**EDIT
My current goal for this project is to choose a Slightly Milder Cam then my stock one.
I used this site to figure out what my current cam is http://dodgeram.org/tech/gas/specs/cam.html
If anyone has suggestions on a good cam or a place to help me figure out what I would like
**EDIT


My next big project for my Dakota is slowly being pieced together so with it I've got alot of questions :P.

Plan A from the day I bought the truck was to give it a new engine with a bit more spunk.

I'm looking to find a 318 out of pretty much any Dodge vehicle 92-93 that had the 318 since I'm under the impression they were all the same in those years.
But when I find it I plan on rebuilding it from the ground up and playing with it a little.

I've been told by many people that you don't just throw parts onto it. Certain parts work together better then others so its more of a Combo then anything.

My goal for this is to get a bit more kick out of the engine without murdering my fuel economy.
I'm aware the gains may not be worth the cost but I'm doing this for the hell of it and a learning experience for my future project vehicles.
Things I'm looking to do to the engine already are this

-Obviously Complete rebuild, gaskets, everything cleaned and shined up
-Port Polish heads
-Boar the cylinders out just enough to get any scarring out of them
-Headers+probably a dual exhaust system.
-A slightly mild cam
-180 Thermostat

So my question is, what other things should I consider doing and are some of the things I'm thinking of doing even worth it?

 

Just a thought....

What about a 360 with a 318 crannk? I'm not sure what exactly takes to make it work, but then you will have a 340 I think. Thats why the 340's ran so good, big bore/short stroke kept the heads from being restricted and allowed the valves to be un shrouded. short strokes like to rev very well.

 

http://www.mopar.nl/?page_id=799

yup, looks like the 340 has a 318 stroke, but a slightly bigger bore then the 360....

I'm surprised mopar let that engine go????? If I were to do a mild street mopar motor this is what I would plan on..

 

Honestly I don't want to swap to a bigger engine for the reason of Gas mileage.
I want this truck to remain my daily driver.

So the 318 is what I'm sticking with.
Although after doing my research today I'm taking the flat top pistons off the list of possibilities.
Still considering doing the Cam though.
I was told an RV Cam would be something to look into.

 

if im not mistaken there is only a couple mpg difference i=from the 318 and the 360. my 318 gets about 12-14 city if im lucky and about 16 highway compared to my grandpas 360 which actually better mpg on highway, most likley because his engine is in a lot better shape then mine and a few years newer

 

I had a 5.7 L LS1(346cu.in.) 10.4 compression in my Camaro for the longest time with a 224 cam .560 lift I was able to get 21 mpgs on the highway.

I later wanted to go faster so I found a good deal on a LS2 (364cu.in.) I went to a bigger cam 232 duration at .050 and .595 lift. compression due to the bigger bore was bumped to 10.9. to my surprise I was able to get 22 mpgs on the highway.

I think the added compression and bore helped me by prducing more power at a less given throttle position.


Fuel mileage is more determined by what type of transmission/rear gears/ and tune.

 

The idea of putting a different engine in the truck is cool and all but I do really wanna stick with the 318.

 

Just an update here.
I'm currently looking into Cams so any suggestions will be appreciated.

I'm not expecting you guys to do the hunt for me since I am currently looking through pages of stuff I searched up for advice on it