what the differents between the 318 from 1972 to 1993. i'm trying to find a rebuild kit for it, but everywhere i look it has every year and skips 1991. i have 8.5:1 compresstion ratio right now, the ones i find have 9.14:1 compresstion. what the differents in engines?

 

There was many changes, 1972 had air inj pump, EGR, Carburator, no unleaded gas,and smog ck was every four years. 1993 Fuel inj, unleaded gas,some with EGR, no air inj,and smog ck every two years. There could be a very long list of changes.

 

i was talking about inside. like if i was rebuliding the engine. i'm changing mine to cab. not fuel inj. and buying a master rebuild kit to change the compression, changing intake, heads, cam. just wanting to know if i got a 1989, 1991 1988, etc... rebuilf kit what the differents is in the engine.

 

Not a whole lot. Obviously they lowered and raised compression over the years, if you're rebuilding and emissions aren't your main concern, I'd raise the compression up to ~10:1 or so, but that's just me.

 

well the kits i find on summitracing begin the compression up to 9.14:1. i'm hoping that will be the horsepower up from what it is. i'm not looking for racing the truck. i'm looking for a little bit of power (250-300hp) thats all i'm looking for. i have the transmission taken care of and the rear end. i want it there because i can put it there. i've never been able to say that til now, but i need someone that knows a little more about the engine in this truck then i do. thank you.

 

I agree you want to keep your compression up between 9:1 and 10:1 this will increase your power output. You also want to go witha cam that will have a wide power band some where in between 1500-6000 rpm. Also you want to go with a dual plane intake vice a single plane, these dual plane intake is more for lower rpm applications and the single plane is for upper rpm performance. If your crank and rods from your engine are in good shape I would not replace them, but just have them checked/resurfaced ect. Replacing them could end up a HUGE waste of money. I would recomend boaring your engine 40 over (Increase CID)and spend your money on a good set of pistons such as TRW or Keith Black. Keep in mind you will need to use a mid-high grade fuel if you go to the 9 or 10:1 pistons. Also concider porting a polishing your heads and intake to improve airflow. Also if you have the moneygo with roller lifters and roller rockers, they reduce friction and are key in engine life / Gas MPG. Dont forget about choosing the rightpeices such as bearings, fuel&oil pumpsand gaskets you dont want to go with race type pieces as thewill only last about 15k miles you want to shoot for somthing like OE to ensure a long engine life.

Hereare some pieces you might want to concider for your build:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

Im planing on building a 360 with these exact pieces and the plan posted above, I hope to make around 300-375 HP. Good luck.

Cuda Guy

 

That's a good set of parts for a mild build. I'd probably one-up it and go with a 4" stroker crank/rods/pistons for 400+ cubic inches, budget willing.