I really like the car but a 318 doesn't get my heart racing. It brought $38,500. https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-488133/1974-dodge-challenger-rallye/
I agree. I would rather buy a classic Challenger with a factory-installed high performance engine. However, there are ways to make a 318 a very strong performer. I would take it to a machine shop and have the following work performed to increase its horsepower: 1. Purchase a set of cast or silicon-alloy hypereutectic pistons designed to deliver a 9.5-to-1 compression ratio. 2. Balance the rotating assembly (crankshaft, rods and new pistons). 3. Install a set of 1970s era Chrysler 360 heads and install 2.02-inch intake valves (same as those a 340). 4. Slide into the block any stock, non-rollerized camshaft from a 1980s truck 318, as well as the matching valve springs and lifters. (This very mild cam will allow the engine to maintain a nice low-end power delivery and idle as smooth as glass. The high-flowing heads, better induction/exhaust and higher compression will make up the power that you'll sacrifice with such a small cam). 5. Bolt an aftermarket, dual-plane aluminum intake manifold and a set of block-hugger headers with 1-inch primaries to the heads. 6. Bolt a 450-cfm, vacuum-secondary carburetor to the intake manifold. 7. Install an aftermarket distributor, high-powered ignition coil, multiple-spark ignition box, 8 mm spark plug wires, platinum-tipped/single-strap spark plugs 8. Install the accessory drives using an aftermarket under-drive pulley. 9. Install an electric radiator fan.
Never cared much for the Sad Face Challengers.... I love the 70, 2008 - 2014"s the best, The 318 was an ok engine but the 340 was a much better engine. The Later 318"s were better then the Originals as for the 318.
Can't agree more. The 340 was known as the "giant killer" at the track and the NHRA factored its horsepower up to 325. Here is my old 1971 'Cuda 340.
Yeah, I had a ’74 Satellite Sebring with a 318. It was pretty under-powered. As my dad used to say, I drove it around with my “foot in the radiator”!
I think that's a really nice looking Challenger, first thing I would do in the looks department is put on a set of 8 x15 magnum 500 wheels with some nice raised white letter tires. Then on the 318 I agree with you on everything except I would bore out to 30 over if it hasn't already been bored and I think it would handle a 650 cfm carb with a low restriction air cleaner. With this you would have a stout running little engine.[/QUOTE]
