Mr. Fix it inform on some pros and cons vs why you would keep the poly over a 440. Please don't say mpg!!
Sorry for the delayed response, I've been away on a business trip
It's a personal preference really.
For most of our classic cars, we aren't going to beat the snot out of the car itself because most don't plan to take the car street or drag strip racing right?
For me it's a very unique design over the big block physical appearance.
Most casual car buffs don't even know this engine exists...:crybaby2:
The Poly is short for Poly-spherical combustion chamber design which is a close cousin to the Hemi design.
It is also known as the "semi hemi" in the Poly world.
The 318 can be bored out and stroked out to 400+ cubic inches which is a huge increase in power without compromising the block.
The build costs are very close to a decent rebuild on a 383/440 depending on how wild you want to go with it.
The only draw back for the Poly is that simple upgrades are hard to come by and when you do they are expensive ie: 4bbl intake can run well over $600 since it is a bit of a rare item these days but the Poly world out there is now starting to reproduce even better intakes and headers for these engines..
Google the phrase "Poly 318 engine torque monster" and be ready with the popcorn for lots of reading!
Have fun with the car it is a great design!
