

I only have ONE 340, and am still thinking of saving that motor right next to my numbers matching 318.

Like I said, SO MANY CHOICES...

j

 

You are right about he choices..... So many.... But in the end you are the one that has to be happy with your decision... So, do what will make you proud... That is all that matters....

 

I am going with #'s matching if you can do it.
I like originals as opposed to hacked up rods.

 

I figured stock but what engine size? lol

 

OH, ah...sorry...

The car has the numbers matching 318/904. This is what I am basing a stone stock rebuild on.

j

 

Well, if it LOOKED stock, would you consider that a hacked up rod? I just don't think I can bring myself to put manifolds, single exhaust and a 7.25 rear in it if it comes down to it...

j

 

Just do a mild 340 w/ headers and good street gearing. Make a nice driver that won't over heat!

 

Numbers matching 318s are pretty much worthless IMO.

Go with a mildly built 340 or 360 as you will be much happier. If you don't have a 340 or 360, then just build the 318 as it will save you time and money in the long run.

 

Overwhelming consensus is the 340. I'll need to get the Duster dug out, so I can pull the 340 out of it. Lets see what the snow looks like and see if I can get the Dart moved so I can get the 340 out of the Duster.

This will give me the imputus to get the Duster out of the garage to get it cleaned the out even more. Maybe I can get the cabinets put under the workbench, and get more room in my tiny little garage. I have been wanting to get the Duster out and turned around so I can get the 340 out of it anyway...so...

This kinda goes with what I want to do in saving the 318 that came with the car. The only issue I have, with putting the 340 in it, is if I break that block...like my reservation with using the original 318, I may not be able to replace it like I can with a 318 I have laying around. I can get 318 blocks in almost any rest stop

j

 

I voted 340 but now that I think about it, can't you get more power from a 360? Plus there are many more of them.

 

I voted for hot 318, and here is what i would do...
make the 318 look stock, with subtle performance upgrades

Knowone will see roller rockers underneath stock valve covers, nore port polished heads with larger valves. keep exhaust manifolds, with nice flowing, mellow exhaust,
mild cam, refurbished rotating assembly, painted sedate looking intake manifold with a smaller 4bbl underneath a snorkel breather

in short, i think the sleeper idea is cool. looks mostly stock, and has a little pep for unsuspecting predators.

just my opinion tho

 

i like frank the thanks idea if u just want something fun, but i own a 340 and they are a blast (i voted for the 340).

 

Why not do Frank's idea but with the 340 or 360?

 

X2

 

You could go with a 340 or 360 and hold on to the 318 so it could be made "numbers matching" later on.