Joined: Fri Oct 28 2005, 12:14PM
Location: Toronto
Posts: 169
Hi guys I have a new problem maybe someone can help me out with.I ordered a chrome breather and valve covers for my 318, the valve covers do not fit. Apparently my 318 is a 318 LA. I didn't know there was more then one 318. (Live and learn). Does anyone know what other difference there is in a 318 LA other then the rocker covers?
The covers that I received have 4 holes on one side and 2 on the other. My 318 has only 3 holes on one side and 2 on the other.I was told that mine is na 318 LA.
Joined: Mon Oct 31 2005, 12:48PM
Location: Bakersfield, California
Posts: 1755
Hello Mal. It would help if I knew what year your car is, and whether your motor is the original or not.
But, yes, there is more than one 318. The first one was introduced in 1958 (I think) and is known as a "poly" or "wide block" engine. It is officailly the "A" engine. The "LA" was introduced in 1967, and was a punched out 273, which was introduced in '64. It would eventually grow to 340 and 360 cubes.
Although both are 318 cid, the only thing that will work on both engines is the carb. All else is different. What I can't beleive is that a dealer would not ask which one your had you when you placed the order. With the five holes as you described, you do have the LA.
But, the story does not end there as the LA went through several more changes before becoming the "318 Magnum" in 1993. Roller cams were added in '85 making 15% more horsepower, and there were a series of head design changes in the years before the Magnum was introduced.
Are you confused yet? Whatever the case, I am glad to hear of someone actually doing work on a 318 instead of pulling it for a 440. By the way, to make your 318 breathe easier, look for a set of 360 heads at a junkyard. They are a bolt-up (with some minor exceptions.) Good for you, and good luck!
Joined: Mon Oct 31 2005, 12:48PM
Location: Bakersfield, California
Posts: 1755
OK, Bill. Well Mal, it's official, your engine is an LA. Check any catalog, like Summit or Jegs, and you will find many valve covers, and other goodies, for your 318.
Joined: Fri Oct 28 2005, 12:14PM
Location: Toronto
Posts: 169
Thanks guys,I appreciate the information.By the way Snotty I got the covers from MotorChrome. Bill is right I have a 1970 Fury lll vert. I'm in the process of putting on an aluminum intake with an Edelbrock 600 4 barrel.I already converted it to electronic ignition.Body and paint is done.I will put on a new muffler system next year.It already has duel.
Joined: Mon Oct 31 2005, 12:48PM
Location: Bakersfield, California
Posts: 1755
Glad to help, Robert.
That carb and manifold would work better with a set of 360 heads, unless you have already had the 318 heads ported. The ports on a 360 head are larger, thus they breathe better.
I was going to build a 318 for my son's Gremlin X, but decided to stay with AMC power, so I found a 401. However, while I was thinking in the direction of the 318, I found several sets of 360 heads on junked Cordoba's. Look for fender tags with "E54, E56, or E58." These will be 360s, the latter two being four-barrel engines. You should be able to get a set for less than a hundred bucks. The results are worth the expense.
Joined: Fri Oct 28 2005, 12:14PM
Location: Toronto
Posts: 169
I had to replace both heads last summer (hairline cracks), I will fine out exactly what they are. I'm looking for more horsepower so maybe I will check out the 360 heads.