The Most Under Rated V-8 In History?

For generations Hot Rodders have tossed Mopar's least loved Small Block, the 318, onto the scrap pile without ever giving the engine a chance to prove itself. Here's a quick overview of its history, what makes it tick, and how closely it relates to the Giant Killer 340.

[@niofbernier9944]

That guy knows every little detail. We’re running short on people like him.

[@david-leethompson62]

He Is Saving American Muscle! After the EMP... These will be the only source For electricity + heat!

[@BuzzLOLOL]

The 318's started in late 1950's...

[@shermanbird3248]

Yup! And the last expert on oil lamps recently died! Now what?

[@moparproud3978]

@@BuzzLOLOL Poly head though. Irrelevant to the discussion

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@moparproud3978 - Polys are kewl...

[@johnwick-ii6il]

I found two 318's at a scrap yard. They had just been dropped of by a boat dismantler. They both had four bolt mains and steel cranks with 4 barrels. The iron flywheels never had a clutch run on them. Also dual points with 8 qt oil pans. I scored them for $15 each. Never knew Mopar made a four bolt main 318.

[@TheScoundrel70]

I used to hang out with a guy who had three uncles. Each LOVED engines, but had their own preference: one was anything Mopar, one was anything GM, and one was anything Ford. They were each an Uncle Tony as far as facts, figures, history, etc. a weekend at their farm was literally the equivalent of a full year of college. The thing that really struck me was how there was no arguing which was best, could make more power, or any of the expected bench racing debates and arguements. My friend had a 1951 Mercury with a supercharged small block Chev. My ride in those days was a 1980 f150 2wd stepside with at first a 302, then 390, then 429, then 351 cobra jet. Whatever vehicle we brought to tinker on or do something more significant to, all three brothers would enthusiastically drop their own projects and come and help, with whichever brand "specialist" taking the lead role with the other two interjecting useful anecdotes, stories, and encouragement. Everyone worked together and they made a point of making me do most of my own work, while guiding me with simple but thorough instructions and explanations. It was just a fantastic place to be. I even brought dates out with me, though being a teenager, I really didn't think that bit through too well, and didn't understand the bored looks I would be getting. My family eventually moved and we were just too far away to visit anymore but it had already shaped the rest of my life as far as a love for machines and engines of any sort. I remember they used to say that every engine had something great and every engine had something poor and so it made no sense to go all-in on one brand or another. I count myself lucky for the tiny bit I absorbed, and the time wandering through the barns of Studabakers, Hudsons, MGs, Rovers, VWs, John Deere, McCormic, Cockshut, Renault, internationals, etc. etc. etc., all on engine stands or cradles, and the curator level tours I got about each engine. Listening to Uncle Tony reminds me of that so much.

[@hotwelder21]

That's such a great story man. The funny thing is that I own a 383 BB Mopar that has Chevy valve springs because Mopar springs weren't that great at the time.

[@tking7513]

You were very fortunate, really the "good old days" !

[@aijeMnairdA]

This is the reason I got into cars, men like them are genuine people that are coming harder and harder to come by. Appreciate the times you have with guys like that 👍🏽

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

So, which was the best? 😃

[@joshuaatkins5197]

Nice. My old man was a Dodge diehard, my uncle was Ford all the way and so I quickly turned to a GM brat. We used to bench race all the time. We're truck guys and use them hard. Like seeing who could haul a bigger load of wood. Funny part was it usually was just a test of tire durability 😂. I can remember way back doing the brakes on one of the old mans trucks. After breaking a bunch of wheel studs my uncle explained that that side was reverse thread. As the kid of the group I said, "well that's the stupidest thing ever!" My uncle who worked in the rock quarry industry laughed and said, "you clearly don't know shit about real heavy duty trucks because they're all like that." And the rivalry continued.. Fast forward 30ish years and things have changed. My old man has passed and now I have his 62 powerwagon. My uncles 76 F250 Ford that my grandfather bought new is now my daily, yes my daily. Now my uncle has a second gen cummins that's his pride and joy. Me? All my old GM's are gone and now I just have a 91 suburban with swapped in 1 ton drivetrain and running gear. Now Im getting ready to start work on the 62 powerwagon and I'm here trying to learn about the 318 that's in the 62. Originally I believe it was a 318 poly but I know the motor was swapped at some point for another 318 and I don't know if it's a poly or a LA series. This engine hasn't ran in 15 years give or take so please everyone wish me luck. The 62 will be passed down to my oldest son after I get to drive it for a while.

[@lukeswyers9497]

Long ago Uncle Tony came off the mountain carrying small block Mopar build sheets etched in stone. Awesome video, thanks for spreading the knowledge out there!

[@lifestylemodificatio]

all the old timers that I talked to back in the days said "the 318 is bullet proof and reliable" I am 49 years old now....

[@jayarnold8883]

I'm 53. They're right. No flat lobed cam rod knocking junk here lol.

[@shermanbird3248]

There is no "bulletproof" anything. Those 318 (5.2L) engines had their problems as much as anything else. It's perspective based on personal experience.... otherwise known as Conclusion bias.

[@jayarnold8883]

@@shermanbird3248 any product has its limits. We had similar products in similar service at the time. I've discussed the weak points lol. Think of all the taxis and police cars from the late 70s and 80s. The 318 ruled . The 305 Chevrolet got a real bad reputation real fast in this Era for bad camshafts. Fords 302 was a solid package but was loaded with emissions equipment. All had strong points and weak. I will crawl back under my rock now that's 40 years ago lol.

[@greeceuranusputin]

If you leave the tiny BBD carburetor on it. Same thing for the slant six, except it's a BBS (the S means single barrel).

[@dantyler6907]

...and?

[@Cfchild1]

I really appreciate Uncle Tony's philosophy of getting the most out of the engine design through tried and true improvements instead of just swapping the stock motor out for an LS.

[@SchnelleKat]

Guy really is a Mopar guru!

[@jacknickolstine3355]

Yeah shit is played out 5 years ago.

[@rustyshackleford6637]

I agree and I watched his video on old school power tips those were some cool ideas. Makes me want to build a 318 and I've never even rebuilt a motor before.

[@Skubasteph]

@@jacknickolstine3355 lol played out do you want heads that flow 300 cfm from the factory with 6 bolt mains for a tiny bit of money. that will never be played out.

[@jacknickolstine3355]

@@Skubasteph yeah yeah yeah, is what it is. What I wanna see is that 4 banger hit low 5s. Now that shit is interesting. I forget the race team, they are in Australia.

[@peters8758]

To save a few more pennies the 318 got a nylon timing gear. The 340 got a steel gear with a double roller chain. The 340 timing parts fit a 318. Use them!

[@multishit6664]

This kinda info and people like yourself are needed on many levels of engine tinkering... cars bikes and everything..people who are finding out ways to improve..cool shit.

[@craigscherer563]

Many of them have already had them replaced due to failure. My 73 318 received a double roller at 80K miles. The nylon tanked. I do not think it was a cheaper option so much as a marketing ploy of a quieter engine. The replacement double roller was cheaper at the parts counter than the nylon OEM. It was a no brainer.

[@drtb69]

Quieter engine with that nylon gear.

[@mikemurphy7277]

Peter s you motor head you

[@peters8758]

@@drtb69 Real quiet after it breaks

[@dougrobinson8602]

We had a 318 in our '73 Chrysler Plymouth Fury wagon. A seriously underrated engine. You just couldn't kill it because the output was so modest. It had a surprising amount of torque given the small displacement. It had no problem towing our boat. Great engine that deserves way more respect than it generally gets.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

It probably has a short 3:55 rear axle ratio giving the impression that the 318 was powerfull.

[@kuiper6926]

@@MrJohnnyDistortion i have a 3.07 ratio on my 318 2barrel dart and it does feel pretty strong even tho examples are different. Not a high performance out of the box, makes around 165 to the wheels, but does feel strong and steady for such a small displacement (when comparing to most engines with bigger or smaller displacement of that time)

[@paulcabezola3559]

If Rodney Dangerfeid was an engine he'd be a 318. No respect. I've always had great luck with them.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

He's been popping up in my feed🤔

[@j_freed]

Caddyshack. Chevy Chase, Ted Knight, Bill Murray.... "hey Wang!"

[@byrdsdoityourselfgarage7330]

💪💪💪

[@byrdsdoityourselfgarage7330]

@@ericstone8812 😂😂😂

[@byrdsdoityourselfgarage7330]

@@j_freed this is my friend, wang... no offense

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

I'm a big fan of the 318. What can I say, there's something about a super reliable and really good running engine I can appreciate.

[@bentboybbz]

I think the engineers got lucky with the design on this one. It’s probably just a good combo for the materials used. Every 318 I’ve come across was beaten really hard on or neglected really badly. But just keeps going. That’s why these are great engines to build on the cheap and beat on. They hold up so well on stock parts.

[@kraz904]

Watching any of your videos for a couple of minutes shows the decades of actual experience doing engines. A real treat and pleasure watching. I was taught many years ago, " you can't buy experience". The only problem that I see is that you have too much information to get out that you back up in your limited timed videos. You truly are an asset to those who haven't done what you've done...

[@StevenBradley-sq6kg]

I watched one of these build shows build a inexpensive low tech two bolt main, iron crank, stock rod 318, and made 340 HP, that's impressive.

[@modelnutty6503]

its really not hard to get good power from a 318, 4 barrel+intake, swap the cam, dual exhaust, its not even a full tear down if the bottom end is good. 40 years ago that was typical high school auto shop stuff. swap in a low ratio axle and go have fun with it.

[@vlrdmtr]

Can you share the video with us ? Thanks

[@StevenBradley-sq6kg]

@@vlrdmtr ....no I can't, sorry it was one of those professional videos shows , can't remember, but I do remember basic 318 block, 2 bolt main, stock iron crank, basic stock rods, basic stock heads, ( pocket porting, BASIC three angle valve job ) something ( can't remember ) like a basic edelbrock performer intake, 1"5/8 exhaust headers and something like a low tech. hyd. lifter mid range cam, do that and you will get 320 - 350 hp on one of these PREPPED 318 small blocks.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Nope... Best budget 318" build: www.hotrod.com/articles/318-small-block-build

[@StevenBradley-sq6kg]

@@BuzzLOLOL ...I didn't say it was the best, I said it was impressive for how low budget it was.

[@n2jve1989]

When I raced a local 1/2 mile high banked dirt track(Lebanon Valley Speedway) near Albany N.Y. I started out with a 72 Dodge Dart then went to a 73 Duster and had a 318 block, 360 heads and intake with a 340 purple cam. 3.23 gears I think 727 trans in 2nd gear. It was in the early 80's forgot some of the details.. This was all junkyard parts as 7 of us built cars out of this yunkyard. Had a great time and alot of fun for next to no money invested and we were all right up there in top ten points.

[@lautburns4829]

Love that track, go every year when Mopar action has the track for a show. You should go!

[@n2jve1989]

@@lautburns4829 i live 15 minutes away from the Valley as us locals call it.. When they did have the all Mopar day at the dragway, I was there with all Mopar gear on hat leather jacket shirt etc. The jacket was a big hit there..

[@lautburns4829]

Oh Kool, then I saw you. I’m always there with the Mopar action team. Rick,Sal, Tony, Cliff. Just look for the “Self-driving” Savoy.😅

[@n2jve1989]

@@lautburns4829 are you local to Lebanon Valley. I'm in Niverville, Columbia County

[@lautburns4829]

Yes down inNewburgh, but lived in Nassau lake, born in Albany so I’m a local boy. Also you must know “Mopar Dan” he’s right down the road from the track. 🤪

[@davenorman8251]

In Australia in the 70's you could buy a valiant charger powered by a 318 dirt cheap the popular purchase was the Pov pack (poverty pack) which was 318 with 3 speed trans and a high performance camshaft from the 340 (supplied separately)..my cousin bought one and got the cam fitted on the first service for $60...he later did some porting and valve work and it made for a potent street car...he used to call it the $3000 fire ball.

[@jhend91]

My dad has been a mechanic all his adult life--fixing everything from lawn mowers to Caterpillar D-9s and Manitowoc cranes. His favorite engine was the 318.

[@Miker1776]

Love your passion for, and your knowledge of, these engines! Great job.

[@20thCenturyMan]

I'm glad to see a video on the 318. I've owned the A version of the 318 and never had any problems out of it. They even offer those with dual exhaust and dual quad intakes.

[@davidjoseph4431]

I've always been a big fan of the 318. The engine is bullet proof.

[@jtrawls8922]

Yes sir

[@homefront3162]

agreed

[@johnwilburn]

Guys use them in Ford and Chevy demo derby cars. That says a LOT.

[@milojanis4901]

I put 360,000 miles on a '95 Grand Cherokee with the "5.2", aka the 318 Dodge V8. Original starter, original exhaust, everything under the hood original, except the alternator, spark plugs, and oil!!!

[@imarobot3757]

except for the timing chain , they gave up every 50,000 miles

[@davidvincent2051]

Hey Tony I grew up here in Australia and I ran a 318 powered 69 ozy made valiant in the late 80s deep in the 11s. I loved that motor!

[@davidrobins4025]

Your wealth of knowledge is something I enjoy listening to as you describe the 318.

[@charger19691]

Thank you for again shining a light on a real workhorse of an engine with a TON of potential. I’ve seen some 318’s run like a devil!!

[@davidolin9322]

I was really leaning toward pulling the 318 in my 76 Valiant after watching the daily driver series. But I think I will start with it and see where it goes. SO informative Uncle Tony. You guys are my favorite UTube channel

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Yo! Best budget 318" build: www.hotrod.com/articles/318-small-block-build

[@grndzro777]

Love your videos man. Lots of juicy gems of knowledge that really make them worth watching.

[@jonathanodell8854]

I've owned every American small block for my hauling service I done for 20 yrs and I gotta say yes that 318 was the smoothest quietest most reliable engine ever I had 4 of them in my d series pickup trucks for low revving torque turtling around less than 70 mph they were my favorite had 1 that went well past 300k no major repairs....

[@WhydoIneedahandleagain]

When I was a kid, my folks bought a 78 dodge van with the 318. Dad was in the army and got stationed in Germany and I remember that thing just singing down the autobahn at 110-120 (with the aerodynamics of a brick) for hours at a time. Finally retired that thing in the mid 90’s and sold it to my uncle who then put another 40-50k miles on it. It just kept going and going. The van ended up rusting away from around it but the engine was still strong.

[@cabinetdad75]

I had a 318 in my 77 lwb. Added headers, cam and intake/carb. Straight pipes to cherries. Truck was geared stock with 33/10.50s It was a very solid, fun truck.

[@shawnhicks6718]

I have a 74 charger se with the original 318 and 727 trans. Need to build the motor. I will be staying tuned to all of your videos and really enjoy learning more than I already know. Thank you.

[@ws678ta]

Been a Mopar guy for 49 1/2 yrs, still own several Dusters, a '69 Roadrunner etc. My '75 Dodge Van had a 318 which was the BEST engine I ever owned bar none. Great job on the video , BTW , keep on truckin !

[@405wolf]

back in the 80s we would put an intake, 4bbl and duals on our A bodys, drag race and beat cars we didnt think we could beat.just those mods would really wake up those engines. personally i have always said the 318 was underrated. now your gonna see 318s price go up! just you wait.

[@raymondguzman5083]

Nooooo

[@craigbenz4835]

One of my favorite cars was from back then. A '73 Dart Sport with a 318. The only changes to the engine were a LD340 intake, Carter 625 AFB, a Crane version of the 340 cam, and open headers. Fun car.

[@BigHeinen]

Maybe Wolf...but the LS craze is still so strong I doubt this one video will make prices change much. But I could be wrong - I'm not arguing.

[@405wolf]

@@BigHeinen I could be wrong aswell. yes LS craze is fairly strong but people still want old school engines and sometimes all it takes is one thing and that one thing spreads. prime example mecum and barrett jackson. all it takes is two dickheads that pay way too much for a car and everyones prices go up. considering 340s are rediculous in price now and 360s are getting harder to find it only seems to reason 318s will go up in price. obviously its niche market for 318. i know your not arguing were having a simple discussion and difference of opinion. its a shame what this country/ world has come to that you and i cant have a discussion without fear of someone getting offended.

[@autonomous_collective]

Mopar '302' High Swirl Cylinder Heads: The small chamber of these heads give your 318 a higher compression ratio, which is good for both power and fuel economy. If you need to build a low compression engine, these are still the best heads to use, but run them with dished pistons. Some builders report that for two otherwise identical engines (including compression ratio), an engine with dished pistons and small chamber heads can make as much as 20 horsepower more than an engine with flat top pistons and open chamber heads. The best intake by far for a 318 running "high swirl" cylinder heads is the Weiand 8007 Action Plus Intake Manifold. Running a large port intake with 318-style ports causes a "damn" in the intake path where the intake mates to the head because of the port mismatch. Most intakes designed for the 318 ports are economy-type manifolds that aren't really intended for high performance. The Weiand 8007 Action Plus is the only high-rise, high-performance intake designed specifically for the 318-sized intake ports. I have one on my Barracuda and I love it. If you're running 340/360 heads, the best intake is probably the Edelbrock Performer RPM (don't run it with 318 heads though). I really interesting option would be the single plane 2-bbl intake manifold that Mopar put on the 273 and some early 318. I think that with porting and Extrude Honing this manifold could be made to flow pretty well. Combine it with a tuned over-size 2-bbl carb from one of the low-end big blocks and you'd have one heck of a sleeper. 318 can be stroked to 348. This is a very cool modification to the 318. It's even easier now since Scat makes a 3.58" stroke crank that drops into the 318 (as well as the 340) without having to grind down the main journals. Or, Stroker Kit, 318 to 390 Cubic Inches.....Sleeper 3.0 Enough for now..... Cheers

[@jesseaguirre2961]

as a kid i drove a 318,,,, GRAN FURY ,, DAMM THING NEVER DIED , AFTER OVERHEATING 3 OR 4 TIMES AND RUNNING OUT OF OIL 2 OR 3 TIMES , AND KEPT RUNNING ALTHOUGH IT EVENTUALLY SMOKED A BIT ,, BUT WAS QUITE AND VERY RELIABLE ,,, INDESTUCTABLE , UNLIKE TODAYS ALUMINIUM ENGINES , THX TONY, GOOD INFO ..

[@fargomonkey5133]

My first car, and to this day the best car I have ever owned was a 73 plymouth satellite, with a 318. It was a fabulous engine, both fast, and fuel economic, with zero issues ever. 100 percent reliable, easy to work on. Seriously, a truly great engine.

[@FreezinGoodTime]

Same as my first car. Always started and ran well.. even in extremely cold weather.

[@livewireblanco]

UT you're making the engine I built. 318-3, ported the heads, Comp XE256H cam, edelbrock 600 carb, long tube headers. Runs great even with low compression!

[@bofa1330]

Uncle Tony got to say that rigging on that engine reminds me of my shade tree days. Thanks for sharing.

[@Leosarebetter]

We had no $ but back a few hundred years ago I had a 186s, with a 149 Stage 3 Yella Terra head, 3/4 race cam, 650 cfm holley, tuned extractors plus a few more things I cant recall atm. It was a 6cyl Australia engine, based on a GM early 50's block in an EH wagon with converted floor drive. (rather than 3 on the tree) The old girl would pick up her skirts and run, crazy days. Love your knowledge UT, you are the best!

[@wallyg4445]

Always loved the 318. Long lasting engines! Fun when you put in the 340 cam, heads and four barrel! Also the 360, they could take a pounding!

[@ricklodestein1101]

The 1st 360 gen was horrible.

[@lickablestinkage7783]

I have magnum 360 myself and its held up to all my abuse so far

[@LBS-qw8gf]

THATS What mine had. 340 heads , nice cam ,big Carter 4 barrel.. it would make a 318 really fast. Those Motors were easy to work on. Not like today's Motors. 😮

[@johnelshaw3549]

I have had 3 vehicles all with 318’s back in the day. Well one was called the 5.2L. This was an engine you could not kill, and I always wanted to find a way to pump it up. Bullet proof is the best way in my mind to describe it and I never avoided it because it did not have the hype of some of the other MOPAR engines. It worked for me. It would just run and run. I just did not have the knowledge, tools or skill set needed to bring out its best. It seemed the aftermarket performance parts was also limited. I wish I had just a piece of the knowledge he has about this engine. I would never have got rid of my Satellite or Ramcharger.

[@troymattingly3071]

The balance of the 318 engine is awesome for the time of it's design. They, also, stand up to overheating better than should be expected.

[@markrandall1462]

Tony, As a fellow old school wrench spinner I feel compelled to comment on your thoroughly entertaining and spot on videos.from my first eng rebuild of a single cylinder lawnmower eng up to and including a Rolls-Royce merlin I like you have done so many engines I can't really count in over 50 yrs,you present everything in a common sense no bs manner,i have learned more than few tricks from your videos,by the way you are a funny guy I will be stealing and using some of your great lines,easternmongosqueegee,love it ,rock on man!!!!

[@logdog8920]

Hey Uncle Tony, as an old "Mopar" guy from way back, I feel a lot better after watching your SB 318 vidja. As back in about 1975 I bought a used 72 Barracuda with a bad running 340 in it. I took it 2 several mechanics who could get it to run good. So I went to a local salvage yard and got a low milleage 318 out of a 4 door Coronet. I always questioned my swapping a 340 for a 318, but that engine sure ran sweet.

[@LongIslandMopars]

This was good information. I rebuilt my dad’s ‘66 273 to stock specs (but “0.030 over) with the exception of an Isky E-4 cam that I read good things about. Where I fell short was using flat-top pistons from Egge because they seem to sit low in the holes and as a result my compression is less than the factory’s 8.8:1 for a 2bbl 273. If I decide to pull the motor apart again, I’m going to go with Ross custom pistons to bring the compression up to 10.25:1, put on the 273 4-bbl intake that I bought, and have some fun. Thanks, Tony.

[@jeffreyb6165]

Always likes the 318. Talk about endurance!

[@davidiverson]

Man I love this video. I'm blue printing a mean 318 LA for my '72 Dart Swinger. I thought about going with a bigger engine but watching this a while back made me want to see what a 318 could really do. Thanks for a great video Uncle Tony!

[@malcolmboynton7652]

love watching the encycyclopedia of mopar .. as a former chevrolet mechanic this video reminds me of the old "how to hotrod your 283/327" nice job.

[@crazylarryjr]

I know full well the potential of the 318, My brother had one. it was built a little odd, it had stock short block (block, crank, rods and pistons) he had an unknown (name) cam with a .500"/300* duration (hyd.). He had a set of 360 heads, with valve springs so bad they floated at 6,000 RPM, with the mentioned cam. he had a I believe Edelbrock torker intake and a Holley 650 DP carb. This engine was mated to a 4 speed w/B&M Vertigate shifter (think hurst ram rod) with an Autozone stock clutch and a 3.55 10 bolt dodge rear. He used to street race in Athens Ga (stoplight duels) and to launch he had to rev it to 5,000rpm and shift at 6,000 rpm (remember the bad valve springs). He told me he won his fair share of the races. This was assembled with all my dads spare parts, other then new bearings everywhere except cam bearings, also new rings and a bead honing. The crank balancer hole was stripped out, so he JB welded it together with a stock balancer. That engine refused to die and started on the first hit, no matter how my brother treated it. We called it bits and pieces, because it had all the bits and pieces my dad would never use. Makes me want to build one thinking about it

[@evil_me]

I've built a lot of 318s one late roller block with a cast crank took 20 psi of boost and lived for years (i tore a hole in the pan and killed it on track) but except for the 2bbl intake and basically nonexistent cam lift those engines are little gems.

[@jeffe1779]

Love your videos. Always a history lesson with old Mopar

[@arthurwagar6224]

In 1980 or so I had Dodge vans with 318s and slant 6s. Both great engines. You bring back good memories. Thanks.

[@usefullsw]

I had its predecessor, the Plymouth 301 and when tuned properly would do 7000 rpm. Had a lot of fun with it in the 1960s transplanted into a 58 Dodge with 4:11 gears and a three speed overdrive transmission.

[@gregsanderson9617]

I ran 13.20 in high school with stock bottom end 318 in duster. I ported heads, LD4B intake crower compu pro cam, 904 trans.

[@1autoglasspro]

my 86 got a 225, just bought a 3.9 v6 in a 91....wish I was near you....very knowledgeable and personable...

[@chrisharmon]

Thanks. I always learn much from your videos

[@chasebh89]

ive always shilled the 318, i absolutely love them in my two dakotas. reliable as the sunrise, durable as hell, low end torque for days-months-years, whichever comes last, built factory internals, and you can do anything you want to them for peanuts

[@joekurtz8303]

I helped put the first 1500 318's in the Dakotas at the Whittier works in 89,' at that Old Guys small skunk works, best job I ever had. Teardown crew. The 3.9 V6 & 318 had same front/rear block mounts and made the swap easier. TBI was used, and later models by Dodge got the multi point EFI, for better power. Enjoy!!

[@chasebh89]

@@joekurtz8303 I got a 91 and a 95, honestly I prefer the TBI

[@jeremydavis340.]

Had a 318 in a 71 demon. 273 ported heads, 340 port matched intake, 650 edelbrock, hooker comps, and a purple shaft cam. Thing screamed.

[@chrisfisher1100]

that sounds like a dream car .... i think i will implement that build on my 73 road runner

[@Zt3v3]

I'm not even into Mopar but I found this super interesting. I always enjoy learning from someones passion.

[@archivegarage7638]

Thanks for documenting all the history

[@alexwidenerracing5250]

318 is by far my favorite engine for that very reason, that they are underrated that is

[@jeffrey4547]

porting the heads all out will cost more then a after market head witch way better it cost me to take a set of 202 angle plug heads to 204 and match the intake and exhaust ports to mach the valve new size was 3800 at a mech. shop with all new valves but i had to do it because of the high rpms witch i can run it up to 15,000 rpms so i had to have cast on cast for the engine to last or they like too blow the head casket .but that is the cost for a real drag engine 1200 hp on pump gas no nitro stock body is the class i run .

[@jasonmcgowan3823]

What?

[@JW...-oj5iw]

@@jeffrey4547 ... 1: then is a poor substitute for than. 2: it takes a witch's magic to get witch out of which. 3: time to switch your tachometer from 4 cylinder setting to 8.

[@jeffrey4547]

@@JW...-oj5iw this shows how much u know about engines mine was built by old mam bell and he has been building race engine for a very long time . like bell said Indy guts with a dragster top end and he used the highest quality parts money could buy . over size sleeves and bell will back it to do 11000 all day long , did u know top fuel cars run about 17,000 rpms my engine came out of rick news dragster then we ended up with over 25,000 more in it . basically built like a methanol burner but for pump gas

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Over rate a 318: www.hotrod.com/articles/318-small-block-build

[@hellcatredeye-g6582]

That was the very first engine that I’ve ever built when I was 16 years old😊 fast forward 39 years now I got the hellcat redeye 1000 power HP ..I’ve been a mechanic Since then.. 318 It’s still one of my favorite engines😎👍

[@richardthompson4460]

Cool. You've been digging into em!My first car was a 1974 Duster 318. Been doing things with them since i was 16. I'm 52 now. My Favorite little motor.

[@roadrunner1580]

thankyou for the great video!! its funny you mention this engine as underated! i couldnt agree more!! i bought my first E body with a 318! i was going to rip the 318 out and put in a 360 but i was pleasantly suprised how strong this engine runs espically with a 4 spd behind it, i love my 318!! its staying in my 73 challenger !! cheers

[@lilibethdoherty295]

I was always impressed how quickly the 318 revved it was instantaneous!

[@lilibethdoherty295]

I am lucky I had a 350 chevy, The race track our vette club had I would bang through the gears as fast as it would wind out if it was a 318 I would end up out of gears before I made it through the first long sweeping turn the club designed the track to embarrass any car with less than four hundred horsepower!

[@lilibethdoherty295]

Ford lost their mind as well, the nylon gear made it into the Cleveland motors and jumped timing . I would end up putting used 351 windsors into these customers cars and they were delighted with the low end and mid range torque!

[@meh-canics9628]

That's funny, cause I just sold a 318 truck engine for $50 to a kid who wants to learn mechanics! I think I will send him the video

[@jontrudell7529]

👍

[@gulfy09]

I think hes ahead of you he knows what hes gonna do.

[@leesire]

I wish I could help him!!

[@82ndAbnVet]

@@leesire I wish I could have beat him to the deal!

[@leesire]

@@82ndAbnVet lol, I hear you bud! Sweet

[@ryannylander1819]

Have had LA and Magnum based 318s and 360s. Multiples of each, across 7 different dodges. My favorite, the 318 Magnum in ‘93, which had a hotter factory cam, before going mild in ‘94+. Thinking of swapping one into my long travel ford Explorer desert truck, I loved it so much. Thanks for all these 318 facts.

[@brentfrancis9187]

Second time around, just as informative Tony!

[@shabadoo24]

My dads favorite Dodge V8, he loved the 318 2 barrell. We had plow trucks with 318's..

[@lukewarren9593]

Great vid as always! I wish Tony was my uncle... I've had plenty of 318 jeeps and never had any reliability issues other than overheating (head gasket issues via aluminum heads obviously). So I've ben against the different metals of head vs block for years. But other than that 318 vs 360 stock in the jeeps I've driven, I don't see much of a difference, and love 'em both just the same.

[@geesmith6656]

Beautiful information, I assisted with a 273ci torque converter removal once from an Aussie Vc Valiant, ive totally turned Mopar lately, great info

[@shadetreetrades.jackofall2188]

Awesome video. I agree as well. Cleaned a lot of chevys clocks with my little 318 duster. Very underated....! Great library in that head of yours. 👍🏻

[@mountainmangarage7572]

This man is an automotive genious trying to bring himself down on our level to explain things. lol Great video man Love your channel!

[@mikeobrien3744]

I put "fast burn," or "police" heads on my stock 1968 318. I like the swirl of the chambers. I left the small valves in. I am running a tuned 500 AFB cfm 4 bbl. Smoothest Mopar I ever owned, and plenty of power. (I gave up building for speed after I drove a Viper.)

[@michaelwallbrown3726]

probably lost your mind if you would have drove a Challenger Hellcat Demon

[@mikeobrien3744]

@@michaelwallbrown3726 The same guy that got me the Viper has a Demon. We went to "Demons vs. the World" in Houston. Different kind of cool, both can be lethal if your not careful. Glad he is careful.

[@timcoppinger3373]

Glad I come across you, excellent tutorial.

[@CL600Sport]

I had a 1970 Barracuda with a 318 in it. I spun a rod bearing in 1975 so I rebuilt it. Here’s what went into my 318: early 340 forged steel crank, 340 rods, windage tray from an early 340, 340 heads with the 2.02” intake valves, adjustable rocker arms from a hi po 273, a Norris cam (don’t remember the specs), an Edelbrock 340 intake with a Holley 780 carb, and balanced by Edelbrock. It ran great, especially with 4.30 lsd 👍🏻 Won 2nd place at the Brotherhood Raceway (Big Willie Robinson) on Terminal Island in Jan 1977. Great memories 😃

[@leehartung2549]

Next to the slant 6, the 318 was the best engine Chrysler corp ever made. I had one in a Dodge and one in a Plymouth. Both great cars.

[@zachwillet4089]

Finally somebody that knows. I’ve been arguing with older folks since I was a teenager about 318’s I love them I think there’s great power to be had if you have the money/resources and not to mention they’re pretty damn tough

[@BuzzLOLOL]

C'mon, best budget 318" build: www.hotrod.com/articles/318-small-block-build

[@maxbialystock254]

My 1968 Fury 2 with the 318 and a 727 auto was the perfect road trip cruiser. Drove it daily anywhere for 11 years 1984 to 1995 and sold it on in fine shape. A friend needed a car that could seat 5 child seats and her. No problem. On the highway 18 mpg easy at 70 mph all day. Had the heads done in 85 with hardened valve seats. Still miss it. The ride, the ease of steering, the low cost and incredible ease of maintenance, the comfort of that big bench seat with the floor vents and wing windows open on a summer evening.

[@nevillejohnson8316]

Fantastic video Uncle Tony... My Ozzy 69 Valiant was 318 factory, original owner removed original motor before selling the car. Apparently because he thought he thought finding a 318 with under 100k miles would be too hard if he ever needed one... Haven't seen a cheap one for sale for a long time... All good though, sporting a maxed out 340J these days. And yes, it's a giant killer😎

[@scotts7427]

Hey Tony, I thought I’d share this with you my brother put a 318 in a tractor in the late 60s for tractor pulling back when they used to use only one engine LOL!! And he did quite well he won many trophies even with the 2 barrel carb!! It still has the oil bath air cleaner with the sticker that says 210 hp!! I hauled a lot corn out of the field with that thing pulling 350 bushel gravity wagons back in the mid 70s!! After my brother quit pulling with it!! Amazing little engine and yes very underrated!!

[@danw6014]

What tractor did he use. The most common for adding a V8 is a Farmall M. The coolest one I had seen was a John Deere G with a 392 Chrysler Hemi. For those who don't know, John Deere tractors built before 1960 had a horizontal 2 cylinder engine. The crankshaft was parallel with the axles. On the end of the crankshaft was a pulley that contained the clutch. The pulley was used to drive equipment of that era with a long belt. The 392 was mounted with the crankshaft perpendicular to the axles. There was a 90-degree gearbox that lined up and used the John Deere factory clutch to drive the tractor. John Deere tractors of this vintage also used a hand clutch, not a foot operated so it must have taken a lot of skill to tighten up the chain on the pulling sled using a hand clutch with more than 400 hp at the other end of the lever. The G was originally a 50 hp gas or distillate fueled tractor with a 413 cubic inch two cylinder engine capable of pulling a 3 bottom plow.

[@scotts7427]

@@danw6014 Hey Dan, it was a tractor made in the 50s from Montgomery wards, then they had a tractor that they called Custom at that time as well!! Basically used Chrysler products on that tractor including the engine, transmission and rear end ,it was a flathead industrial six cylinder from Chrysler and also used to have a fluid drive clutch, basically a regular clutch bolted to a torque converter, so the 318 basically bolted right up to it, he eliminated the torque converter though!! Cool story about the John Deere I know something them, even though my dad never used those back in the day!! He started out with Oliver’s and then moved on to International!!

[@danw6014]

@@scotts7427 I believe the tractor Montgomery Wards sold was a Gram Bradley, but I may be mistaken, as Sears sold a line of tractors too. There were a few "orphan" tractor brands that used the Chrysler flathead 6 industrial engine with a truck transmission and rear end.

[@scotts7427]

@@danw6014 I looked it up, I guess they were made in joliet Illinois by the Lowther Corp, I guess from 49 to 51 only, maybe Graham Bradley bought them out later I don’t know about that, we still have an original Custom tractor that my brother restored a few years back with the original engine, back in the early 70s that thing that very well in the tractor pulls, there’s a couple of guys on KZbin pulling at a tractor pull with these things, you should check it out it’s pretty interesting!! Very crude looking, there is some nice pictures of some restored ones, they always had two exhaust pipes👍!!

[@danw6014]

@@scotts7427 its quite possible the Montgomery Wards tractor was not a Graham Bradley. The more I think about, I think Sears sold them.

[@320Racer]

When I was in high school I had a 1964 Dodge Cornet 440 with a "big/wide" 318 2 bbl - loved it. It was a tank and took a lot of a 16 year olds abuse.

[@donellmuniz590]

Yeah, I've had two 318 Poly cars, a 65 Coronet, and a 65 Belvedere. Both ran much stronger than any LA 318 I've ever had, even with 2 bl carbs.

[@craigcontofalsky4387]

My first car was a 1964 Dodge Polara! 318 poly head. Bucket seats and console! I was going to install a free 413 BB but my dad nixed that plan! Black with Red interior!

[@donellmuniz590]

@@craigcontofalsky4387 I know where a black 64 Polara with a red interior is sitting, in Bellingham, WA. It hasn't moved in 15 or 20 years. The owner says it has a swapped in 440 and 727. Also said he parked it cuz of trans problems. I'm betting he didnt hook up the kickdown right, and burned it up. Its rusty but he has a lotta spare parts. Wanted some stupid number like 4 grand for it a couple years ago. I coulda got it for a grand 20 years ago.

[@leesire]

Wow

[@gordythecreator]

Before I finish this tutorial. THANKS UncTony!! I like these videos comparing the manufacturing aspect of block design. Same block but different bore

[@richp5321]

I agree! Great motor. In high school 1985 I had 73 Charger SE with a 318. The only "upgrade" if you can call it that was headers and Hush Thrush mufflers. It had no problem lighting up my gigantic Pro-Trac 50's on the rear.

[@paulhooker8718]

Put almost 500000 miles on my old conversion van. Drove her coast to coast and almost everywhere in between. Worst that happened was the plastic timing gear at three hundred thousand. New chain set and the body fell apart still running.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Why is it when you're broke, you always run into the good stuff?!? I was out earlier today and found a mid-late 70's Dodge Aspen. I've been looking for one for years and of course since I'm broke, one pops up. My mom had one when I was younger and I fell in love with it.

[@konaboss83]

Yeah I hear ya lost out on a 70 gto once went to the bank and got a loan which is what I told the seller got back to pick up the car and it was loaded on a trailer of someone who had cash in hand that frickin crushed me cuz it was that nice of a car and it was priced very right still bums me out all these years later but I woulda done the same thing I’ve held a car for a guy who had no intention or funds to actually buy it...cash walks

[@michaelthompson1110]

Uncle Tony I’m a Ford guy but I thoroughly enjoy your videos and your knowledge. I totally dig your attitude towards low buck use what you have view point. For example I have three sets of E7TE 302 heads laying around. I’m not interested in buying

[@michaelthompson1110]

.....yet another set of heads. I want to use up my parts. I’m going to build an old school budget 302 but with a roller cam and 10:1 compression. I think with some nice valves and my home porting efforts and a good valve job this little nugget will go like stink. Added bonus? My shop has yet another pile of parts that are on an engine working instead of laying around collecting dust.

[@kosworkshop]

UTG I really enjoy your channel. Thanks for your knowledge.

[@kirbycook4297]

Bang on Tony I wish I could of figured this out years ago

[@blipco5]

I had a 2 bbl 318 in my 70(?) Fury. Once it started rolling it moved just fine. Loved it. 👍 It was not a dog, it was just a little engine that had to push a huge car.

[@ryandavis7593]

My mother had a Volary wagon with a 318. Two Barrel. It was smooth and had plenty of gettiup. It was a heavy car.

[@blipco5]

If I'm not mistaken, mine was a 1970 Sport Fury.

[@mykolt]

Love the AHRA sign. Sharing this video with the Tice's. I had a 1974 Charger with a 318 and I loved that motor.

[@robertdavey319]

Mate I have always loved the 318 such a beautiful motor , I had one in my 1970 VG valiant regal in Australia, so miss that car . Thanks for your amazing informative information

[@steven-gw9sf]

I’ve heard of guys spinning 318s past 7 grand, truly a great engine

[@dasman8117]

We love head too, I mean heads🦢😉

[@DependableAutoTruck]

years ago when i used 318 we would do 1.88 1.60 valves but we port matched instead of gasket match. the best running 318 i have ever seen was a 318 with a turned down 360 crank seems like it was about 340 cid had tons of torque and ran really good.

[@NilesJStJohn]

Thank you Uncle Tony for showing her w much potential is waiting ina 318 . Truly the little motor that could n would !! I have built many of them n now doing a 86 roller block 318/390 stroker with all forged internals n Bullet roller cam . Will be a revving beast !!

[@stevemason6850]

Im a Chevy guy,but enjoy listening to you.You really know your Mopar.

[@jessewait2931]

Had a friend with a hopped up 318 in a 72 swinger and it would pull the front tires on the street with old bias plie tires and air shocks... lol. Miss those days!

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Ya right.

[@garymckee8857]

I had 318's that ran very well and had some that wouldn't fall out of a tree 🌳 if you cut the limb. But all took punishment. I would like to see a poly 318 built.

[@davefroman4700]

how did I know immediately on seeing the title you were talking about the ol 318. I love that motor.

[@fredgervinm.p.3315]

A wealth of information. I had a 73 Plymouth Scamp with the 318.

[@jayarnold8883]

I served my apprenticeship working for the ontario dept. Of highways. We had the 318 in everything. Feed those motors timing chains and valve seals and they would live forever....forever.

[@montinaladine3264]

James Bond in "318s are Forever"

[@fredrickmiller5165]

Back in the 80s I put outcast 340 cam and 4bbl intake on a 318 in a dart swinger. Felt like I doubled the hp.

[@Smokr]

Ha. I'd forgotten I'd put a 340 cam in my 66 Satellite 318 semi. Thanks for reviving a long-forgotten memory of an afternoon spent in my friend Paul's garage when we were teens.

[@jeffreythompson7110]

I love my 285.00 ‘87 318. Been running strong for past 8 years in my ‘87 dodge Dakota with a 5 speed .👍