Performance out of a 318

[Fish Tale]

My nephew just purchased a 71 Charger with the base 318 2bbl engine with automatic.  I know its not an e-body, but wanted to ask you guys here about adding a bit of performance to the 318.

He's on a budget so no engine rebuild at this time.  I'm thinking maybe a simple 4bbl/intake swap would help like something from Edelbrock?  Thoughts?

Thanks.

[JunkYardFind]

A 4 barrel with new intake and headers with straight pipes to Cherry Bombs! This is all I have done to my 318 and runs and sounds like a big block....well almost

[jbaha]

with some money : intake, carb , headers, x pipes, going through super 10 flowmaster (and a manual gearbox haha)

and what costs nearly nothing (but some time) : redo the electricity, tune the distributor properly, port the head!

[Skdmark]

If doing an intake swap be aware that 318 heads have a smaller port size  than 340/360. A popular old school 4bbl intake for a 318 is an Edelbrock LD4B. You can find them used for $250.

Like others have said, get a good ignition system, 4bbl setup, free flowing dual exhaust etc.
Sound like a fun project for him.

[7212Mopar]

I did headers, intake and four barrel carb to my 318 72 Challenger in 1980. It was not fast compare to other muscle cars around. Even a 318 Scamp outran me. It sounded good though and is cool for HS kids. No one knows what exactly you have until you run them. I think the 72 low compression engine and heads really limited the improvement. Not sure what 71 has but probably better.

[dodj]

When I had a 318 I swiped out the heads for 360 heads, some aluminium intake that I forget the name of, a Holley 600 carb and a 340 cam. It was comparable to the 302 mustangs of the time.1983.

[Fish Tale]

Thanks guys, very helpful. 

@Skdmark - I'll keep an eye out for that Edelbrock LD4B.  Thanks.

[ply64post]

Here is an article that i thought was pretty good.


https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/318-small-block-build/

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/mopp-0409-318-engine-build/

                            Jeff

[Joegrapes]

All that stuff, carb, intake, headers, is all fine but it's not something that you will really feel in the seat of your pants. Sure those improvements will show with a little lower time at the strip but if you want to be able to immediately feel the improvement then rear gears is the only way to go.

[PLY474]

There are several threads in the For A Bodies Only Forum that discuss 318 performance.  https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/forums/small-block-mopar-engine.52/

[70 Top Banana]

Oh no! I just got rid of a set of headers that fit a 318. They were an older pair of headers but would have worked fine.  I would have given them to you. I could not find anyone who wanted them and I needed to clean the place up or my wife was threatening to call up the tv show hoarders!

[jyotkc]

I did the MSD Atomic EFI on my 318 and man, what a difference.
Also long tube headers.
EFI was about $1200, not sure if it's in your budget right now but highly recommend it.

[b5cuda]

Old 273 high compression heads (mid to late '60's) or #302 casting heads (late 80's 318's) will make a big difference over stock 318 heads.

[Chryco Psycho]

The 318 & 340 are basically the same engine except they are not even close .
  I believe you can put the same stoker kit in either with the exception of the pistons & that is the problem .
The 340 had 10 :1 pistons & made quench , the 318 was abut 8:1 at best , using the "better" 340 heads didn't help as it drop compression even more , so every time I have swapped heads the power increase has been minimal at best , even just adding a 4 bbl & 340 intake often makes very little difference . Everything that is a bandaid approach makes little difference .
You really have to rethink the whole pkg , stroke the engine with good compression of at least 9.5:1 & use a head that will create proper quench & get a cam to match .
The 318 can make a lot of power done right but then for the same cost or even less you can build a 360 based 408ci !

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I basically agree w Neil, but on a tight budget.... that wont even happen. Headers and a 4bbl to get the flow going a little better be my first choice. Again BUDGET. Then if you have a rear end in the 2's.. move it to a 3.23 anything past that you wont have much upper end power. I can remember a ride I had w 4.10's... quick off the line, stomp it at 65 and it fell on its face.