more power from 318
- Thread starter oldblue
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Gymkata
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- Nov 9, 2012
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- Ram Year
- 2014
- Engine
- Hemi 5.7
Maybe this isn't helpful, but the way I got more power out of the 318 originally in my 1997 Ram 1500 was to chuck it in the trash and install a 360. 
88rambigblock
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- 1985, 1988, 2001
- Engine
- 1970 coded 440 big block
1.get rid of the smog and plug off all vacuum leaks. (less than $10)
2. Intake manifold and 4 barrel carb (less than $500, bit don't get a Holley, get a carter afb or edelbrock 500-550cfm)
3. Headers( $120 from summit, get the block hugger 318 shorty headers, uncoated is cheaper ad paint them yourself with header paint from your local parts store $10, to use headers you will have to plug off the small pinholes directly under the exhaust ports on your heads, to do this I just tapped the holes and screwed in set screws with loctite.)
4. 2.5 inch dual exhaust (get done at your local exhaust shop, shouldn't cost more than $300)
5. Mild cam ($200)
I did all this before I swapped the 440 and the improvement was extremely noticeable! Throttle response was better, and the power, torque, and gas mileage gains were mind blowing.
Makes it even better if you swap in a mopar performance electronic ignition box and distributor. I did all this and it felt like my power doubled. Good luck man, hope you'll try some of this out, it's money well spent.
2. Intake manifold and 4 barrel carb (less than $500, bit don't get a Holley, get a carter afb or edelbrock 500-550cfm)
3. Headers( $120 from summit, get the block hugger 318 shorty headers, uncoated is cheaper ad paint them yourself with header paint from your local parts store $10, to use headers you will have to plug off the small pinholes directly under the exhaust ports on your heads, to do this I just tapped the holes and screwed in set screws with loctite.)
4. 2.5 inch dual exhaust (get done at your local exhaust shop, shouldn't cost more than $300)
5. Mild cam ($200)
I did all this before I swapped the 440 and the improvement was extremely noticeable! Throttle response was better, and the power, torque, and gas mileage gains were mind blowing.
Makes it even better if you swap in a mopar performance electronic ignition box and distributor. I did all this and it felt like my power doubled. Good luck man, hope you'll try some of this out, it's money well spent.
88rambigblock
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Also 93 octane gas doesn't hurt either
88rambigblock
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Make sure with the headers you plug off the pinholes under each exhaust port, otherwise you will have a huge exhaust leak and suffer power loss.
- Joined
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x2 on not getting a Holly and sticking to Edelbrock. Unless you know how to tune carbs...and you like doing it OFTEN.
88rambigblock
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- 1970 coded 440 big block
Holley sucks!!!
So does Chevrolet!
So does Chevrolet!
Instigate
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- 318 5.7L
I've heard that the stock intake manifold feeds as much air as the engine could possibly use. So upgrading it might not be very helpful. But I don't know from first hand experience so I would be interested in hearing how the upgrades go. Keep us updated!
88rambigblock
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- 1970 coded 440 big block
Stock intake is ok, but it is heavy and doesn't flow as well as an aluminum one. Plus you can't put a 4 barrel on most factory intake manifolds. A 4 barrel is key for any power/gas mileage. Because it doesn't use a whole lotta gas until you step down on it. That's why I say an aluminum 4 barrel intake manifold and a small (500-550) cfm carb.
Lostnwalmart
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Hmm my little brother has one of these in his jeep may have to talk him into some of this
