1988 Roller Cam 318 'entry-level' power potential?
That looks great, especially for the price! My old ride had Firehawks on it and I loved those tires, it's too bad they're discontinued.
I've had these tires for about 6 years now, they really are great... WAYY better than BFG Radial T/As, they were on my Duster originally but since I had converted it to BBP these wheels were just a quick swap onto the 5th Ave. They do surprisingly well in the snow as well that's what really impressed me. It is a great car for the price, the guy I bought it from runs his own small mechanic shop in south Denver and has a few '60s Mopars outside of his shop so I knew he was legit lol. EVERYTHING works on this car it's amazing; A/C (with climate control), power windows, power seats, and best of all cruise control! And it's so comfortable to drive, I'd argue it's more comfy than my mom's 2014 300C but that's probably because I'm biased towards the old stuff LOL.
@rumblefish360 I considered a deeper ratio but I want this to stay a good highway cruiser, that's the main purpose I bought it for. Around here 8 1/4" rear ends out of Jeep Cherokees are a dime a dozen and they usually came with either 3.07 gears (M/T) or 3.55s (A/T). The rear end (which I got for $100 from an offroading buddy) has 3.55s in it but I got a 3.07 ring and pinion for $50 from a specialty Jeep salvage yard in Co. Springs. I haven't got one yet but I plan to use a regular Edelbrock Performer intake.
@318willrun That's cool, Wellington is quite close to me... Regarding upgrading the 318 my plan is to start with all the "bolt-ons" first and see how it runs. I'm really not inclined to change the cam because A) I don't want a flat-tappet cam and B) roller cams are expensive lol. Lunati just came out with a new line of street-oriented Voodoo Hydraulic Roller cams though they're calling me...
@nm9stheham I think the reason the HP rating didn't go up with the cam and heads upgrade is because the ultra-tiny carb (Holley 6280, smaller even than a Carter BBD) and single exhaust with
three cats; the day after it passed emissions and I got it registered I ripped that garbage exhaust out faster than you can say "redneck sidepipes" lol
My Duster has "graduated" to being my full-on street machine/hot rod project so this old M-body is now my 'designated daily driver' (not including my '93 Jeep Cherokee which still runs like a champ but is really fatiguing on long trips). I just want it to not take 20 minutes to get up to speed off the line and be able to pass easily on the freeway; the way it is now it's useless to try the kickdown to 2nd, it pulls the same in 3rd as it does in 2nd at any speed above 65 MPH. Pathetic... lol