Greg Clark, Newark, CA, 85 Dodge B250 van 318/408

I am a regular "Grocery Store" subscriber to your great magazine and have learned a great deal from all of the tech articles. Please keep them coming hot and heavy!!

I am in the process of upgrading the power plant in my faithful '85 318 2bbl Dodge van. At 180,000 trouble free miles, the motor is really showing its age.

I am building a 360/408 stroker for it but am in Smog Nazi heaven - California, so I must pass smog tests and look stock. I have no fantasy that this lead sled will do 9 sec. quarter miles. In fact I am only looking to use this as a 100% daily driven street machine. Budget issues apply of course.

The new mill is about ready to go back together and is bored .030 and using a Mopar stroker crank with Keith Black 356 9:1 pistons with Speed Pro moly rings. I am using a mild generic Summit cam with the recommended Crane springs and no exhaust valve rotators.

My questions are two -

1. How good is the stock 4bbl manifold - casting # 4173915. Can I port it a bit and get good use out of it?

2. What carb is "Appropriate" for an '85 360 van per smog visual inspection. The local Mopar dealer's parts catalog says a TQ. The Motor Auto Tuneup and Electrical book for 1985 says a QJ.?? I have 2 rebuildable TQ carbs.

I am trying to really play the smog game here and don't plan to repaint the valve covers or the manifold (if I use it) so as to not scream out "New played with engine here".

Your advice is appreciated and respected!