Probably a Dumb 318 Question
Hey there folks, I was just wondering and I’m sure no one has a direct answer but I’m thinking… most people say that there is not much potential in the 318 but I remembered the ford coyote (5.0) is actually quite a small engine yet this engine outputs 460hp 420tq with just a 3.63 bore 3.65 stroke. 12:1 comp ratio on pump gas!!! 55cc head chambers cam around .550 lift. So my question is, is this doable to a 318 if not why? Is it the aftermarket head and piston support holding you back?
Thanks in advance
Not a dumb question and if you don’t know, you don’t know.
So this is my take on the often seen and labeled, lowly 318.
I’m sure the 318 haters will be along shortly.
318 LA vs Fords coyote.
The Ford has ever advantage the modern world has to offer with the LA having major problems upgrading to the Fords level. While there is a bunch that can be done to raise it up, sometimes, you just can’t get there from here BUT! There is always wheel barrels of money to be thrown at such a project. Just spend your money like the US government spends there money.
What? NASA needs a hammer, here is 50K for it.
Now go away.
What? Astronauts need a new shitter? Whatever….
Here is 500K for that.
Now go away.
Let’s look at the Ford. Computer, fuel injection, roller cams, light weight parts, superior machining, heads, etc on parts material.
The LA is going to have to upgrade to some of that if not all of it if possible. So what’s the LA’s biggest issue?
It has no computer.
The fuel injection available at a reasonable price is not at the same level as a Ford or any modern vehicle.
Cylinder heads are a wedge design, AKA, not good next to a multi valve newer designed head.
Camshaft timing variable on the Ford?
Here is how to create a killer LA designed from yesteryear.
Port fuel injection available the intake and use sequential part fuel injection with a computer to customize and time and vary the amount of fuel needed. Just like a modern engine!
Variable cam timing. The best you can do is just use Rhodes lifters on your Hyd roller cams.
Cylinder heads. Use the best flowing heads you can get that fit in a minimum of the 318’s 3.91 bore size. Don’t worry about valve shrouding.
Use the best headers at 1-3/4 to move that spent fuel out.
Somewhat copy what you can or match what the Ford has already. It’s an up hill battle that can be won to a certain extent.
Making more HP is possible. But what level of power are you trying to top since, there is always another coyote who’s faster
For speed purposes, focus on the cars weight and distribution and add a trans mission with multiple gears. More than 4 is the home run for automatics and more than 5 for manual transmissions.
The modern engines have a lot of tech, past lessons and machining advantages the LA. never had and may be impossible to mimic.
The only advantage you have is cubic inches. That’s it. Nothing else. Unless your wallet is as thick as a lotto mega winner.