My first post 318 NEED ADVICE

[Transporter]

Hello people,

I'm Ricardo from Venezuela, I just bough a 1972 Dodge charger a month ago and this is goin to be the first car I will rebuild, the charger as for now runs good, I'm checking the brakes and steering with a mechanic because that needs immediate attention, but after this, I will start the paint job and then Ill go (with what i need most help) the engine rebuild.

The Charger has a 318, witch i decided to keep for a few reasons:
1) For this project I'm trying to keep it on a tight budget, so I cant import a mopar engine.
2) Autoparts for this engine are available in our local dealers and market.
3) Most mechanics know how to work with this engine because is very common around here. (We still have few old cars running around)
4) This engine is very tough, or at least that's what I'm told.

Since I'm convince to keep this 318, I'm asking myself, what would be the pieces to change in order to achieve peak performance? and in witch order to acquire this pieces? at the end what HP I'm I looking at with this engine?

At this point I'm thankful that you have taking the time to read this, if you can answere some of these questions or add any other comment that would help me to rebuild this nice car I will appreciated.

- Ricardo.

[bobs66440]

Congrats on your new car! Good idea to keep the 318. They can be made to run well with some bolt-on parts. The engine is essentially an air pump, so making it pump more air will wake it up. I would start with a good carburetor like an Edelbrock 600, aluminum dual plane intake manifold and a set of headers. A mild performance cam is good too and if you can afford it, a good set of aftermarket heads will make the biggest difference. 

[68X426]

Welcome Ricardo.

A quality tune-up as it sits now goes a long way !!

It all depends on your budget. The performance list is the same for any motor. Air cleaner, ignition, headers, carb, intake, cam and heads, etc. etc.

I'd point out that what gets forgotten is that a shift kit (automatics) and lower rear end gears can get a lot more performance fast and cheap. Don't overlook them.

And of course you need good brakes, shocks, springs, etc.  This for your safety and enjoyment, and performance. It's not all about the motor. Keep us updated.

[Transporter]

I'm really happy for the quick replay, thank you 68X426 and bobs66440 for the advice, I'm thinking on making a one first purchase of ignition, headers/exhaust, carburetor, intake, cam and heads. BTW Heads = Pistons head right? 

But before I'm correcting the steering and then I'm thinking on buying a drumb-to-disc conversion kit, to improve braking. I'm looking at http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-BK1209/

Any suggestions I will appreciate.

[jmagga 73]

if ur lookin for performance out of that 318 just go to the post 318 for 410 hp thats my post and everyone thats replied there has helped me out big time now im almost finished and im almost at my mark of 410 hp only at 380 estimated from machanics around where i live but over all have fun while doing it

[FLG]

Hey and welcome, we have another member nacho from there as well...wonnder how far you guys are from each other?

[Transporter]

Insert Quote
if ur lookin for performance out of that 318 just go to the post 318 for 410 hp thats my post and everyone thats replied there has helped me out big time now im almost finished and im almost at my mark of 410 hp only at 380 estimated from machanics around where i live but over all have fun while doing it 

Thank you jmagga 73 ill check on it tonight.