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66 charger 318 upgrade questions...

Can you get an edelbrock intake for a p0ly? Sounds like an LA
 
Changing your cam and heads can make big difference in how your engine performs, but it's not a simple job. Every time I take on one of these upgrades, I end up spending a lot more time and money than I anticipated, mostly for all the might-as-well side quests that I keep adding ("I can't put these old valve covers back on the engine..." "these alternator wires look like garbage..." etc.), but sometimes it's because the aftermarket parts I bought don't go together very well.

If you just want to make some noise and have a little fun smoking the tires with your 318, you probably don't need new heads. I think the biggest bang for you buck would be to install headers and a good, free-flowing exhaust. That will give you boost in power and attitude and also help you make the most of what you have. After that, you might want to go for rear gears and maybe a bigger cam.
 
To the original poster, The first photo is a Poly 318 from a 63 Plymouth
The second is a 70 318 LA .What does yours look like ?

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Back in the day we called them "Wide Block" 318's even though they weren't.
Both photo's are the same 63 Belvedere.
 
Nice looking car!!!! But it is also heavy. The best bang for the buck would be a 360 with a mild cam....it will add power everywhere.
 
If I was in his shoes I would adjust ny expectations and just enjoy the car the way it is. Could spend lots of money ona poly 318 and it still won't be a performance car. It possible, but not too comon.
That's probably the best advice, and I am the worst candidate to follow it. :rolleyes:
 
I have a 66 Charger with a poly block 3on the tree. Have had the Weiand aluminum 4bbl intake, stock 4bbl intake along with the stock 2 bbl intake. Put Tti headers along with a cam I got from Gary Pavlovich it runs real strong. Can’t tell about red light to red light races but it will smoke the 275/18 Indy 500 Firehawks in the rear. By the way all 318 polyblock came with 279 rear gears
 
If im being honest. Im getting too damn old to be messing around with major swaps etc. Been there. Done that. Now if someone had a complete long block running and ready to go. Id pull the trigger. Yes I can buy a "new one" but again. Who can't? LOL. Im trying to keep coats down because I may want to swap to a 4 speed and that's already too much. Ugh.
I would just do a little work to that 318.
 
If the engine is an original 318 it should be a Poly. As usual the common mindset above is to trash them. See my profile picture, that's a 4" stroker, .060 over Poly. I wouldn't trade it for three 360's. There are sources for performance upgrades to Polys but unless you know where to look most don't know. If it's a Poly, keep it, DM me for Gary Pavlovich's contact info, he's the Poly guru.
 
So as with any engine. There are good and bad when it comes to upgrades/mods.
I currently have the stock 318 but already has and eddy intake and 4 barrel. Now im NOT looking for balls out performance. Im asking what cam would work well to give me some thumpty thump. And gain some HP.
Also heads. Good lord so many options or opinions. Don't want to port these. But want to upgrade. Looked at many options. From crazy expensive. To remain bone stock. Looking for something in between. I plan on installing a set of headers and full exhaust. Im running a 3 on the tree. And pretty sure boring oem rear diff. Thanks again for any and all suggestions.

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How many miles are on that 318? Those are good engines. Why would you want to not use it. You have a good intake and carb setup, just throw in a mild cam, a new timing chain, high volume oil pump and put the headers in with dual exhaust. Of if you have the money, have it rebuilt with some higher compression pistons. You will have a nice setup, and that sounds like that's what you're looking for anyway. It won't be too crazy, and it will get out of its own way. And maybe put a four speed in it. Try that setup and see how it goes before you start changing rears and all that stuff.
 
Please post a photo of your engine. Inquiring minds want to know if it's a Poly or not. You must be careful with cams in 318's. It's easy to go too far and then you need a higher stall converter and higher rear gears to make it work. Headers and a nice dual exhaust may help a little bit but it may not be worth the effort. A good set of headers and exhaust system will cost $1500-2000. I would leave your 4 barrel on, check your rear gears and change to a 3:23 or a 3:55 and send your distributor to Halifaxhops for a nice recurve. You will be surprised how much of a difference that will make. Stop there with the add ons.
 
Funny how this post took off long after I not only sold the 318 but got a built 440 lol. And four speed.

Funny how this post took off long after I not only sold the 318 but got a built 440 lol. And four speed.
Well then, we are going to have to keep it going somehow..... Can you guys believe he sold the original 318 for a 440? I mean who does that? :lol:
 
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