1970 duster project

[JR9130]

i just bought a 1970 duster 2 door from my brother...It is in good condition... very little rust, body is straight... everyone is telling me to swap out the 318 for a bigger motor..Is the 318 a good motor to build?

[BleedDodge]

I'd try and find a 340. It's a hotter motor, they rev higher and make lots of power for what it is.

[JR9130]

I am trying to find a 340 but they are hard to come by...is it possible to get 300hp out of a 318...what would i have to do?

[wedgemotor]

Originally Posted by JR9130

I am trying to find a 340 but they are hard to come by...is it possible to get 300hp out of a 318...what would i have to do?

That's easy to get out of a 318, it just depends on your budget. Is your motor the original one? If it is, even better! The 70 318 had a forged crank! If money isn't as much an issue, I would opt for the Edelbrock heads, they work great for your 318, and with a mild cam, say 270 duration, good intake, like the Edelbrock performer RPM, and a good carb and ignition. You will make well over 300 horses. If money is an issue I would pick up a set of 360 heads from the boneyard and start from there with the same mods, either way you will hit 300 HP easy. Have you considered swapping in a big block? They too are plentiful, and with the duster's light weight make it a natural for the B motor!

[xXxRocker5150]

^ agreed, could you fit a HEMI in that body :-D ???? that would be pretty cool... lol

[wedgemotor]

You most certainly can fit a late HEMI in the a-body chassis. The newest crate motors even have 440 type engine mounts for more easy installation