Need advice on my 318

Peyote said
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.

Hey Peyote (most young kids may not know about the psychedelic drug), I live in Corpus Christi and you're absolutely correct...no Mopar parts for hundreds of miles. When you can find them they cost a small fortune. That's why I stuck a Chevy 2004R in my Barracuda, total cost $1850. I did all the work myself except for the tranny overhaul. The 2004R core was only $25. Since Chevy rear ends are also abundant around here I installed a Chevy 10 bolt posi in the Cuda with 12 bolt axles and 390 gears. I got beat up pretty good here on FABO for using Chevy parts on a Mopar but I saved tons of money and the 10 bolt was just sitting in my garage anyway. I have a extra 904 sitting in my garage that you can have for $75. I also have 2 318 blocks. One is a short block ready to go and the other is a bare block. I also have the original high compression heads that came off my '69 Barracuda (9.2:1 CR) sitting on the shelf. Other various Mopar parts. Lots of 340 and 360 magnum small block exhaust manifolds.
The 318 engines, depending on the year, came with pistons sunk down in the hole. '69 pistons were the tallest. My pistons sit .039" down in the hole, some are as deep as .100" (or more) so be aware of what year engine you buy as it will determine the compression.

Treblig
Good luck with your build