What all do I need to bolt magnum heads to my 318LA?

Lonesome7.3

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Now that I know later model magnum heads will not only boltto my 1972 318 but will also wake it up, I am very interested in doing it. But,this is all new to me and I have questions. First off, can someone who has donethis conversion please tell me everything I require? Will the modern Serpentineset up work with the new heads on the old engine? What would be the most efficientcarb and intake combination? I want torque and efficiency from this old 318. Whatkind of mods do I have t do to either the heads or the engine? I have kept thetwo barrel carb for as long as I have because this truck gets great mileage forwhat it is. Will I lose that by doing this conversion? Or, will the mileageimprove if I drive it responsibly? I may have more questions along the way.
 

That Crazy Squirrel

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Now that I know later model magnum heads will not only boltto my 1972 318 but will also wake it up, I am very interested in doing it. But,this is all new to me and I have questions. First off, can someone who has donethis conversion please tell me everything I require? Will the modern Serpentineset up work with the new heads on the old engine? What would be the most efficientcarb and intake combination? I want torque and efficiency from this old 318. Whatkind of mods do I have t do to either the heads or the engine? I have kept thetwo barrel carb for as long as I have because this truck gets great mileage forwhat it is. Will I lose that by doing this conversion? Or, will the mileageimprove if I drive it responsibly? I may have more questions along the way.

If it were me? I'd see if I could find myself a set of the old Chrysler W2 heads, a Crane "Torker" cam, good MSD or Accel ESD ignition, a good set of headers, roller chain set, roller rockers and lifters, bore the block if needed and top it with an Edelbrock dual plane Performer and double barrel Carter. Nice, solid setup that will give you about 300-350 hp and about 500 torque while still having reasonable fuel mileage. Go with four barrel Carter if you think you can keep your foot from being buried in the secondaries all the time, or if you can afford the gas, and you can bump it into the 400 hp and 600 ft.lb. range (with a few other tweaks, etc.)

This is pretty much what I did with the 318 in my old 70 Plymouth Fury III that used to run high 11's and low 12's
 
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That Crazy Squirrel

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That sounds like an awsome biuld. Impressive times to for a 318.

Two biggest problems I had were getting that power to the pavement (the back end wasn't tubbed, so I was limited on how much rubber I could put back there) and snapping motor mounts on a regular basis. :wookie:

Damn, I miss that car. Looked like a piece of junk (beater body, full of rust and dents), but boy could it scoot. :lol:
 

That Crazy Squirrel

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Sounds like a fun car. I like the sleeper look.

It was... 1970 Fury III hardtop 4 door.

Pretty much this (same color even) but with a bashed in grille and hood (radiator was fine though and I held it closed with a logging chain and big padlock), dents in all the body panels, rust in the rear quarters, 9ft. CB whip, racing stickers all over it and a Budweiser sign in the back window. :D

70ply_mil_01b.jpg
 

Lonesome7.3

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I really like those cars. but speed is nto somehting that comes to mind when I think of them.
 

Lonesome7.3

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I agree, they just do not screem muscle car though. Do not get me wrong, I have much respect for them.
 

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