Thread: 360 to a 318

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Hey, new on this forum. I'm kind of on a budget build, I've got an 88 360 with a rod bearing gone. I've got 2 choices either spend 2000 bucks to build the 360 bottom end right. Or throw in a 1986 318 block. The heads I've got on the 360 are 318 fast burns ported with 1.88 1.60 valves and 61cc chambers which worked amazing, but with 10.6:1 on a stock bottom end it didn't last too long .So I was wondering if anyone has used a 318 with a similar head setup? I've also got a solid 270/468 cam.

do it.

But yes bumping the compression up that much on an older 'say 35+yr old' motor would not be good on the rod bolts or bearing depending on corrosion over the years and general up keep by previous owners.

It did last pretty long. But my first set up was pretty basic.. then i tried different cams. then I bumped the compression and ported. It lasted 3 years of daily summer abuse. and what a difference when you add a nice stall converter it was great + shift kit etc. anyways, so i think i'll check out the 318, real good this time. And hopefully get it on the road for summerish. I forgot to punch up the numbers into VED yet.. hmm

Old timer's disease has set in but if I recall correctly, the bell housing on the 360 is same as big block. Swapping 360 to 318 or vice versa will require a tranny change.
Someone chime in to correct me.

they are interchangable. old timers disease eh ? wow at 18.

Originally Posted by nitrowarrior

Old timer's disease has set in but if I recall correctly, the bell housing on the 360 is same as big block. Swapping 360 to 318 or vice versa will require a tranny change.
Someone chime in to correct me.

I totally missed this, NO

All small block LA mopars take the same bell, so swap all ya like!
all big blocks B/RB/64 later hemi take the same bell as well.
Early hemis use some La parts too but thats a diff thread.

Originally Posted by Mini

they are interchangable. old timers disease eh ? wow at 18.

I suspect NW has underwear older than 18.

I'm trying to get rid of a set of 318 std. Rods and main bearings.

Well I know this is an old thread and I assume his build is done... but for those just researching the threads... it's my humble opinion that the 360 would have been the way to go... much stronger bottom ends... and there is very few substitutes for cubic inches (even with turbo or super charging, they will do more with CI too).