One Last Debate

[magnumminded]

I am debating rather or not I should rebuild my original 318 or buy a 318 roller cam engine in addition or if you will a 2000-2001 5.2 magnum. Lastly, I have a 57k mile 1974 400/727 that is currently a 2bbl engine and looks to be in great shape. I bought it 4 months ago and was told even if I added a torque converter/headers and converted to a 4bbl it would be a turd compared to my 184k 68 318/904 because of compression.

My org 318 is loosing compression and I am getting some blow-by but one part of me says due to constraints to find a 5.2 Magnum from a low mileage church van or something and the other part says just throw in the 400 with the 727 since the 904 needs to come out maybe for a low gear 904 setup and a pump seal and converter anyways.

My car is a 68 Coronet 440 trim with a 318/904 and 8.75 rear with 2.76 highway gears no a/c or power steering. The 318 has a K6900 Summit Cam, Summit Headers and 2.5 inch exhaust. An Weiand 8007 intake and a Eddy 600 cfm carburetor. Oh yeah, the 318 also has electronic ignition with a curved distributor and Firecore wires.

I don't need a 12 second car as my car is mostly a cruiser/driver/floor it every once in a while. I don't want to spend a mega money since it is just a weekend/backup car kind of so to speak.

The current 318 listed above posted a 15.2 @ 92 mph from the previous owner. I figure if the 400 could do a little better than that I would be happy but, if it won't I may think about a 5.2 Magnum potentially.

What do you guys think? Sorry to debate again.

 

[74Satellite]

if your goal is to just improve performance a little and keep costs down I would stick with the small block as it wont require alot of extra money costing changes to the car (i.e. fuel lines, radiator, engine mounts, trans mount, shift linkage, wiring, hoses, belts,etc.)

Plus, small blocks are higher revving engines to start with. I would just rebuild the 318 thats in the car, do a good solid 3 angle valve job on the head, slap in some bigger valves, and a slightly better than stock cam and intake package and I think you will hit what your goal is.

Plus if you are anywhere close to Longview, TX I might be interested in that 74 400 and tranny. I currently have a 77 400 and trans but my car is a 74 so would be nice to have a correct year motor in it.

Hope that helps

 

[magnumminded]

Unfournately, not located close to Longview TX. About 1500 miles from it. Fuel lines shouldn't need to be changed. If it was a 440 yes but, seeing the 400 will use the same carb on my cammed 318 it should be fine. When switching to a 727 I didn't think I needed the trans mount? The wiring and hoses/belts are to be expected.
My other option would be to save up for a 340? I think that would be different. The other is a 360 but, I am just confused. Not really interested a 440 since we already have a 440 B-Body in the stable although the engine needs attention.

I thought I could get by with engine mounts, radiator, and driveshaft as the biggest hurdles. I'm not looking for a barn blazer but, mid 14s would be nice.