Hey guys. I have a 88 d250 with a 318 I’m looking to rebuild the engine and I’m wanting to get it to the 300-350hp range. It’s my first time doing this and I need some help getting started. Engine isn’t pulled yet and it runs. Truck has a 4 speed in it.
D250 with 318
- Thread starter NVREZ
- Start date
First thing get rid of the throttle body injection setup, go back to a carb
88 was first year for the EFI, and it was awful. Not to mention things like computers that are long NLA should you need one.
88 was first year for the EFI, and it was awful. Not to mention things like computers that are long NLA should you need one.
regularjay
Harmless Curmedgeon
350 HP out of a 318 is doable but expensive and you end up with a high winding motor not well suited for typical truck applications. Your almost there with a stock 360 Magnum. Consider a swap.
I had an 83 version and that truck was a beast. I
I towed often with it without issues enough for people who seen what I put that truck thru to think I was BSing, that there was no way I could only have had a 318 in it. But I did
After I put magnum heads on top, a stock replacement 360 2 barrel cam, and a performer intake manifold (standard, original version not air gap or any of the newer "fancy" versions) with an Edelbrock carb and a set of hooker super comp full length headers and true duals all the way to the back bumper it was night and day better yet.
That engine with nothing but new gaskets and fresh coat of paint went into my son's 72 Plymouth fury wagon and has been running that for 3 years now. That bottom end hadn't been touched since Mopar assembled it in 1983 and is now over 200k. Only now after all of those miles it's out, we're replacing the rod and main bearings but still not touching pistons and rings... #3 rod bearing was starting to come apart. And back in it will go. It still doesn't use any appreciable amount of oil so why should we? The wagon is a nice weather cruiser.
I towed often with it without issues enough for people who seen what I put that truck thru to think I was BSing, that there was no way I could only have had a 318 in it. But I did
After I put magnum heads on top, a stock replacement 360 2 barrel cam, and a performer intake manifold (standard, original version not air gap or any of the newer "fancy" versions) with an Edelbrock carb and a set of hooker super comp full length headers and true duals all the way to the back bumper it was night and day better yet.
That engine with nothing but new gaskets and fresh coat of paint went into my son's 72 Plymouth fury wagon and has been running that for 3 years now. That bottom end hadn't been touched since Mopar assembled it in 1983 and is now over 200k. Only now after all of those miles it's out, we're replacing the rod and main bearings but still not touching pistons and rings... #3 rod bearing was starting to come apart. And back in it will go. It still doesn't use any appreciable amount of oil so why should we? The wagon is a nice weather cruiser.
I have the frame of that truck in my garage having been stripped blasted and painted its mostly back together with all new suspension brakes and stainless steel lines... The body is in the paint shop and I finally got the engine that I am building for it to a machine shop only yesterday. Finding a machine shop anymore has been the hardest battle. There's none within an hour in any direction anymore. There used to be 3 within 8 miles of me
mopar_nocar
Active Member
Be aware of needing a 360 magnum specific flywheel if you choose this route.
AGREED. Motorcraft 2bbl or your fave 4bbl. Dual exhaust. A good tune and you might be happy as is.
Do you know if it is a roller cam engine? (It should be in 88)
Either way, if it was mine I would either build the teener in there without needing a "hp" number...using KB167 pistons if I had $$$ or Enginetech P3004. (KB have a 1.8 compression distance, the Enginetech has 1.74) a mild cam like Melling MTD-1 (204/214 @ 50) if it's not a roller...if it is, I don't have a 'go to' suggestion -- but regrind is probably the best bet. ( Cam Grinding, Camshafts, Racing & Performance Equipment ) They will be able to talk to about your combo and set you up. OR grab a Magnum 5.2L out of the JY and build that the same way -- that's what I am doing with my 87 D150.
Incidentally, I had a 1985 1-ton with a 318/NP435/600cfm 4bbl/factory single exhaust built as above, and it did the work on the farm and towing JUST fine. Everyone told me I would regret NOT building the 360 I pulled out for it, but I did not.
65 sporty
Well-Known Member
I would find a Magnum 5.2 to start with instead, roller cam and better heads than the 88 318 you currently have.
The 88 should have casting number 302 (last 3 digits) heads which are the heart shaped chambers. Those are supposed to be the best of the 318 heads over the years. Casting number could end in 714. Those are identical to 302s. Different plant I believe.
mopar_nocar
Active Member
In addition to the better heads, the deck height >should< be lower on a Magnum 5.2 and allow you to use the P3004 piston to get near the same compression as a KB167 in the older block...OF COURSE you need to measure everything to be sure.
88 should be roller as well -- but I have heard of some 88s not being roller cams in the trucks.
I've had several -302 heads, but this is my first foray into Magnums...do you think the Magnum heads as much better than the -302s as far as mild street/truck builds go as everyone says?