racingsnake440
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- Aug 29, 2005
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I seem to remember reading somewhere that early 318s had a forged crank like the 273s. Is this true and does anyone know what year they were used up to?
The crank out of the 72 318 I am building was most definitely cast. However, it did have the bigger rods.
I have a 70 date block with a cast crank on the stand, my cuda's 70 motor has a cast crank too. It came from a Dodge Charger of a friend. Both motors are factory cranks and blocks. I was told only 67-68 273's and 318's have forged steel cranks. My 70 340 had a steel crank.The last forged crank 318 was made in 1972. 1973 was the first year for cast crank 'teens. The first cast crank that Ma Mopar ever produced was in 1971. The 360 was the lucky winner. The 400 was next in '72, the 340 and 318 in '73, with the 440 following in '74. The slant didn't catch up until '80 or '81 when they also got hydraulic lifters.