I'm stroking my 318 out to a 350 and was wondering if anyone had any tips on what to or what not to do.
Posted by: MadScientistMatt
Just curious - why not start with a 360 instead?
Posted by: chargerkid
I got the car with less than 1ok miles on the 318. If it's new I don't want to just throw it away...
Posted by: MadScientistMatt
Well, you'll be throwing out much of the new parts in the rebuilt 318 anyway if you want to build a stroker. Pistons, crank, rods will all have to go.
The good news is that it's possible to get some pretty good horsepower out of a 318 without stroking it. Get a set of the "302" (that's part of the casting number) heads from a mid-'80s Diplomat or truck, mill them for more compression, and maybe do some port work. Combine that with a moderately aggressive cam, four barrel, and headers, and get it tuned carefully. Hot Rod Magazine managed to make around 400 hp from a 318 with those mods and careful tuning. I'll see if I can dig up the article.
Thanks for the article. I guess that's yet another alternative. I appreciate the help
Posted by: GMR
No problem, good luck with your project. Got any pics of it?
LS
Posted by: chargerkid
The interior is completely stripped so none of that.
Posted by: chargerkid
Being my first rebuild I'm fairly unfamiliar with just about everything. Is there a 4 or 5 (preferably 5) speed manual trans that fits with the 318 ? If so where can I find one?
Posted by: chargerkid
Took the hint. Got a 360. Is there anything bad with stroking engines ?
Posted by: MadScientistMatt
Quote:
Originally Posted by chargerkid
Being my first rebuild I'm fairly unfamiliar with just about everything. Is there a 4 or 5 (preferably 5) speed manual trans that fits with the 318 ? If so where can I find one?
The A-833 is a 4-speed from the '60s and 70s that will fit behind a 318 or 360. You'll need a smallblock bellhousing as they also made this for the slant six and big blocks, neither of which have a smallblock bolt pattern.
For a 5-speed, check later pickups. There's a couple options there. Some may require hammering the transmission tunnel to fit.
The only time you are likely to have actual problems with a stroker motor is if you half-ass things and use cheap parts or try to stick in a crank that won't actually clear the engine block. However, when you're talking about a 318, the cost of a stroker kit is much larger than the cost of a 360 core. It's often cost-effective to start with the biggest version of your engine that you can easily find.
Your questions have been answered a million times there.
Me = "349MagnumRT" over there.
Posted by: formerice
You did the smart thing if you want to build a fast car. 318's were very good tough as nails motors, but a built 360 will scream.
Posted by: The OLE MAN
Hey sorry to get here late, butt, I have a stroked 360, makes 413 CI. Haven't run it yet, butt, trust me, it will run.
Little Matt is right, don't CHEAP out on the parts. You'll just end up paying TWICE.
There's a pic of my 413 over in the PIT area.
If you put a 4.00" stroke crank in the 360 remember to notch the block for clearance of the rod bolts. Other than that, most parts are easily available. Just make sure your combination is what you want. Longer rod means a better rod angle, butt, you have to order a SHORTY piston. Again, all this is available from MANY sources.
