318 owners

[dukeboy320]

Is the 318 realible? and is it really that much less hp than the 440? i'm thinking of buying a 318 car and want to see what you guys think

[440charger68]

i have a 318 in my 68, they have about a 150hp less then a stock 440. its really reliable and gets good gas about 24mpg highway, but it has no power. you can screech the tires and that about it.

[Ghoste]

It makes much less power than a 440 and more significantly, much less torque.  Afterall, it's closer to being half the displacement of the 440 than it is to being a 440.  However, it also one of the most reliable engines that Ma Mopar ever built.  The parts availability is incredible and for a daily driver I wouldn't hesitate on buying one for a second.

[Rolling_Thunder]

i had a 318 in my charger and then swapped to a 383 - then a 440 - then a 512...   and honestly I do miss the 318 from time to time...   stock 2bbl, tons of fun, doesnt stall or die, VERY reliable...      I mean tons of hp is fun but most of the time all it does it get you in trouble.   

[Neal_J]

I live in a small town with a 25mph speed limit and bored cops.   Given the circumstances, my 318 is great.  It's got ample power (surely more than any ricer), I cruise comfortably around town, it accelerates OK (good not great) and it will run for days @ 70 mph on the freeway and return 20+ mpg. 

The 318 surely doesn't have the horsepower or torque of a big block.  But, really, other than (1) racing, (2) showing off or (3) bragging rights, when do you really NEED the horsepower & torque of the big block?

For me & me only, I don't need the HP and I'm entirely comfortable with my manhood.  Therefore, I don't feel the need to make "amends" via the size of my motor.  But hey that's just me.

My two cents...

[MoparManJim]

Is the 318 realible? and is it really that much less hp than the 440? i'm thinking of buying a 318 car and want to see what you guys think

They are nice small engines, my charger has a 318 in it. I'm not in it for the power, I don't want to race it either so thats why I didn't go gun oh for the bigger engine. But you be suprise what a small 318 can't do though. 

But might I sugjest before you go buying a car like a mopar that you should first get your dirvers licenses and a small car first so you can get the handle on driving first   

Because a mopar is way more then a normal car is and the 2nd gen chargers are way bigger as while and are like a ship.

[Foreman72]

check this out...you can still drag all kinds o power outta it...

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,53264.0.html

[chargerkid01]

Best motor ever!!!!!

[Foreman72]

Best motor ever!!!!!

to that!

[Charger666]

Everyone here has made some excellent valid points.
Get a 318 if you're not looking to go crazy, and you'd rather show off your car around town / in the city, rather than race it, go nuts, or whatever the case may be.

Definitely a reliable engine, and parts supply for it is good as well.
You really can't go wrong with it!

[knitz01]

318 + a833 Wohooooooooooooooooooo  Lots of fun

[SuperCharger]

Best motor ever!!!!!

Next to the cummins yes it is.  small blocks in general are pretty good motors but the big thing to remember with the torque is the more air you get in a motor the more power it makes which is why the diesel in my 92 ram makes a ton more torque then the small block of same cubic inches in my 98(5.9L cummins vs 5.9L LA Magnum straight 6 vs V8) bigger air capacity=higher torque.

[NHCharger]

Nothing wrong with the 318. When gas was $4.00/gallon last summer one tank of gas gave me an entire day of cruising. I average 15-16 MPG with mine.(2.71's)
Never came close to 24 MPG, must be all downhill in that neck of the woods.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

  Not sure about the particular one you're looking at, but generally speaking the 318 engine was/is a good engine! Very reliable.
A stock 440 car will easily walk away from a stock 318 car, but thats to be expected.

[Foreman72]

 Not sure about the particular one you're looking at, but generally speaking the 318 engine was/is a good engine! Very reliable.
A stock 440 car will easily walk away from a stock 318 car, but thats to be expected.

but a modded 318

[Todd Wilson]

Best motor ever!!!!!

Next to the cummins yes it is.  small blocks in general are pretty good motors but the big thing to remember with the torque is the more air you get in a motor the more power it makes which is why the diesel in my 92 ram makes a ton more torque then the small block of same cubic inches in my 98(5.9L cummins vs 5.9L LA Magnum straight 6 vs V8) bigger air capacity=higher torque.

I think we are talking about Mopar engines here. The Cummins is not a mopar engine.

The main reason why your Cummins has more torque is the design of the engine and crankshaft.  Your 92 Cummins engine stock has zilch for horsepower. Probably less then a 318. You are trying to compare apples to oranges here.

Todd

[Brock Samson]

 I've had three of them,.. The one in the Charger 500 I bought and installed in my '69 R/T originally and ran for ten years I hot rodded... the one in my first van I just had rebuilt, they were alot stronger aftert the rebuilds... probably gained 10% in power... they wind up a bit quicker with the shorter stroke then the 383/440s but ran out of breath sooner... not much power after 80 MPH with the 323 gears most of the 318 cars got.
I feel the best of both worlds would be the 340 - a super Hi-Compression engine at 11-1 with the 850 cfm Carb...
But for an everyday grocery getter a 318 is bullet-proof reliable and no slouch compared to any 6 Cly...
I would think that the weight of the vehicle it came in would be the limiting factor,.. A body would be a potential screamer,.. B-Body would be adaquate better with some Mods... And in a C-bod. it would be a boat...
it's mostly a factor of power to weight ratio bottom line.

  Oh, and Neal J... turn in your man card... 

[Neal_J]

Yes sir.  Will do.



Neal

[Khyron]

I know a local Dart with a worked 318 running in the 10's... BUT in a charger, I think the ol girl would be a bit heavy.

Now, I love my 318 Charger...... now that the 318 is sitting in the garage and a 440 is in the engine compartment.

[resq302]

I know the 318 in our chally sure makes the rear break loose.  Of course its worked over a little but it sure can move the light weight e body.   

[SuperCharger]

Best motor ever!!!!!

Next to the cummins yes it is.  small blocks in general are pretty good motors but the big thing to remember with the torque is the more air you get in a motor the more power it makes which is why the diesel in my 92 ram makes a ton more torque then the small block of same cubic inches in my 98(5.9L cummins vs 5.9L LA Magnum straight 6 vs V8) bigger air capacity=higher torque.

I think we are talking about Mopar engines here. The Cummins is not a mopar engine.

The main reason why your Cummins has more torque is the design of the engine and crankshaft.  Your 92 Cummins engine stock has zilch for horsepower. Probably less then a 318. You are trying to compare apples to oranges here.

Todd

I don't think 200 hp is zilch.

[Foreman72]

Best motor ever!!!!!

Next to the cummins yes it is.  small blocks in general are pretty good motors but the big thing to remember with the torque is the more air you get in a motor the more power it makes which is why the diesel in my 92 ram makes a ton more torque then the small block of same cubic inches in my 98(5.9L cummins vs 5.9L LA Magnum straight 6 vs V8) bigger air capacity=higher torque.

I think we are talking about Mopar engines here. The Cummins is not a mopar engine.

The main reason why your Cummins has more torque is the design of the engine and crankshaft.  Your 92 Cummins engine stock has zilch for horsepower. Probably less then a 318. You are trying to compare apples to oranges here.

Todd

I don't think 200 hp is zilch.

heck no but its gotta move alot u kno...

[bk72]

my 72 charger 73 charger and 79 cordoba have a 318. they all run really good and get good mpg. better than the 06 pt cruiser

[Foreman72]

my 72 charger 73 charger and 79 cordoba have a 318. they all run really good and get good mpg. better than the 06 pt cruiser

wow

[SuperCharger]

Best motor ever!!!!!

Next to the cummins yes it is.  small blocks in general are pretty good motors but the big thing to remember with the torque is the more air you get in a motor the more power it makes which is why the diesel in my 92 ram makes a ton more torque then the small block of same cubic inches in my 98(5.9L cummins vs 5.9L LA Magnum straight 6 vs V8) bigger air capacity=higher torque.

I think we are talking about Mopar engines here. The Cummins is not a mopar engine.

The main reason why your Cummins has more torque is the design of the engine and crankshaft.  Your 92 Cummins engine stock has zilch for horsepower. Probably less then a 318. You are trying to compare apples to oranges here.

Todd

I don't think 200 hp is zilch.

heck no but its gotta move alot u kno...

torque moves soemthing off the line. and 400 lb ft. stock is nothing to sneeze at

[Todd Wilson]

Best motor ever!!!!!

Next to the cummins yes it is.  small blocks in general are pretty good motors but the big thing to remember with the torque is the more air you get in a motor the more power it makes which is why the diesel in my 92 ram makes a ton more torque then the small block of same cubic inches in my 98(5.9L cummins vs 5.9L LA Magnum straight 6 vs V8) bigger air capacity=higher torque.

I think we are talking about Mopar engines here. The Cummins is not a mopar engine.

The main reason why your Cummins has more torque is the design of the engine and crankshaft.  Your 92 Cummins engine stock has zilch for horsepower. Probably less then a 318. You are trying to compare apples to oranges here.

Todd

I don't think 200 hp is zilch.

A stock 1992 Cummins ram dont have 200hp though.


Todd

[Todd Wilson]

Best motor ever!!!!!

Next to the cummins yes it is.  small blocks in general are pretty good motors but the big thing to remember with the torque is the more air you get in a motor the more power it makes which is why the diesel in my 92 ram makes a ton more torque then the small block of same cubic inches in my 98(5.9L cummins vs 5.9L LA Magnum straight 6 vs V8) bigger air capacity=higher torque.

I think we are talking about Mopar engines here. The Cummins is not a mopar engine.

The main reason why your Cummins has more torque is the design of the engine and crankshaft.  Your 92 Cummins engine stock has zilch for horsepower. Probably less then a 318. You are trying to compare apples to oranges here.

Todd

I don't think 200 hp is zilch.

heck no but its gotta move alot u kno...

torque moves soemthing off the line. and 400 lb ft. stock is nothing to sneeze at

It takes tork to pull and HP to go fast.    Getting something off the line quickly isnt all about tork.


Todd

[71ChallengeHer]

I know the 318 in our chally sure makes the rear break loose.  Of course its worked over a little but it sure can move the light weight e body.   

I have a 318 in my Chally. Ask, Brian. It sounds pretty healthy. 

[resq302]

Healthy?  Maybe like a giant on steroids!  Jackie, that is one mean green machine!  Makes my charger sound like a baby with its stock engine and exhaust.   

[chargerkid01]

Ok I said it once and I will say it again 318 are the best motor ever!!! Cummins are in their own class but I would prefer a 318 any day!!! When someone puts a cummins in a charger (i make myself laugh ) then I will change this statement, until them 318 all the way!!!

[Brock Samson]

  i thought this thread was about 318s.. 

[scatpack69]

I love my 318. all stock too.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Just don't get a Poly - there is no real aftermarket support   

[ChargerSG]

Have a 318 in my 70 Charger 500, i love it, perfect for long trips

[MoParJW]

My car still has the stock 318 with all the stock internals except for the timing chain
It runs a little rough on cold startup, but when it's warmed up it runs very smooth 

I would say it's a reliable engine, I use the car to drive to work daily, and made some long (1500+ mile) road trips with it, had no problems with it yet

power is ok, it's still faster at the traffic lights than a lot of plain jane european cars

[SuperCharger]

Just don't get a Poly - there is no real aftermarket support   

throw a set of the classic hemi heads on and It'd be kinda cool.

[71ChallengeHer]

Here's a 318 that can run  This motor use to be in my friend's Duster. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcsAixn95Ag

[C_stripes]

I wish my 340 Duster had a 318.

Not really. But I have had a ton of fun with 318's. I had one in a 72 duster that was going to be parted out. We wanted to grenade it. We put a rock on the throttle and backed up. It was at full throttle for a wile with anti freeze spraying everywhere and it wasn't sounding to good and then ..... it ran out of gas.  We were very disappointed.  We put some fuel back in it and drove it around a little longer. I couldn't kill it. If you get a 67-71, it had 230 HP with a 2bbl. A 73 340 is rated at 245. So with not allot of work, I would say you can make some decent power and still have a good engine.   

Also, I had a 92 Dodge ram with a 5.2 (318) magnum. I never did anything to it except abuse the hell out of it. I sold it with 250K miles on it and it ran great. I bought it from the orig owner who told me he never had any problems at all. I miss that truck bad. It had a 5spd too. 
Abuse: 

[69ChargersRule]

My 318 runs great.I wouldnt throw one away ever.

[flyinlow]

Is a 318 a good engine.?  Yes.   Does size matter ?  Yes..... No replacement for displacment.

percentage of time driving ,having a 440 instead of a 318 makes a differrence , about 1 .   But like many things in life that take time,effort and money, that 1 percent make it all worthwhile.

[71green go]

My Love for chargers came from my buddy MArk in Highschool.....his DAd bought a used 68 charger 318, he was a mechanic....he had that car running great...Mark and I used to wait till his dad a couple of Brown Pops on a Friday night and take the car...we had no liscense...yeah stupid but imes were different...
We'd cruise all night pick up girls, booze etc...what a blast...we did that for two years before we got got....his DAd wasnt even that mad ...he just made sure the keys were hidden....a year later he gave MArk the car...then the real fun started...I loved that car...didnt have a sure grip, so one wheel burnouts were fairly easy...
I would by another like it in a heartbeat!.......Of course I would never get rid of my 71 440 R/T....gotta love a big block

But yeah 318's Rock.........I remember a classic line....A couple of Chinese guys pulled up against us at a light in some foreign car..they reved their engine...Thats alls MArk needed....MArk had his Foot in The gas and one on the brake...light turned Green andI think the squeel of the tire scared the crap out of them...I remember looking back at them as they were trying to catch up.......When they pulled up again at the next light, the driver rolled down the window and in a very strong accent yelled..."Wow that is a really fast American car"....at the time it was priceless

I will someday own another...one to honor a great Car and 2nd to Remember my good Freind MArk who died during a diving accident......he would love to see me in one!

[magnumminded]

As for 318s they are not powerhouses but, for my needs they do just fine. I have a 68 Dodge Coronet 440 2dr with manual steering and brakes. Base of the mill car. It has a 318 with a 904 transmission and 2.76 gears 8 3/4 open rear axle. The previous owner ran it at Great Lakes Dragway. Ran 15.2 @ 92 mph. The only things that have been done is Edelbrock 600 carb, Weiand Intake, Summit Headers with exhaust and the smallest Summit Cam and double roller timing chain. I usually get 20+ mpg on the highway running 70 mph and it still has plenty left. Not quick but, not slow either.

[mjwebb]

and you can pick one up for a lot cheaper than the big blocks, if you can find one...

[Cooter]

There's an article in This months Mopar Muscle mag. where they "Built" a 318 LA motor with a super charger that put out 667 HP and well over 600 Ft. LBS of torque...

[mopar0166]

anyone put different gearing in for better results from the 318?

[Foreman72]

i'm planning on 3.55s....but i haven't driven it yet so i can't state results...

[THE STIG]

I had a 318 in my 70 Duster many years ago. The rear main seal was bad so it dumped alot of oil, so much in fact that I never had to changed oil about every 3-4 weeks it would all leak out. One time I started it up and could hear the valves ticking so I poped the hood and dumped in 4 quarts the ticking went away and the engine ran fine. So are they reliable?, I think I say yes. Best engine ever? Yeah possibly. Cummins? Diesel is the fuel of Satan!!! As for power, they don't have a lot of HP in stock form but they do have potiential. The cubes are more than the 5.0 that was so common in the fox bod Crustang and the stroke is longer than the LS1. Here see for yourself http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0810phr_chrysler_318_engine/assembly.html

[1BAD68]

anyone put different gearing in for better results from the 318?

I had 2:73's in my Charger and then installed a clutch type sure grip with 3:55's and it was a night and day difference.
Not saying it was a tire burner but it really woke it up.
I stroked mine since then and am really happy with it.
The 318 has tons of potential, great little engine.

[rp23g7]

My dad had a 68 Dodge A108 he bought brand new, with a 318.  It  want all over, Washington to Texas 2 or three times, until 73 when we bought a Winnebago with a 360.  It was his daily driver till he got a brand new LXi in 95.

First engine went 230,000 miles, barely had any compression, but it didnt smoke or anything.  The rebuild went another 100,000 and he had the transmission done with it.  He sold it, unbelievably, in 2001, still running,

I dont ever remember anything ever breaking on it, just regular maintenance.  I would grab a 318 in a heartbeat if i found a car with one.

[Purple68]

My Charger had a 318 when I got it, was it a good motor? Sure it was reliable and I could lay some rubber going around corners but it just didn't have the torque to really move a 4000 lb car. I raced a Z28 with a 350 in high school and I'll never forget how bad he beat me.  Guess that's why I now have a stroked 440.