hi folks,
again asking the biggest source of mopar knowledge in the western world
i maybe have the opportunity to get a 5.2 magnum engine (out of an 2001 dodge van)
for an reasonable price...
question will be, where are the benefits on this engine, will it be worth to give it a try (change to v-belts, change intake to one of those air-gap-style china-knockoffs, little port job...etc... or maybe building a 390 stroker engine out of it), how much power can be achieved with some budget parts and home grinding
There is no actual need to change to V belts. Just change the timing cover to an LA for a mechanical fuel pump or install an electric pump. I used a Edelbrock intake and drilled the intake for a heater hose on the passenger side like the LA has it. I just used extra hose for the other line on the water pump and looped it around.
The engine can be stroked easy. In stock form with a small cam change, 350 to 400 HP is easy to get.
as far as i know the goodies a magnum engine comes with, are
- roller cam
- bigger valves
- better flowing heads
- better combustion chambers
Roller cam, yes
Bigger valves, ehh, yes, @ 1.94, it is an excellent size for the engine stock or performance.
Better flowing heads, catch 22. Comparative checks should shine the light and may have you deciding otherwise. IMO, it is application dependent.
Better chambers, ehh, yes, but again, what is the goal?
It'll just use a car pan. Not a pricey itemnegativs (as far as i heard)
- oil pan has to be changed
- belt drive and pulleys had to be changed
- casted engine mounts for truck application can be an issue with headers
Belt drive & pulleys can stay
True on the truck mount points. Simple fix with a course angle grinder.
transmission should be a simple bolt one, or ? (TF 904)
Yes. The engine is neutral balanced. Has the same bolt pattern. Can use a stock flex plate. IIRC, the engines flex plate needs minor modification with bolt hole enlargement. A B&M flex plate or a LA stock plate can do the job as well.
