Oops. That just flew over my head lol well that's what I get for trying to do algebra homework while I read and post here. If it's going to your son one day then I think a 318 fits the bill nicely. Sounds like you've got a pretty good plan with the 8.8 and 318. My engine was out of a '68 Plymouth Fury III. Scored the complete 318/727 combo on Craigslist and it ran. If you were local Id sell you my 727 and all the stuff that went with it for cheap since I've got a manual trans and the 727 is just taking up space. Good luck with the build and I hope all goes well. Building your own engine is definitely a rewarding and fun thing to do. The 318 will be a big step up from that little slant! All this engine talk is getting me excited to build my 340!