I hate bouncing between the two motors..but it just seems as if overall it would be more cost effective for my budget for the 318. Because it sounds like I won't need to mess with the trans stuff, and the 318s are more easy to find I'm assuming. Add to that I may once again be getting a 318 for free anyway. And since a cam is going in it, I'm going to have him rebuild it anyway regardless of it being a 318 or 360. I know ill need the 360 car pan, will I need anything like a torque converter or anything as well? And I'm still curious about getting the magnum belt and pulley setup to work with my accessories.
Are you talking about a Magnum 318 or an LA 318? If you want to build an LA 318 then you already have it, you won't need the one for free unless you just want an engine laying around your place.
You have the 360 heads, a good clean up on them, valve job, and new valve springs will help. You'll need a stepped piston to get the quench you need and also get a bump in compression. Get a cheap Voodoo 262ish duration cam and lifter kit (the springs should be matched to this cam), Air Gap intake, a small Holley or Edelbrock, a decent exhaust system (not sure what headers work on these), a double roller timing set and a MP ignition kit and you'll be happy. The parts are easy to get and to install. The pain will be the machine work if any is needed. You will have to get someone to do your heads if you're unsure of some other easier things on the motor. But at least you can see how it's done and get an idea so maybe you can do it yourself on a future build. Either way, I'd say around $1500 and you'll have a nice little street motor.
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