To stroke or not to stroke? That is the question...

[tsteiner61]

Besides the obvious extra cubes, is there any good reason to stroke an engine? Any particular reasons NOT to stroke? I have a 318 (yes.. yes.. I know, why don't you just get a 360, to which I say 1 318 in the garage is better than 2 360s at the Pick n Pull). Anyway, I have a 318 that I am getting ready for my first performance buildup. Would there be any real benefit to stroking it? If so, how much.
My plans so far(1973 Dodge B100 1/2 ton van) 9-9.5:1 CR, Comp hyd. roller retrofit cam .480/.480, head porting already done, 727 w/ 2800 stall TqCnv, 3.91:1 (I took everybody's advice) 8 3/4 posi rear, 600CFM Holley, Tires 295/50R15, curb weight 4000 lbs, 1 5/8 headers (maybe tri-y.. looking for wide torque band) 3" collector to 2.5 after Flowmaster, dual-H of course.
What do you think?

[451Mopar]

Pros: The stroker will give you more displacement and the longer stroke arm will provide more leverage on the crank resulting in more torque.

Cons: It will cost more. I think the 4.00" MP stroker crank is $300, and there are not many if any cheap pistons for this setup. To figure the additional cost you would have to deduct the cost of posably turning the stock crank and the cost of the stock pistons, but I'm not sure how hard it is to ballance the stroker crank.
If it needs Tungsten carbide (mallory metal) to balance the engine, it could really drive the cost up.
The longer stroke with stock rods will give worse rod angles and create more friction, but in an RV application where max RPM is fairly low this shouldn't be a problem.
If I rember correctly the friction and stress on the rods is trippled with every increase in RPM.

Some other things to consider with the 318:
The 318 has slightly smaller (narrower) rods which are probbly weaker then the 360/340 rods.
The 318 has the small port and small valve cylinder heads. The avaliability of off-the-shelf pistons for the 318 is OK, but there is a huge selection of 360 pistons.

So I guess the answer to the question is that stroking the engine will give you more torque which would be good in a RV engine, but it is probbly cheaper and easier to get a 360.

[rumblefish360]

A 360 is a dime a dozen affair in a junk yard. Just like a 318. If you want to stoke a 318...GO for it. 451mopar is right... more torque = easy pulling power. More stroke = mmore torque.

[Fury Boy]

Go to Borders books and ask for the Hot Rods best series w/ Chrysler Engines. They put a 360 crank in the 318 making a 350 or 349 if it makes you feel better. Just use speed pro pistons and rebushed rods, mains must be cut down.

[Lasalles]

I have the articles on the 318/350 out of the book ready to send to anyone who is interested.I had sent them to one guy of this forum but his email was wrong and it kept returning to me.
So if anyone is interested let me know at
steven@oz2000.com

[SmokeDog]

This same combo broke 2 dana 60's in my 78 4x4. I had always been a big block fan only, till then.

[tsteiner61]

Good to know, since I'm rebuilding my 8 3/4 rearend right now. Guess I should invest in custom axles!!

[SmokeDog]

Never seen one break.

[Lasalles]

I have emailed the articles to everyone who sent me an email requesting them so if it doesnt make it to you guys,email me again!!!
Hope someone can try it to see how it goes!!!

[69CORONET440]

Lasalles thanks came through fine but the text is too small to read.What issue date is it from maybe i can get a copy.thanks again mate