Mild 318 Build

[9dawgs]

Well I guess I can put this on here.  I'm building a 318 out of an '87 RC for my '86 RC.  The engine in my '86 is getting tired so I thought I'd look for and purchase a running 318 and do a mild inexpensive build.

So far I've been gathering parts.  What I've purchased/done are:

- '87 318 - $125 Craigslist (started it up before I bought it, runs good, idles good)
- Holley 4160 570CFM Street Eliminator Carb - $30 Craigslist (Needs rebuild)
- Holley Street Dominator Aluminum Intake - $75 Craigslist (had it bead blasted to clean it up, looks like new)
- Flowtech Headers (New in box, never installed) - $100 Craigslist

Removed and had the 318 heads hot tanked, magnifluxed and had the valve stem seals replaced - $300 machine shop

My future plans are to:
- Replace the cam with a High Energy 260H cam.
- Replace the lifters & pushrods
- Replace the timing chain and gears
- Replace starter with a reman mini starter
- Replace distributor with vac advance to eliminate lean burn system
- Replace harmonic balancer
- Replace the valve covers and breather with Mopar Performance products
- Paint engine Mopar blue

I'll post more as I continue this project.  Feel free to chime in with advice or suggestions.

[rjtx667]

you doing anything to the bottom end?

[The War Wagon]

I know with the Magnum, you've got to go with a milder cam, unless you want to replace the PCM... which I DON'T... because it's a PITA.  Not sure about YOUR model, and whether that's an issue or not.

I'm looking at finding a newer model 318 in a junkyard, pulling the heads, and sending THOSE out to be ported/polished/magnafluxed, so they'll be ready to install with NEXT year's tax refund.    Unless I just win the lottery by then. 

[9dawgs]

you doing anything to the bottom end?

No not planning on anything withe the crank, etc. Things look good in there.  The only thing I plan down there really is to replace oil pump & oil pan.  The pan that came off is rusted and pitted pretty bad.

[9dawgs]

I know with the Magnum, you've got to go with a milder cam, unless you want to replace the PCM... which I DON'T... because it's a PITA.  Not sure about YOUR model, and whether that's an issue or not.

I'm looking at finding a newer model 318 in a junkyard, pulling the heads, and sending THOSE out to be ported/polished/magnafluxed, so they'll be ready to install with NEXT year's tax refund.    Unless I just win the lottery by then. 

Hmmm I don't think I have a PCM.  I hear you about the lottery.  This hobby ain't cheap! 

[rjtx667]

rebuilt magnum heads can be had for about 150 a head around here. They still tend to crack a lot.

if you want a decent set of good heads and plan to do any port/ polish work I suggest saving for some EQ Magnum heads.

[The War Wagon]

if you want a decent set of good heads and plan to do any port/ polish work I suggest saving for some EQ Magnum heads.

These?  http://www.4secondsflat.com/FBO_EQ%20Cylinder%20heads.htm

[9dawgs]

  Wow, can't afford those! It would be nice though.

[rjtx667]

yeah mine were a bit more than that, as those are bare, then you need springs and valves (i did stainless steal, 2.02) and I also did light cleanup and port work.

So if I every decide I don't have enough raw power I can rip them off and go to a better port and polish job, but for now they are moving the truck around pretty good. 

[The War Wagon]

I thought about going with these... http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-61775/overview/make/dodge

Especially since they're assembled, and designed for my nominally rare Magnum RC.

But this will be NEXT year's tax refund!   

[rjtx667]

Quantity:Sold individually.

just make sure you double that price. They are not cheap, but yeah they are good and a lot of people like al heads. I went with the steal as I did not mind, and it worked better with my CR I was doing. Plus it would have added probably $500 more to the cost of the build which was already crazy $$

[9dawgs]

Hey, you guys seems to be knowledgeable in this stuff so I'll ask the question.  If I'm using the stock 318 heads off of a '87 carburated engine what cams can I use? I posted what I thought would be good to use above but is there any other modifications I'll need to make to use that particular cam?  Also, should I even put an aftermarket cam in there?  Again I'm using the Holley intake & carb set up with headers.  Will a cam even be that much more beneficial? Sorry for the questions but I don't want to spend the $$ if I don't need to.

[rjtx667]

I don't know a lot about the non hydraulic roller cams, except they are cheaper 

Should you put one in? Absolutely!!!!!! it will wake the motor up like you would not believe. Which one you want depends on a lot of things, including what your valve springs can handle and if you need to buy new ones.

I am running a 210/220 duration on my 408 (which is a bit small for a 408 but still works good) on my 5.2 I run a 204/208.

I like crane cams, but I also have a comp cam. Just have to look around and figure out what exactly you want and what it takes to get there.

[crazzywolfie]

i also agree that you should get a cam. summit sells a rv/towing cams and lifters kit for $115. if i ever get around to installing a cam that is probably the one i would go with. there is a video on youtube of a 318 with the cam and it sounds pretty good.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-k6900/overview/make/dodge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk0USBvh8AU

[9dawgs]

i also agree that you should get a cam. summit sells a rv/towing cams and lifters kit for $115. if i ever get around to installing a cam that is probably the one i would go with. there is a video on youtube of a 318 with the cam and it sounds pretty good.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-k6900/overview/make/dodge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk0USBvh8AU

Wow, that's exactly what I needed. THANKS!   I think I'll go with this cam instead of the one above.  Man I like the way it lopes at idle.  That should do the trick. Will I need new push rods as well?  This ones that I have that came out of the engine look fine.

As far as work to the head; I'm not planning on anything else. It looks like the fella in the video just put that cam in a completely stock engine.  I had it cleaned and inspected and the valve stem seals replaced and that's about all I'm planning to do. 

What about taking my dremel tool to the ports though and cleaning them up a bit (ie: removing the rough edges).  Seems I've heard of this before.