Engine and Transmission help

[AustinWolfe]

Hello everyone, I have been given a 1970 dodge d100 single cab long bed(if this info changes anything just wanted to put it there to make sure). the truck has a LA318 and a manual 3 speed transmission. The engine as of right now is getting rebuilt and put back into the truck whenever it is finished. I am posting here just to get some general ideas on what transmission I should use and maybe a new carb just to get rid of the 2 barrel that it currently has and get it updated to a 4 barrel. I do not know what rear end it has in it but if I need to give that info I can definitely find out.

Edit: I am new to the whole of carburetor engines. I am not very engine smart either I just need help figuring out how to make a little bit more power with what I have. I also would like to know a good camshaft that will give me a little noise but not a big enough camshaft to where I have to change other internals.

[712edf]

Welcome,
And you live in a beautiful area.

From what I understand changing a 318 from 2 barrel to 4 barrel involves more than just a manifold swap if you want an improvement in performance. The stock ports on the heads don't match up well with the 4 barrel intake. Many people advise switching heads as well. I think the 360 heads would be what you'd want.

You rear axle should be a Chrysler 8 3/4" that was used in most passenger cars through 1974, 1/2 ton 2wd trucks from about 61-74, 1/2 ton 4wd trucks from 69-74.

What are your anticipated uses for the truck? (towing, cruising, etc.)

Bucky

[AustinWolfe]

My main intentions with the truck is cruising maybe a little street rodding with light towing. I was looking at a nv3500 for the transmission but I am not so sure on this choice so I came here for other opinions. Another thing that I would like to do would be using air bags for suspension because of looks mainly and that way when driving I don't have to worry as much about potholes. What would I have to do for the 360 heads to fit? How would the 360 heads mess with the engine as well?

[712edf]

Go to this site & read about 318 2v to 4v swaps: Its a sight dedicated to 72 & up Dodges.

ramchargercentral.com

I think for each given year the heads from 340/360 are direct swap onto 318. The ports are taller.

Bucky

Bucky

[Wildergarten]

I think for each given year the heads from 340/360 are direct swap onto 318. The ports are taller.

Not all of them. The earlier 340 2.02 intake valves can interfere with some factory pistons, especially with anything other than a stock cam. Cutting reliefs in pistons for valve clearances is not cheap or easy.

[hd4tools]

Since no else has jumped on the camshaft, i'll throw my 2 cents in on that.

Based on the mild engine you are looking at, my suggestion would be a Comp Cams High Energy 268 grind. I've used this cam in a couple builds and it's a great street cam with a little more lope from stock. It's very similar to Mopar's 1968 340 4speed cam. In a 318 it's a really good choice that will still be easy to drive.

Also I agree with the others about swapping on a set of 360 heads. A Edlebrock RPM intake with a nice 625 cfm Carter (Edlebrock) carb would be great.

[hd4tools]

I think for each given year the heads from 340/360 are direct swap onto 318. The ports are taller.

Not all of them. The earlier 340 2.02 intake valves can interfere with some factory pistons, especially with anything other than a stock cam. Cutting reliefs in pistons for valve clearances is not cheap or easy.

360 didn't use the 2.02 heads. They had 1.94s and later on Dodge used the same head for both 318 and 360s. The 194s do not need ant reliefs.

[nutz]

if your looking for heads look for a set with hardened valve seats will save big$$ when rebuilding them
not 100% sure but would think 1975 and up ...but might have larger chambers that would lower compression

[Wildergarten]

360 didn't use the 2.02 heads. They had 1.94s and later on Dodge used the same head for both 318 and 360s. The 194s do not need ant reliefs.

Certainly true, but 712edf had referred to "340/360 heads" which begged for a cautionary clarification.

[712edf]

I should have not bothered including the 340. And the likelihood of someone running across them is lesser than the 360.

Bucky

[AustinWolfe]

Since no else has jumped on the camshaft, i'll throw my 2 cents in on that.

Based on the mild engine you are looking at, my suggestion would be a Comp Cams High Energy 268 grind. I've used this cam in a couple builds and it's a great street cam with a little more lope from stock. It's very similar to Mopar's 1968 340 4speed cam. In a 318 it's a really good choice that will still be easy to drive.

Also I agree with the others about swapping on a set of 360 heads. A Edlebrock RPM intake with a nice 625 cfm Carter (Edlebrock) carb would be great.

Thank you for the camshaft as well as the intake but I could not find the carburetor unless it was refurbished. While I know refurbished might be the only chance of getting one, but is there a way to get them brand new anymore?

[AustinWolfe]

With changing the heads to a 360 instead of a 318 head would I have to change springs as well or would they be fine?

[hd4tools]

That would depend on the cam you choose

[AustinWolfe]

I am posting on here again because I dont think I ever got any responses to the transmission part of my question. I am currently looking at a nv3500 transmission and was wondering if anyone else had a better 5 speed manual transmission to recommend.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

I am posting on here again because I dont think I ever got any responses to the transmission part of my question. I am currently looking at a nv3500 transmission and was wondering if anyone else had a better 5 speed manual transmission to recommend.

see this:
https://www.sweptline.org/forums/viewto ... 00#p306204
and this:
https://www.sweptline.org/forums/search ... rds=nv3500
(quicker to do your own search - at the top of every page - rather than wait for somebody to do it for you)

[AustinWolfe]

I am posting on here again because I dont think I ever got any responses to the transmission part of my question. I am currently looking at a nv3500 transmission and was wondering if anyone else had a better 5 speed manual transmission to recommend.

see this:
https://www.sweptline.org/forums/viewto ... 00#p306204
and this:
https://www.sweptline.org/forums/search ... rds=nv3500
(quicker to do your own search - at the top of every page - rather than wait for somebody to do it for you)

Thank you!

[Red383]

I am posting on here again because I dont think I ever got any responses to the transmission part of my question. I am currently looking at a nv3500 transmission and was wondering if anyone else had a better 5 speed manual transmission to recommend.

I used an NV4500 from a 1992 Dodge in my 65. Just another option.

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