The 318 was quite possibly the most popular small-block, eight-cylinder engine produced during the early to mid-1960s by Dodge, although the 318 was sometimes overshadowed by the 340 in high-performance circles. The 318 produced respectable power and a featured a very mild compression ratio. Rebuilding the 318 is a straightforward task, but the engine's torque specifications must be followed to avoid damaging the engine's components. Although the 318's torque specifications are fairly uniform, some differences do exist depending on when the engine was produced.
The spark plug torque setting for all years of the 318 was 30 ft. lbs. of torque.
The cylinder head torque setting for all years of the 318 was 85 ft. lbs. of torque.
The intake manifold must be tightened to 40 ft. lbs. of torque for 318s produced between 1962 and 1965, and 35 ft. lbs. of torque for 318s produced between 1966 and 1968.
The exhaust manifolds must be tightened to 15 ft. lbs. of torque for 318s produced between 1962 and 1965, and 30 ft. lbs. of torque for 318s produced between 1966 and 1968.
The rocker arm shaft brackets must be tightened to 25 ft. lbs. of torque for 318s produced between 1962 and 1965, and 15 ft. lbs. of torque for 318s produced between 1966 and 1968.
The valve cover's torque setting for all years of the 318 was 36 inch-pounds of torque.
The connecting rod bearing caps must be tightened to 45 ft. lbs. of torque for all years of the 318. The main bearing caps must be tightened to 85 ft. lbs. of torque for all years of the 318.
The flywheel bolts must be tightened to 60 ft. lbs. of torque for 318s produced between 1962 and 1965, and 55 ft. lbs. of torque for 318s produced between 1966 and 1968.
