273 or NOT 273?

318willrun said
Reality on the 273 vs 318, means it seems this is where the thread has gone.

very few 273's were commando's with the go fast parts. Most are 2bbl versions.

Forged crank is actually a slower crank because it's heavier. It's only worth it's weight if serious HP or NOS/Boost is being used in the application. Many cast cranks in 9 and 10 second cars.

Anyone that's ever driven "up to snuff" 273 2bbl vs 318 2bbl in the same weight of car will know in a heartbeat the 318 has more bottom end torque and power up top. And it's not really even close. Owned both, as well as my Dad's cars as well.

Both can be made to rev and go fast. Hands down, same stroke/block, the bigger bore will have the advantage. Always does and always will.

Not really talking about 2 barrel engines. I'm never going to build a 2 barrel anything for myself. What a limit on power. We started talking about a 12 second 273. Dan the Man introduced the 318 as he jumped into the end of a thread without reading the rest. As raw material, I personally prefer a 273 over a 318. I kept 273's and 340 small blocks. I have built plenty of performance 273's, 318's, 340's and 360's over the years. 273's and 340's are about zero deck hight. 64 to 67 273 heads have closed chambers. The same year 273's have a forged crank and bushed rods, not a problem for me, although I see no problem with a cast 318 cranks either, although I doubt any performance gain. Having built a 1.88 intake J headed 273, 318s, and low compression 340's with the same heads, cam, and induction, I have not seen much difference from a larger bore, all things being equal. But I'm not a low rpm torque kind of guy. Nor do I care about drag racing myself. The 273 works perfectly in my 66 Formula S for the limitations I place on my own cars.