[Dave Z]

And no power. That's the quickest way to kill a 318. Darn kids never learn ...

It works fine... he knew what he was doing and took his time. That's how a 318 became a 340, no?

 

[Dave Z]

Anyone with a 318 should immediately replace it with a 360. That's what God intended. He gave us the miracle of displacement, and it is our Christian duty to follow through with his wishes. Including replacing wayward 5.7 grenades with 360 Magnums. With Lean Burn. And QuadraJet.

I now feel exceedlingly patriotic, and I may have to hum the Leslie Nielsen version of the Star Spangled Banner.

He didn't replace it with a 360, he put in the big valves. I meant the 340 conversion though I wrote 360 but in either case it's the head with the big valves, the four-barrel, hot cam, etc.

 

[Dave Z]

So he was looking for a longer engine than a 4.0 V8?

Brain blip, thought they wanted a 4.0 I-8 since I was already saying a 4.0 V8 would be the compromise if it turns out many buyers demand a V8. But I'll bet they'd find a reason to not like that V8.

 

[Dave Z]

As it's the Ram rather than the Wagoneer it must be unique parts - the wiring harnesses would be different, so that would explain it.
I would guess some executive demanded cost cuts from the suppliers and is reaping the benefits of lower quality costs.

 

[Dave Z]

I had a 318 V8. Yay, it's a V8! Sure, it can be outrun by nearly any four-cylinder in the US, but it's got eight holes and the right exhaust sound!
(I do have a friend who did the "360 conversion" to his 318, and that's got a lot more power. I wonder if he could outrace my wife's 300C V6?)