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318 casting numbers

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sammi

Regular Contributor
"I bought a project boat with

"I bought a project boat with a 1977 318 chrysler. The block is cracked and a guy I know has a 318 block that he wants out of his garage( read as free). Do the casting numbers have to match exactly or are some interchangeable? And... by the time I pay a mechanic to check the internals and change out the block, would it be more cost effective to get a long block."
 
"The casting numbers do not ha

"The casting numbers do not have to match. 318 blocks are all the same.

To your other point/question, however, unless you're doing it yourself or have a very good relationship with the mechanic (i.e., cheap), the long block is probably going to win out.

Even if the guy with the block can speak to it's history (and you trust him), you're taking a risk if you don't have it tested for cracks (magnafluxed) and, at the very least, have the cylinders honed (if not bored over). That stuff's not a big deal...it just adds up in dollars.

Even if rebuilding is a little cheaper, another thing to consider is that the long block will come with a warranty. A mechanic's rebuild will not not.....because they can, somewhat legitimately, argue that you're giving them used parts to work from.

Depending on what type of boat you're building, there can be some performance advantages to custom-assembling a new motor (pistons, etc.). But even if that's applicable to your situation, I'd buy the long-block and rebuild the old engine on the side. Take the free block, get a cheap engine stand, a good rebuild book, take your time and do it yourself......while enjoying the new, trouble-free long block."
 
"If you have a FWCooled setup,

"If you have a FWCooled setup, it might be worth trying. But if yours is RWCooled, the freeze plugs will need to be brass, and marine head gaskets used during assembly.

Rebuilt long blocks for Chryslers are actually cheaper than Chevies--under 1$1,800 if you shop around--and it's gonna run better. it's your choice.

Jeff"
 
"So if I go the long block rou

"So if I go the long block route I see the 360 and 318 are the same price. Is a 318 block the same as a 360? In other words, would all my peripherals from my 318 attach to the 360 block. Silly not to go for 30 or so extra HP if the price is the same."
 
"I'm afraid not. The flyw

"I'm afraid not. The flywheel, oil pan, damper and a few other things are different. (The 318 is internally balanced where the 360 is externally.) Still you could locate what you need from a junker 360 and bolt 'em on. Everything else fits.

Jeff"
 
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