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Plymouth LA 318 2-bbl specs: 318 ci (5.2L) 8-cylinder, 3.909 x 3.311 in (99.3 x 84.1 mm) bore and stroke. Rated 230 hp, 1968–1970. Used in the Dodge Charger.
The Plymouth LA 318 2-bbl is oversquare — the 3.9094" bore exceeds the 3.311" stroke by 18.1% — a layout that favors airflow and RPM over leverage at the crank. The 3.311" stroke does not reach 4,000 ft/min of mean piston speed until about 7,250 RPM, so piston speed is not what limits this engine's revs — valvetrain and breathing are. Each of the 8 cylinders displaces 39.8 ci (651 cc).
It is one of 20 engines in the LA family, sitting between the 273 ci and 360 ci members. 3 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 230 hp across 1968–1970.
| Displacement | 318 ci / 5.2 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.9094" |
| Stroke | 3.311" |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.181 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | cast iron |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 230 hp |
| Years | 1968–1970 |
| Bore/stroke character | 1.181 — oversquare — bore exceeds stroke, which favours higher RPM and larger valves |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,311 ft/min — conservative for a street engine |
| Displacement per cylinder | 39.8 ci |
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These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | 230 hp | LA 318 2-bbl |
| 1969 | 230 hp | LA 318 2-bbl |
| 1970 | 230 hp | LA 318 2-bbl |