How would you rebuild this 318?

69cudaownr said
I have a knock in my 318. Its definitely a lower end knock. My guess is a connecting rod. This is what I have;
Bored .020 over
stock pistons, rods, crank
Compression ranged from 138 - 143 when I last checked it
Comp cam XE262 262/270 duration, 462/470 lift
302 casting heads milled to 58 cc with 1.88 intake
Edelbrock Performer intake
Edelbrock carburator 1406 (600)
Headers
833 4 speed
3:23 sure grip
275/40R17 tires

This is in a street car with no intensions of racing but, like most people, I enjoy the feel of a car taking off when you hit the gas. I would describe myself as "good" with engine understanding but far from excellent. My questions;

Would I bore it to .030 and change the pistons?

Let the machinist decide if it needs it or not. The conditions of the cylinder will be determined then. The machinist will probably opt for a .030.

69cudaownr said
Is the cam good or should I reconsider?

I like the cam. Increasing duration moves the power band upwards. If you like how it performs now, keep the cam.

69cudaownr said
Should I change the heads to a 2.02 intake?

No. You can if you want but it’s not IMO, a situation of the juice is not worth the squeeze.

69cudaownr said
Does the knock mean I need a new crank and rods if I'm right on my assessment?

The crank may just need to be turned. Let the machinist guide you on that one.

69cudaownr said
If yes to a new crank, do I consider a stroker kit and would my existing top end work with a stroker? Or is that just a whole new bag of bolts.

New bag of bolts. With the stroker, it’ll be at 390 cubic inches with a .030 over bore. At this size vs the 318, mileage will tank by compare by torque will soar.

The heads, intake and carb are super restrictive on a 390. The cam becomes super tiny for a 390. Currently it’s a very good cam for general street performance for a 318. The stroker will also hit peak rpm power and thousand rpm sooner.

69cudaownr said
Thanks for your input.

Happy to help