I have the opportunity to buy a 4-bbl 318 from a 1978 Diplomat. The guy says it has 360 heads and 360 exhaust manifold and they were factory. He gave me the VIN# and the 4-bbl 318 checks out, but the heads and exhaust I cannot verify whether they were factory or not. I understand that this was common to police cars (I am relatively new to F-Bodies). He pulled the engine and 904 tranny as one piece and is selling both and they were operational at the time of pulling. My question, finally, can I get hurt if they are what he says they are, and is asking $450? I'd like to do a slant 6 to 318 swap in my 1977 Aspen custom. Any thoughts???

I don't know. Depending on the condition of the motor, and my feeling and the reputation of the seller.

I probably wouldn't be too upset in spending 400$ for a 318 and tranny. I don't know how it is out there, but that's what I see around here. The local pick-a-part sells complete 2barrel 318s (70s era) for 300.

i also vote it being to much. now a 360 with the tranny and it ran great when pulled i would think about it. i get my motors for str8 up 200 each, at a local steel yard.

Yes the 4bbl 318's did come with 360 heads as far as I know. Worth $450, that's up to you. Personally I would be looking for something more like a magnum 360 from a wrecked 90's pickup rather than a tired 318.

Post deleted by Sublime69

Thanks for the info. I'll probably pass for now, unless he offers me a better (much better) deal. I haven't been in the game too long and I need a few "someones" looking over my shoulder. Much thanks!

didnt have to be a police engine to get 360 heads

most all 4-v 318 had 360 heads,but not all the coolers police engines had

trucks with q-jets on 318 got 360 heads also

I pay 200 for a jy tranny and jy engines..so IMO..its not to far out of range

depends on whats in your wallet I geuss

last 727 I looked at at a local jy,they wanted 350 for it...I pointed out that the kick down band adjuster was only on by 2-3 threds and I would pass on it

I got my MH 440/727 for 300,thats the only reason I went BB..

if your worryed about the 360 heds droping comp,thats usaly when it gets the 360 heads swaped on to a stock 2-v 318

the comp hieght is a tad higher on stock 4-v 318 (so I was told)to keep the comp about the same 8 to one as a stock open chamber 318 headed 318

I know a few of the roller cam pre mag engines I have torn down have the piston right around 0 deck..but they are rated 9 to 1 comp with the closed chamber #302 heads

I know I have been ordering the 9 to 1 comp replacement pistons for older 318 to get the comp up some and is working for me and my junk

If you know for sure that the parts are good and if it has the carberator on it and all the linkages and the other parts you'd have to look for to do your swap Id say its worth it for that price. Unless you already have all the other stuff.