318 build up

...which also likely means his choices will be strictly budget limited. Shipping tariffs are terribly high.

Given the opportunity, best likely choice for slugs will be the KB flat tops (#167 I think) since they only require a minimal cut to the deck to achieve zero which will net you good quench and similarly healthy compression in your 318. They're also pretty light and should mate well to the lighter duty 273 rods (if that's the direction you choose).

If you can afford to put in some effort, churching up the heads will be where you can make really appreciable and felt gains. Just some modest seat, bowl, and port work will net you the spirited feel you likely want.

Just read on here...a lot. I'm pretty sure there's over 100 builds where people spruced up their 318s, and I know I've seen a couple folks on here from your part of the globe trying to do the same.