318 Mopar vs. 340 Mopar

Given that you are looking for a driver, and not a race car, I don't see any reason why you would need more than a 318. A 318 is a good, solid foundation for a dependable motor. It sounds like that will be important. Cost wise, you would probably spend about the same money on a 360 as a 318, so that point would be moot. Do you need a 360? Probably not. Would it be fun? Yeah it would. Others have brought up a great point that your 7 1/4 will probably be toast if you put any kind of real power in front of it.

OTOH, a 318 can be pretty darn fun too :) I'm putting a 318/727 into my 68 Dart for a driver. There is no reason a 318 can't be a good all around runner.

I would just look for what you can find, and build a good motor. Keep in mind that you may have to upgrade that rear end. It might be a good idea to have at least an 8 1/4 rear standing by in case you grenade that 7 1/4 you have now.

As for swapping out the /6 to a V8, There are lots of components to replace besides the rear end. There is LOTS of good information here and on the web about what you need to do to do the swap.

Good luck and keep us posted. I'd love to see more pix of your car.

j