Small-block Mopar engines...
Small-block Mopar engines are easily identified by numbers cast into the side of the block. In this case, the last three digits indicate a displacement of 318 ci.
When the engine was reinstalled on the dyno, it underwent a dramatic personality transformation. Peak torque rose from 305 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm to 343 lb-ft at 4,000, and horsepower jumped from 187 lb-ft at 3,750 rpm to 301 at 5,000. Of equal significance was the broadening of the torque curve. Whereas the stock engine's torque curve dropped below 300 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm, the rebuilt 318 produced over 325 lb-ft from 2,500 to 4,750 rpm. A torque curve like that is just what's required for strong street performance or hauling heavy loads.
Next, Andy installed a camshaft with .234 degrees of exhaust duration at .050 lift and two degrees wider lobe separation (112 versus 110). His intention was to broaden the torque curve and increase top-end power without seriously degrading low- speed performance. As fate and the dyno would have it, that's exactly what happened. In fact, the cam change produced results that were better than anticipated. At 2,500 rpm, torque increased by 21 lb-ft, and peak torque rose to 370 lb-ft. Horsepower now peaked at 324-an increase of 23. Horsepower remained above 310 all the way to 6,000 rpm.
The most impressive aspect of this combination is, aside from the camshaft and valve gear, all the parts were of the stock or stock-replacement persuasion.
In the first test, we used...
In the first test, we used a Comp Cams 270H grind with .224/.224 at .050 duration and .470/.470-inch lift. Lobe separation of 110 degrees provided a relatively smooth idle and good low-speed torque. The cam swap saw a dual-pattern camshaft, spec'd out with a .222/.230 at .050 duration and .470/.480-inch lift. This cam, with a 112-degree lobe separation, gave the engine a broader, flatter torque curve and also increased top-end power. Plus, it's mild enough to support a docile 750-rpm idle speed.
As is usually the case when changing components that affect the amount of air an engine can process, when an alteration eliminates one flow restriction, another becomes the factor that controls horsepower. With the second camshaft in place, the cylinder heads became the "cork" in the system. Andy's corkscrew was a pair of ported 360 heads with Mopar Performance 2.02- and 1.60-inch valves. These castings are similar to Mopar Performance's PN P5249574, an alternative if suitable used heads are not available.
With the 360 heads bolted onto the short-block, horsepower and torque ratcheted up another notch; this time, the peak readings were 381 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm and 346 hp at 5,250. Again, torque was up at all test points, with the engine now making at least 360 lb-ft, from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.
For the final test, Andy installed a modified 750-cfm Thermo-Quad on a matching cast-iron intake manifold (which had a bit of clean-up work done on the inside). This paid off with a slight increase in low-end torque and 11 hp at the peak. The engine now produced 388 lb-ft of torque and 357 hp. Compared to the stock engine, the overall improvement was 83 lb-ft and 165 hp.
The dyno numbers only tell part of the story. After Mickey installed the engine in his '67 Barracuda, he took it to Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, Georgia, for some real-world testing. Using the same Hedman headers used on the dyno, a 3.55:1 ring-and-pinion set, and a 3,000-stall torque converter, the 'Cuda cranked out a 12.76-second e.t. with a trap speed of 103.02 mph. On the street, the engine is deceptively docile and idles well at 750 rpm.
The low-cost approach also...
The low-cost approach also extended to the ignition system. A stock electronic distributor was used for all testing.
When the need for something...
When the need for something other than a small-tube street header arises, Hedman Hedders can provide a variety of options. The headers shown, Hedman PN 75110, fit '64-'66 A-Bodies. The 1 7/8-inch primary tubes require a serious engine to reach their full potential. Headman PN 75140 fits '67-'76 models. Although these headers are too large for a stock 318, they work exceptionally well on modified powerplants.
This photo shows how the PN...
This photo shows how the PN 75110 headers exit by required cutting of the inner fender, hence the term fenderwell headers.
AVS carburetors are plentiful,...
AVS carburetors are plentiful, relatively cheap, and perform well. Our slightly used AVS, which flows 625 cfm, enabled the 318 to crank out 346 hp.
Although adjustable rocker...
Although adjustable rocker arms are available for the A engine, Giles Performance again took the low-cost approach and used stock nonadjustable rockers. Also shown are the Hedman Hedders PN 75140 headers used in the testing and on the car.
Hypereutectic pistons are...
Hypereutectic pistons are an affordable alternative to their forged counterparts. They may not be well suited for high-horsepower engines, but they offer more than enough strength for a properly built street/strip engine, and they're considerably less expensive.
All stock A-engine connecting...
All stock A-engine connecting rods are 6.123 inches long, center-to-center. This 318 connecting rod is bushed to accept a full-floating piston pin.
Hot off the dyno, with only...
Hot off the dyno, with only slightly modified cast-iron heads and intake manifold, this 318 cranked out an impressive 357 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque. As might be expected, Mickey is extremely pleased with the outcome of the project, yet he can't help but wonder how much more power there is lurking inside his 318. Last we heard, he was mumbling something about aluminum heads and intake manifold, higher compression ratio, and a different camshaft. That's one thing about car guys-we are never satisfied.