How many street driven high 11 second 318’s do you see? I haven’t seen many. Apparently the 400 HP 318 is the new 500 HP 350 chevy. You make make it sound like a rebuilt core will make 400. Ain’t no way. Have you ever built a 400 HP anything.
They can do 400HP, but it's not gonna be anywhere near as easy as it will be with a 360. Now....a 325 honest HP, you can do pretty easily and is enough power for a reasonably quick street car if it's a light A body. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it'd fare well in most street battles with the right gearing. Problem is most guys are too pussified to use the gear it would take.