360 on propane.

I want to build a 360 and have it run on propane. Just wondering what my limitations are on compression ratio, cam size and what heads would be best suited for the propane. Any help on this issue would be appreciated greatly. I've built small block dodges in the past but never one that is to be ran on propane. I've got a 318 on propane in my truck and i'm needing some more power.  

I worked on industeral engines years ago and any time an engine was converted from gasoline to LP gas the exhaust valves had to be changed to stelloc coated valves.  Reason for this change is because the liquid droplets of the gasoline is what cooled the exhaust valves.  LP gas is already vaporized befor it enters the cylinder and cannot cool the valves.  LP gas has less BTU's of energy than gasoline but can still make an engine very powerfull.  And the engine oil never turns black on LP gas.  To pretty much keep the truck stock but pep it up some put a comp cams extreme energy 256 262 K-kit in it.  This is about as much cam as you would want and be happy with auto trans, power brakes, air condishioner.  This cam is about as big as as any one will be happy with.  Be sure to check the pushrod preload in the lifter.  It is not unusual to need pushrods that are .025 to .o50 thousants longer than stock.  The head gaskets on the engine from the factory have a .015 thousants crush thickness and the most common head gasket used is the Felpro permatork {BLUE} gaskets which have a .039 to .040 crush which raises the rocker shafts .025 thousants higher out of the lifters.  Depending on what year model this 360 is if the intake valves need replaced have the intake seats cut for 2.020 valves this will make a big differance in the performance.  This cam kit is about 400 dollars plus pushrods cost if the lifter preload is not correct.  The heads is where the money will have to be spent.  Even if you go with aftermarket heads you will still need exhaust valves for LP gas.   MorrisB  

If I wanted to pep up the 318 that is in the truck could I install the cam kit you metioned. I'm not sure what the 318 has in it for a cam but I think the it was built to run on gas then switched over to LP. this could be my lack of power problem if they didn't chose a cam that was LP friendly.  

The 256-262 extreme energy will be the prefured cam Lp gas or gasoline. Any more cam will make it sicker.  If the heads have been off most of the people go back with the Felpro Permatork [Blue] head gaskets.  These gaskets are thicker and will drop the compression ratio and cylinder pressure a good bit.  This is what is the most common cause of sick 318's.  This cam kit is about as much as you can do and it still be driveable.  Fuel cost is about to soar!  Power is obtained with air flow from the air filter to the tail pipe,  high compression, timming and EVERY THING HAS TO MATCH.  Call comp cams @ 1 800 999 0853. This is their help line.  Tell them what you have and they will tell you exactly what you need.  If you deside to Rebuild the 318 later on let me know. I have a combination that will make a 318 put most 350's to shame, stay togher and you can afford to buy gas for it and use the 256-262 cam kit.  This is not an expensive build but its not cheap either.  MOrris B Boaz, Al.