I have a 1987 Ram 318, 4x4, 4-speed with a tired motor. 1600.00 to spend. Are the 318's worth rebuilding to get around 300 HP? If so, will 16 get it done? And, can the 318's handle it? Minor off roading, mainly pulling yard trailer and some commuting. I appreciate any and all opinions, good, bad or indifferent. Thanks, Travis.

 

Are you doing the labor, the 318 is a good motor, You'll need to get the block zerodecked good-pistons i paid 229 fo KB 167 pistons and 459 for all my machine work,new cambearings installed to,Run a craneengizer cam, edelebrock-performer intake 600 carb headers, You should have the 302 casting heads which are good, That'll put you close to 3,If you already have the intake carb and headers it could be done for 1600,with you doing the work

 

yep. id say with cam, intake, decent carb, even cheap headers youd get an easy 250 even without machine work and be under 1000

 

Add a set of worked 302 heads(there is a lot of possible hp in heads) and expect over 300 hp,providing every part is matched with each other.
I am working on a 318 myself and trying for about 400 hp with no bottom end work.

 

Thanks for the response. This motor is stock. I have no aftermarket parts yet. I will not do labor, but have a friend who does blocks and heads and reassembles. 15 or 16 is my max on price. I think he will do labor for 500, which will leave me 1000 for parts. Do I have to have these 302 heads to make this work? Thanks again. Travis.

 

what do you want out of it? do you want torque so you can spin tires or horsepower so you can go fast. no you do not need the 302 heads to make it work.

 

Wolfie, I don't want to spin tires or go 100 mph. I know I just got to have more than it has now. I want to pass granny when she is going 10 under the limit, and pull my 12' loaded yard cutting trailer without the feeling that I am driving a Toyota 4 banger. So, if I do not need those heads, can I get what I want out of just rebuilding my existing components and new cam, springs, carb etc. I will rewire as well. All I am going to have under the hood is engine, alternator and heater hoses. I am pulling everything out of the engine bay and starting over. My son and I did that with his 59 Apache 283 and it is now so simple to work on if needed. Thanks, Travis.

 

you sound like you could use an RV cam. The torque curve of an RV cam is designed for maximum pulling and fuel economy on an otherwise thirsty engine. RVs are very heavy and meant for cruising at highway speeds. your carb should be fine if its the stock 2 barrel but it wouldn't hurt to rebuild it which is cheap.

 

I am going to do a compression check Monday afternoon, to make sure that it is decent in that regard. I also have a carb. kit in the garage, and may do that also. Carb. is probably original from its appearance.

 

You probably already have the heads on your truck but as stated if you are not looking for alot,leave them as is,cam,valve springs,headers,good exhaust,I am sure others will disagree but ditch that 2 bbl,it is an emissions carb and not worth it,go with an eddy 600 and calibration kit,it will do good for economy(if you can keep your foot out of it)and perfomance.