Should I upgrade the heads on my 318?

[JimShine]

My buddy is helping me get some pep out of my '69 318. I just bought an Edlebrock performer intake for it, an electronic ignition kit, and a cam )not installed yet). He says I should go the extra mile and upgrade to 2.02 J heads as well. Will this make a real difference? I don't want to take this to the track. I just want some power as most of my roads around here are 50 MPH, so you go from stop signs to 50 fairly often, I would like the pep and power to handle this with ease.

[Rocky]

A great upgrade for a 318 or any older SB with stock heads is the magnum head upgrade.  Sure there are some drawbacks in valve covers, (which are far better sealing) and intake manifold choices, but the stock magnum heads are far supreior, and cheaper than most options.

[Chryco Psycho]

if you are going to change heads I would be looking at a set of either the 302 or 308 swirll  castings from a 87 -92 truck

[Plumcrazy]

if you are going to change heads I would be looking at a set of either the 302 or 308 swirll   castings from a 87 -92 truck

   Stick with the 1.88 intake valve.

[JimShine]

Thanks! I will see what I can find. I saw some J heads around (1.88's too). I will hold out for the swirl casting.

[Chryco Psycho]

I hit the wreckers today , there was a set there on a van for $60 , it took a little over an hour to get everything off

[JimShine]

Wow! It would be nice to find a deal like that. This weekend I will be on the hunt!

[Beer]

Hey Jim!

We should get together and hit the Gardner yard and Freeport yard. 

Cheers
Beer

   

[JimShine]

What yard in Freeport? My uncles know most of those yards well. If there is something cool, maybe I can get us a break.
As for these swirl heads, I just picked up a whole 1987 360/727 for $150. Once I get into it I will see if these are the heads I want. I sure hope so as the engine only has 70K miles on it.

[grouseman]

I'd say leave the heads alone for now.  It sounds like you're just getting into hot rodding, and putting magnum heads on is a little bit more involved than you're looking for right now.  Performer, yes.  Put on a Thermoquad or 500 cfm AFB, electronic ignition, and dual exhausts WITH CROSSOVER OR X-PIPE.  A cam in the .430/.450 range will be perfect.  Also look at either an electric fan or a clutch/viscous fan to save some power.  Headers are best left for cars that spend a lot of time above 2,500 rpm. 

grouseman

[d72hemi]

I am about to go to the junk yards. where do I find the 302 or 308 castings on the heads? also for the 1993 and on heads, will both the 318 and 360 magnum heads fit any other 318 block(non polly of course).

A great upgrade for a 318 or any older SB with stock heads is the magnum head upgrade. Sure there are some drawbacks in valve covers, (which are far better sealing) and intake manifold choices, but the stock magnum heads are far supreior, and cheaper than most options.

PS. should I also grab the intake from the magnum motor also?

[Chryco Psycho]

use the 302 or 308 casting they bolt on , the magnum causes other problem with oiling for the rockers on an LA block