318 Head Opinions

ValiantMike said
I'd like to get some opinions on some different heads for my 318. Its a late 70s, early 80s block thats in good shape currently with stock heads, Edelbrock Performer, 750 Holley, headers, 4spd, 8 3/4 391s, in a 1964 Valiant. I want to keep it as a rarely driven street car with an occasional 1/4 mile run. I've got a line on a pair of 302 heads and a pair of mid-90s 318 Magnum heads, both sets are done up to stock specs. What I want to know is, which ones would you go for? I really don't want to change pistons at this time, but cam, intake, carb, etc., is all to be changed with head change. So what do you think would be a good combo for me. I want it to sound good, and go as good as I can within limits listed above. Give me some ideas. Mike


The Magnums have 59cc chambers & 1.92"/1.65" valves. They are also better flowing.

More compression, bigger valves &better flow, what's not to like.

Only drawback is the intake manifold selection, but some say the LA manifolds can be adapted. The Magnum heads seem to be prone to cracking, but if you found a good set & ran a cooler TSTAT, I'll bet that problem would disappear.

Hey, I'm learning.

There's some good poop on the Magnum heads here. http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/mopp_0409_318_engine_build/