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318 block casting #'s = 318 race engine?

TAZZ

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I was looking up the casting numbers on the 318 in my 74 Charger and found information on the net that ID'd the engine as a "race engine". Can anyone explain to me what that means?

74 engine casting numbers.JPG
 
There is some info over on for a bodies only. If it has a x on it is a racing block. If it doesn't its likely a 81-83 run of the mill 318.
 
Also if you want to know more about what you have look for a vin on your block. If it has one it was not aftermarket, it was oem born in a car.

Apparently at the time when they made the racing x blocks the external casting was the same as the production 318, thus they share the same casting number 4104230-318.
But on the racing block the internal casting contains the differences with thicker webbing and thicker cylinder walls and also has a x. Saying the 4104230 is a casting number for a racing block is correct, but also a incomplete statement....it also should have the X.
 
These 318 race engines are like all the Corvette engines.
 
I was looking up the casting numbers on the 318 in my 74 Charger and found information on the net that ID'd the engine as a "race engine". Can anyone explain to me what that means?

View attachment 1389977
Do you have a link to the info so we can see what you’re seeing and reply accordingly? Otherwise, we’re at a disadvantage.
 
The late 60s truck 318 HD block is about all I've heard of as far as a block "to build for racing" as it were.
 
Notice the X cast in the Block. If no X its just a 318. The X block is supposedly up to 4.1 bore and considerably heavier. Check out the thick pan rails and main webs.

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i think you could get them over the counter or thru the old DC catalog.
i dont think they were ever in a production vehicle?
i thought? they were originally designed for the circle track guys ?
 
So is what you're showing an MP piece or a stock block?
Over the counter direct connection. WAY heavier then a production block, supposedly 25lbs heavier. The confusion always is chrysler used the same casting number on the production blocks, just no X.
 
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I think the 73 74 road runners 318 were available as an "HP" which included dual exhaust
:rofl:
 
i think you could get them over the counter or thru the old DC catalog.
That was the only way to get them or via mail order which was probably directly through the DC program. Perhaps PAW? IDK?
i dont think they were ever in a production vehicle?
Correct, never in a production vehicle.
i thought? they were originally designed for the circle track guys ?
It was designed as a “Racing Block” period.
Circle track or drag, it doesn’t matter. The block and the W2 head were made for racing and promoted as racing but never did they say, circle track, nascar or drag.

I’ve had people say different but have never seen it in print or advertisement. Always “race.”
 
That was the only way to get them or via mail order which was probably directly through the DC program. Perhaps PAW? IDK?

Correct, never in a production vehicle.

It was designed as a “Racing Block” period.
Circle track or drag, it doesn’t matter. The block and the W2 head were made for racing and promoted as racing but never did they say, circle track, nascar or drag.

I’ve had people say different but have never seen it in print or advertisement. Always “race.”
With the X.
 
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