67 Dart 270...Project Old School

I am in the process of tearing down a 360 Magnum engine I pulled out of a 2002 Dodge truck. The engine has 240K + miles on it, but internally looks pretty good. The plan is to re-ring and re-bearing the engine after some flex hone action in the cylinders. I then plan to move over the 2.02/1.62 EQ heads and roller cam from my tired LA 360. The overall goal is to gain enough HP to push the A500 equiped 67 Dart back into the 12s.

Why go with the Magnum over the LA?

The pistons in the LA are .088" in the hole at TDC. The pistons in the Magnum are only .054" in the hole. That, right there will boost my compression almost 1/2 a point. The ring package on the Magnum provides better sealing and reduced friction.

So, how am I planning to get back the 40 HP the A500 stole?
1/2 point increase in compression
STD volume oil pump versus the high volume pump in the LA
Add a windage tray
Port match the LA intake and EQ Magnum heads
Port match the headers and exhaust ports on the heads
Block off the coolant passages in the intake that run under the carb

On to the tear down...

This is what the pistons look like after eating up the competition...


The usual slack in the timing chain after 240K+ miles...