When you search for a 318 poly engine rebuild kit, you want a reliable kit that covers all the essential gaskets, pistons, and bearings to return a worn engine to life. This guide highlights five solid rebuild kit options and explains who each kit is best for, plus practical buying tips. Whether you’re restoring a classic 318 LA or matching a similar V8, these selections help you compare parts, compatibility, and cost effectively.
Summary table of selected products
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enginetech 318 LA Overhaul Kit (1974-1979) | Classic Mopar 318 LA builds | Full gasket set, pistons, rings, bearings | Standard sizes; oversize options available |
| Enginetech 318 LA Overhaul Kit (1986-1989) | Late-1980s 318 LA restorations | Comprehensive parts, timing set included | Standard sizes; verify compatibility |
| Lil Red Barn Engine Rebuild Kit (Onan P216/P218/P220) | Small engine restorations | Quality reproduction pistons at low cost | Not a 318 engine; use for smaller engines |
| Heavy equipment engines | Overhaul kit with standard size option | Not for Mopar 318; use for CAT engines | |
| PRXRT Gasket Set Rebuild Kit (UR E24 2.3L TD23) | Inline 4/6 engines in import cars | Full gasket set, metal gaskets | Different engine family; confirm fit |
Enginetech 318 LA Overhaul Kit for 1974-1979 Dodge Chrysler 318
Best for classic Mopar restorations, this kit covers the standard 318 engine family from the mid-1970s, including a full gasket set, flat-top pistons with valve reliefs, and premium piston rings. The set also includes main, rod, and cam bearings, a 3-piece timing set, oil pump, freeze plugs, and valve stem seals. This option is suited for engines rebuilt to standard specifications with no oversized parts required.
Who it’s for: Owners of 1974–1979 Mopar 318 engines seeking a complete, factory-style rebuild without aftermarket adaptation. Why selected: It provides essential components in one package, reducing sourcing time and ensuring compatible parts for classic 318 builds.
Caution: Verify piston and bearing sizes match your engine’s factory measurements, as some builds may require oversize components not included in this standard kit.
Enginetech 318 LA Overhaul Kit for 1986-1989 Dodge Chrysler 318
This kit targets the later Mopar 318 LA engines, offering a comprehensive overhaul with a full gasket set, flat-top pistons, premium rings, and main/rod/cam bearings, plus a 3-piece timing set and oil pump. It’s designed for standard-size rebuilds and supports alignment with the later 1980s engine variants within the 318 family.
Who it’s for: 1986–1989 318 owners seeking a complete, factory-style refurbishment. Why selected: It consolidates critical components into one purchase, helping ensure correct fit for late-model 318 variants.
Limitation: As with any standard-size kit, confirm bore, stroke, and rod choices align with your specific engine before installation to prevent misfit issues.
Engine Rebuild Kit for Onan P216/P218/P220 (Lil Red Barn)
Best for small-engine restorations, this kit provides quality reproduction pistons with gaskets and seals to bring an engine back to life. While not a Mopar 318, it’s a practical option for owners of compact generators or small power units seeking reliable parts at a lower cost.
Who it’s for: Small-engine hobbyists or service shops working on Onan P216/P218/P220 models. Why selected: It matches the demand for affordable, ready-to-install pistons and seals in small displacement engines.
Caution: This kit is not designed for a Mopar 318; treat it as a parallel option for non-318 engines within the same project scope.
Wishbay Engine Overhaul Kit for Caterpillar 3066 Family
Best for heavy equipment engines rather than passenger cars, this kit is designed for Caterpillar 3066 and similar excavator powerplants. It includes standard-size parts and is useful for fleet maintenance or restoration projects where a larger engine rebuild is required.
Who it’s for: Maintenance teams or individual operators working on CAT 3066 engines. Why selected: It provides relevant parts for heavy-duty engine refreshes where a full overhaul is necessary.
Limitation: Not suitable for Mopar 318 owners; use only with the specified CAT engine family to avoid fitment issues.
PRXRT Gasket Set Rebuild Kit for UR E24 2.3L TD23
Best for smaller import engines, this gasket set focuses on a complete engine gasket rebuild. While it isn’t a Mopar 318, it’s relevant for those assembling or refurbishing engine blocks in related model families where gasket integrity is critical.
Who it’s for: Import engine enthusiasts or repair shops dealing with UR E24 2.3L TD23 engines. Why selected: It delivers a full gasket set essential for dependable engine sealing during a rebuild.
Caution: Confirm engine family compatibility before purchasing to avoid mismatched gasket shapes or seal sizes.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For a 318 Poly Engine Rebuild
- Engine family and year compatibility: Verify the kit is listed for the exact engine model and year. Mopar 318 LA engines span mid-1970s to late-1980s, with potential bore and stroke variations.
- Included components: A complete overhaul kit should include a full gasket set, pistons, piston rings, bearings, timing set, timing cover seals, and oil pump. Some kits may omit bearings or timing components—check the contents list carefully.
- Standard vs. oversize (OS) parts: Standard-size kits fit most stock builds. If you’re rebuilding a worn engine with measurable clearances, consider oversize pistons or bearings and confirm compatibility with your crankshaft and block.
- Quality and source: Choose kits sourced from reputable manufacturers with a track record for engine rebuild parts. ISO/QS/TS-like quality assurances help ensure consistent tolerances and fit.
- Installation considerations: Some kits include a timing set or water pump, which can simplify assembly. If not, you’ll need to source those parts separately and verify alignment and timing specifications.
- Compatibility notes: For non-Mopar engines or different families, confirm that the kit fits your engine’s bore, stroke, bearing sizes, and overall engine design to avoid mismatches.
FAQ
- Is a complete gasket set included in every rebuild kit? Not always. Some kits include gaskets, while others may require sourcing gaskets separately. Always verify the parts list before purchasing.
- Can I use a standard-size kit on an engine that needs oversize parts? No. If the engine requires oversize pistons or bearings, a standard kit will not provide proper clearance. Confirm bore measurements first.
- Are these kits suitable for all 318 engines? No. The Mopar 318 LA family spans several years with distinct specs. Match the kit to your exact engine year and variant.
- Do these kits include a timing set? Some do; others require separate purchase. Check the listing to ensure the timing gears and chain are included if you need them.
- What should I verify before ordering? Verify bore size, year, engine family, and whether oversize components are needed. Cross-check part numbers with your engine’s service manual.
- Is a small-engine rebuild kit appropriate for a Mopar 318? No. Small-engine kits like those for Onan or other brands are not interchangeable with Mopar 318 engines. Use only kits specified for 318 LA or compatible Mopar variants.