engine build for reliability

mrhinsjc said

So let's say you are going to build a small block and the most important goal is reliability. Say your daughter will be driving it. I have a 70 Duster and 69 Dart and both are pretty much blank slates. Both are 318s/ Here are a few of my thoughts.

mini-starter
Toyota alternator
MSD ignition and distributor
fuel injection? Not sure of type
bypass alternator gauge, continuous high-current wire thru bulkhead fitting.

What would you do? Say expense is no object.

Click to expand...

318 with a 340 cam...

Dual plane 4 bbl intake...

Holley 80457 with electric choke and vacuum secondaries...

Dual exhaust...

Factory electronic ignition...

Double roller timing chain...

High volume high pressure oil pump... With ungraded hardened distributor drive shaft/gear....

Upgrade the main power wire from the alternator stud to the ammeter with 10 gauge wiring...

Make sure you have a stronger rear axle than the 7 1/4"... Go with 8 3/4" or 8 1/4".... A good 318 will blow up a 7 1/4" axle easy... I went through 3 of them in 4 years on a mild 318 4 bbl before upgrading to 8 3/4' axle and never blew the 8 3/4" when I ran it up to 500,000 miles...