Hypothetical 318 Builds

Bob Wilkie said
This is a great thread. Thanks for starting it. I’m not as educated as some of you when the numbers start flying around these posts but it seems like I could ask you guys a couple questions.

I will eventually be (re)building a 318 for a 54 Plymouth Plaza Suburban I have. Nothing special but I want to make it bulletproof since my wife will drive it and she is not a “car” person.

I have two 318s that have been sitting in my garage for a few years. One ran in my dart and the other was given to me by a friend. I don’t know what car or truck either of them started life in and I don’t know what has been done to the internal if anything. I’m gonna use of hat I have from both and make the best 318 I can.

With that said, which block do you recommend?
Cast 4104230 dated 8/31/79
Cast 4006730 dated 9/13/76

I have two sets of cast heads.
Cast 4027163
I have an Edelbrock performer intake and Hedman headers.

I will use what I have if it’s good and replace items as needed to make one good engine.

Thoughts?

Check both blocks out and use the one with the least wear. Same for the cranks. Looks like you have a Performer and an original 340 intake. Use the best pair of heads, with the valves as close to the chamber and no corrosion. The heads should have induction hardened exhaust seats, so should be good. Plug the holes on the exhaust ports with set screws. Have the intake valves back cut. Run a high pressure oil pump spring and a windage tray. Use a true roller timing chain and a cam from 268 to 260 duration and about .450 lift. If you are buying a new carb, I'd run an AVS2 or a Street Demon around 650 to cfm. If a used carb, then anything from a small TQ, Qjet, 273 AFB or 340 AVS should bolt on and run sweet. Last thing would be an electronic ignition with a quick curve.