The best possible 318

[Foreman72]

so like many others, my 72 charger has a 318 w/ a 727 auto...but it needs to move 3000+ lbs pretty quick...so what are some of the best things to squeeze everything out of it? i mean everything...from the bottom up...so ur advice would b super, i need as much info as i can b4 i spend a dime on it...i hav a general idea of some stuff but things like the best cam grinds and stuff can only b found w experience so  i'm not really sure ...looking for a 7 with HP being 10 and TQ being 1...so any of ur info would rock...thanks!

[1BAD68]

looking for a 7 with HP being 10 and TQ being 1...so any of ur info would rock...thanks!

I'm not sure what you mean by that, but it all depends on how much you want to spend.
I can say with experience that a stroker kit is the way to go. I made my little 318 into a wicked bad a#@ machine for under 2 grand.

[Nacho-RT74]

if you want just use stock pieces, use 360 heads ( 302 cast ) and manifold is a good improvement... then some earliers 318 pistons with higher stock compression.

about cam, there is better ppl than me ( well, for everything on this there is better ppl than me LOL ) to say

[Foreman72]

i'm thinking i'll drop about $1700 on the engine, but that estimate is most likely 2 b shattered as time goes on haha...but as far as the heads...thats what some other people hav said, how readily available are they? whats the best stuff 2 load em up w/ as far as valvetrain?
i'm totally fine w/ not using stock parts as i'm not an originality stickler...but i guess whatever will give me the best horsepower/ torque balance for the best amount of cash is what i'm shooting for...but tell me about this stroker 318 ...whats it stroked out 2 & what else is on it...whats it making 4 numbers...

[chargerbr549]

Another area that will help  you out is to get a 80 1/2 and up 904 tranny it will have the low first and second gear 2.77 compared to 2.45 of the older trannys, it will be a lock-up tranny, if you don't want to deal with that you should be able to swap the lower gear set into your older tranny although I have never done it.

Kevin

[1BAD68]

i'm totally fine w/ not using stock parts as i'm not an originality stickler...but i guess whatever will give me the best horsepower/ torque balance for the best amount of cash is what i'm shooting for...but tell me about this stroker 318 ...whats it stroked out 2 & what else is on it...whats it making 4 numbers...

click here...
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,38531.msg423843.html#msg423843
this is with heavily ported stock heads which saved a ton of money up front. Next winter I'm swapping heads and installing a bigger carb.
But after owning both a 440 4bbl and 440 six pack car, this is the most fun of them all. Tons of torque, quick revving and light in the front end so it feels agile.
I haven't dynoed it or ran at the track yet but its fast and can fry the tires at will

[Foreman72]

sounds sweet...and you said all that was @ the 2 grand mark? geez and you did it all yourself?

[andy74]

save the cash and get a big block

[Foreman72]

i like the thought u got a 383 or a 400 or maybe even a 440 lying around i could borrow permanently haha  well whats a big block in decent shape is going for these days? unfortunately, there aren't to many swap meets and stuff in good old NH so i havent seen many accept the ones in cars, you kno

[mikesbbody]

save the cash and get a big block

save cash and hang out for a 440 

[Foreman72]

well the second you see a 440 being sold let me know...it'll be mine...who knows? maybe they'll be willing to trade for a 318