Posted by Rob Sexton on October 13, 1997 at 23:54:15:
In Reply to: Dodge 318 vs 360 posted by Gerry Zell on September 28, 1997 at 19:51:02:
OK. Here's the straight poop on 318s and 360s: Unless you get an early 360 ('72-'73) you'll probably be getting more torque only compared to a 318 of the same vintage. Early 318s ('68-'72) produced 340 ft lb of torque.
Later 360s (i.e. '76) were down to 280 ft lbs due to increased anti-pollution mods.
The only exception was '78 360 for Dodge Little Red Express Truck, or cop engines.
Early 318s made their best torque at relatively low rpms, often about 2,400. Great for truck use.
As a guy who ran a '72 318 in his M-37 for six years, I guarantee you an early 318
will break your axles if you use too many revs in 1st gear!
I almost never used 1st at all, typically started in 2nd gear.
In an M-37 you won't see any difference in fuel economy (hah!) between a 318 and 360. That's a function of gears, tires, weight, etc.
My truck got 9 to 10 mpg under any and all conditions.
That could be improved with ignition, intake and exhaust mods.
Anybody who wants more info, feel free to email me.