The A-Body With A Job
Thanks Old Tired Rebel.
just find a decent 318 and do a rebuild on it and add another 2000$ to the car build, 318's are idiot proof,I reem the snot out of mine on a daily basis but,there are plenty of ways to go to upgrade it,318's are fun engines
Waggin, I totally agree that a stock-built 318 can take almost anything you can throw at it, but there's certain things that I feel are necessary for another 200,000 mile motor; Even if I went with cheap rebuild parts I couldn't keep it under $1200 with what I have in mind.
One of those things is a well thought-out oiling system. I have put as much reading & thought into that alone as the whole car combined (not really, but you know what I mean...)
For instance, Full Groove Main and Rod Bearings. Although not necessary, any engine running at 70mph for two hours will benefit greatly from them, but to do so go ahead and double what you planned to spend on bearings my friend.
Also, an Intermediate Shaft with a hardened tip is a good investment and a no-brainer for my build. Again, double what you would normally plan to pay for an Intermediate shaft
It's a new motor so new oil pump and pick-up tube are a better idea than not. But what about a valley pan? I want to keep the oil low and off where my cool atomized fuel is, so yes there.
Windage Trays are the secret to a happy, long-life, reliable motor. They're worth $60-$100. Some people go by what their dad says, 'they're only worth 5hp, f*** em'. They add a lot more power than that and do so much, much more...
I've also looked into drilled out journals in the crank and cam, but even I think that might be overkill haha. That would cost extra to have professionally done.
Aside from oiling, alot of driving can throw an engine out of whack, am I going to just go ahead and get a Timing Chain Tensioner? Hell yes. Boom, quadruple your cost for just a cam thrust plate instantly. Is it worth it? In my eyes of course.
It just makes sense to get Keith Black pistons. I know there are $125 sets of pistons out there, but I don't see the logic. I believe in good push rods too when doing a rebuild. Freshen up the heads? Why thank you I will please!
If it were a chevy I wouldn't care as much. But since this motor has a purpose to serve, I had best cover my bases...
And only do it once.
