Need advice on my 318

I hear what you guys are saying, and thanks for your opinions. However The base 318 is already 230hp, I'm only looking for 275 to 300. If I wanted more than that I would have said that. I'll hopefully pass this car down to my son and it needs to not be a beast. That's why I'm not looking for a 340 or 360.

The dart currently has a /6 and 904. I've read a v8 won't bolt up.

Mopar parts are not that plentiful in central Texas. Looking on Craigslist there are only 3 318s available in Austin and San Antinio combined. And 0 340s. As far as trannys you guys act like they are a dime a dozen...maybe where you are...there are none available on CL as of this moment.

The other thing is you guys say 300 isn't a good deal for the 318/904 because I have to rebuild it, but I WANT to rebuild whatever's going in because I want that experience and I want to know what's in it.

Like I said I appreciate all the feedback but I feel like most of you are focusing on the why rather than the how. Maybe I'm being narrow minded but this engine and tranny seem to fit my needs so I just thought I could get some answers on how to reach my goal.