Dodgy Dick
Active Member
I know I have been asking a lot of questions, here is another one for you all..... Can you fit a 360 crank (3.58 Stroke V 3.31 Stroke) into a 318 block for extra cubes?
Thanks,
Thanks,
360 crank into 318 block?
- Thread starter Dodgy Dick
- Start date
Wollfen
Old Man with a Hat
The 360 crank has bigger main journals and while you can turn them down it will make the crank rather weak, it is a cast unit. Better off buying an aftermarket stroker crank to do the job.
Secondly, what are you after? More torque to get the car off the mark? Or just a nice accelerating cruiser on the highway? The 318 has plenty of power to do so on the highway even if it is a bit sluggish off the mark compared to a big block.
Second thought, personally I think it is far cheaper to simply convert the car to big block, replace the motor transmission package with a running unit either imported or out of a big block phoenix being scrapped. And then change the radiator to the bigger unit too. The drive shaft will be the same. Then get the exhaust pipe modified to fit the big block exhaust manifolds. Sounds like a lot of work but it is cheaper to do than rebuilding the 318 especially if you are going to modify the engine. Check around and see who is selling a running 383 motor and trans or even go for the 440.
Secondly, what are you after? More torque to get the car off the mark? Or just a nice accelerating cruiser on the highway? The 318 has plenty of power to do so on the highway even if it is a bit sluggish off the mark compared to a big block.
Second thought, personally I think it is far cheaper to simply convert the car to big block, replace the motor transmission package with a running unit either imported or out of a big block phoenix being scrapped. And then change the radiator to the bigger unit too. The drive shaft will be the same. Then get the exhaust pipe modified to fit the big block exhaust manifolds. Sounds like a lot of work but it is cheaper to do than rebuilding the 318 especially if you are going to modify the engine. Check around and see who is selling a running 383 motor and trans or even go for the 440.
As some one far wiser that I once said, if time and money are no object, anything is possible. As a practical matter in the real world, the short answer is no. You could have the main line re-bored or turn the shaft down to fit, then you would need to acquire specialty rods and pistons and trim the lower part of the block. The time and expense here would not be worth the effort as complete 360 engines can be had for far less that the cost of trying to retro a 360 crank into your 318.
Dave
Dodgy Dick
Active Member
Thanks guys, you have answered my question. Unfortunately here "down under" Chrysler V8 engines and bits are hard to find and shipping costs of importing US of A parts is prohibitive, IE, aftermarket heads from Nevada, shipping only was quoted at $500 each, Yikes!
On a side track EBay's Global System shipping worries me, same items such as a crank, one seller quotes $60 Bucks shipping and another seller quotes $113 Bucks,
also one seller was offering a set of 2nd hand heads at $45 shipping to Oz and another quoting 4 times that!..........who do you believe or accept. I would worry that a low listed Ebay Global Shipping cost could blow out to a huge dispute between the vendor, Ebay's GSP and me.!!
Shuddeerr!
On a side track EBay's Global System shipping worries me, same items such as a crank, one seller quotes $60 Bucks shipping and another seller quotes $113 Bucks,
also one seller was offering a set of 2nd hand heads at $45 shipping to Oz and another quoting 4 times that!..........who do you believe or accept. I would worry that a low listed Ebay Global Shipping cost could blow out to a huge dispute between the vendor, Ebay's GSP and me.!!
Shuddeerr!
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A modest 5 psi of boost will be very noticeable.
Wollfen
Old Man with a Hat
Check Just Parts Magazine on a regular basis, plus the local classifieds. I have been lucky that way myself until I moved to the USA. You may also want to check with the local Mopar clubs because each of them has some guy who is a hoarder of car part engines etc. I knew a guy in Ipswich QLD by the name of Paul Denman who would be able to help you out big time. Look him up if you can.
Wonderwagon
Well-Known Member
Maybe this got you thinking, try this google search hot rod magazine 318 build. Probably already toucheddar on here but they build a 400hp 318 that runs on pump gas
Alchemi
Member
The global shipping thing isnt your issue - its theirs when someone sends a massive item for $45 - you have already paid for it. If they argue, pull your paypal payment and move on
I was going to suggest the BB route too, however as said blocks are even harder to come by here - been hanging on for a "cheap" (sub $500) "spare" 383 block for about 12 months now.
In retrospect importing one by seafreight would have had me one 9 months ago
The costs for building either motor are not too different, some of the BB parts are more expensive, but generally only if your headed into the 500-550+hp territory.
Of course if your building either size from scratch you "way as well" build as many cubes as you can and the rest of the "may as wells" (roller cam, High flowing heads, "the right" manifold, massive well tuned carb ect) turn into a very expensive and over the top for use, credit card killer. Either way i doubt you would see much change from 5-6k au for a stoker build of either a SB or BB short motor and the "may as wells" on top side will add up to close to that again
Here in Queensland OZ, to legally fit forced induction we have to have 4 wheel disc brakes -Full Stop.... an additional cost to consider
A low reeving fast spooling turbo teen can be lots of fun, it really depends upon your desired outcome, these cars are - meant - to be luxo cruisers, but what the hey
oh and factor in a trans build and a good torque converter - your SB 727 wont bolt to the BB so something else...
Do you know a good engine builder personally? - that will make a difference too
I was going to suggest the BB route too, however as said blocks are even harder to come by here - been hanging on for a "cheap" (sub $500) "spare" 383 block for about 12 months now.
In retrospect importing one by seafreight would have had me one 9 months ago
The costs for building either motor are not too different, some of the BB parts are more expensive, but generally only if your headed into the 500-550+hp territory.
Of course if your building either size from scratch you "way as well" build as many cubes as you can and the rest of the "may as wells" (roller cam, High flowing heads, "the right" manifold, massive well tuned carb ect) turn into a very expensive and over the top for use, credit card killer. Either way i doubt you would see much change from 5-6k au for a stoker build of either a SB or BB short motor and the "may as wells" on top side will add up to close to that again
Here in Queensland OZ, to legally fit forced induction we have to have 4 wheel disc brakes -Full Stop.... an additional cost to consider
A low reeving fast spooling turbo teen can be lots of fun, it really depends upon your desired outcome, these cars are - meant - to be luxo cruisers, but what the hey
oh and factor in a trans build and a good torque converter - your SB 727 wont bolt to the BB so something else...
Do you know a good engine builder personally? - that will make a difference too
Last edited:
Alchemi
Member
how about either of these?
Chrysler dodge big block 440 mopar muscle | Engine, Engine Parts & Transmission | Gumtree Australia Liverpool Area - Casula | 1151921517
this one may be a bit over the top lols
Mopar 410ci | Engine, Engine Parts & Transmission | Gumtree Australia Fairfield Area - Bossley Park | 1151473585
The first one looks ok for value overall if you can see build receipts etc
There's no fun in a prebuilt motor though
Chrysler dodge big block 440 mopar muscle | Engine, Engine Parts & Transmission | Gumtree Australia Liverpool Area - Casula | 1151921517
this one may be a bit over the top lols
Mopar 410ci | Engine, Engine Parts & Transmission | Gumtree Australia Fairfield Area - Bossley Park | 1151473585
The first one looks ok for value overall if you can see build receipts etc
There's no fun in a prebuilt motor though
That's an interesting legal requirement...
I love hearing about the different laws that govern our favorite hobby...
Wollfen is as good as you're likely to find to understand both the car and your plight being on the other side of the world.
IMO, tune her up and run her as is.... most of the changes you would make to get her more power, will have a negative affect on her cruising road manners. Regardless of what the car is, a well tuned and well running classic is a joy to drive. Most older stuff has room for improvement back to stock specs.
If you really just can't help yourself, look into late model swaps that can be done and undone later to improve power on the cheap. To do this you'll need to plan a little and transfer everything from a donor vehicle, but if done with an eye to putting it back in the future... the car will be worth a bunch more to enthusiasts of originality. IDK what is readily available in your market, but brands no longer matter when your changing the entire driveline.
Dodgy Dick
Active Member
Hey Orlando, You are correct, whatever I do performance wise will detract from her sober drive ability. I intend to keep the original donk and use a donor for mods.
However many reply comments advise leave the std 318 alone and enjoy it!
My '69 Aussie Fury 111 ( Dodge Phoenix) drives like a dream with only 58K m's and does deserve some respect.
Decisions,decisions ???
However many reply comments advise leave the std 318 alone and enjoy it!
My '69 Aussie Fury 111 ( Dodge Phoenix) drives like a dream with only 58K m's and does deserve some respect.
Decisions,decisions ???
70bigblockdodge
Old Man with a Hat
It will not even make 360 cid, better off to find a whole 360
GJS
Senior Member
From personal experience, I would never swap out a 318 again. Not that I would prefer one being that they are just a little south of the power needed to move a Cbody BUT, I pulled a beautifully running low mileage 318 and tranny out of my 68 Monaco in favor of a rather beefed up 440 I had built... there wasn't anything wrong with it, it can be done and the car will move, but that 318 remains in my mind as the most solid and dependable engine I've experienced in my time with C Bodies. Did it crack the tires in second? Not a chance. But after an ignition upgrade, a carb rebuild and valve seats, the motor never so much as hiccuped in the 60,000 miles I put on it, easily kept the car up to speed, got good mileage and sounded nice.
You can't f*** with a 318 for peace of mind and uninterrupted cruising pleasure.
Thems just my feelings!
You can't f*** with a 318 for peace of mind and uninterrupted cruising pleasure.
Thems just my feelings!
If you can find some "Magnum" heads you can install them on your LA block. The link below is to a list of necessary items (according to Jegs.) Good luck!
JEGS Performance Products 514212: Magnum Cylinder Head Assembly 1992-2001 5.2L Magnum | JEGS
JEGS Performance Products 514212: Magnum Cylinder Head Assembly 1992-2001 5.2L Magnum | JEGS
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