As long as the subject of
desirable strong 318 engines blocks is up, here is a comparison of three 318 blocks.
First up:
The 318 X Block, Racing Block, 25 lbs heavier that the standard production cast block.
With the solid fill mains webs and extra beef in the weak areas of a production block.
Second Up:
1969 318 Factory 230 HP, 9.2:1 Compression, with the solid filled mains webs. Has one of the Best Cast mixes, cast in the muscle car era of 69.
Third Up:
1979 318 standard production engine, with the lighter duty undercut mains webs.
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First Up: 318 X Block, Racing Block
View attachment 1715320225
Second Up:
1969 318 Factory Production 230 HP, 9.2:1 Compression Engine Block
Good Strong mains webs. (also notice it came with a forged crankshaft)
View attachment 1715320228
Third Up:
1979 318 standard production engine, light duty block with recessed mains webs.
View attachment 1715320230
Good look at a few blocks here.
Availability: The
X Race Blocks are all but gone,
69 318 230 HP Blocks strong and still in the 69 cars that are up for sale yet, and some are on the shelves of the Mopar folks hanging on to wanted parts.
79 318 production block still available from used vehicles.
My personal preference is the
1969 318 230 HP Block, plenty strong for the street class of cars we are building, not an over kill, 20 lbs lighter than the X and they are still available yet.
Notice I said Yet !