5.9l magnum swap questions

If you're thinking about swapping in a cam and you're also thinking that a set of high performance cylinder heads are an option.

I'd recommend do them both at the same time. They will work best if matched to one another.

Even if that means running your magnum motor "as is" until budget allows for cam+heads. or keeping the 318 in service until you've built the magnum the way you want it.

Stock heads would need to have the spring seats machined to take a higher lift cam. Plus there will be less performance gain than using the EQ heads since the stock ports probably peak at around .500" lift or less. spending money on something that you plan to replace in the future doesn't make much sense.

The EQ heads will still probably have to have the spring seats machined, as well as the valve job etc. But will flow way better numbers overall and realize peak flow at closer to .600" lift. better bang for your buck really. (if you've got the coin)

You mention using a crosswind intake. Is that LA intake bolt pattern or Magnum bolt pattern? To my knowledge they don't make a magnum version. That may be an issue.

If you don't mind getting creative, you can set up your cylinder heads to have BOTH intake manifold bolt patterns, or hughes engines will do it for you for about $90. still way cheaper than a new intake manifold.

Keep in mind the magnum will use a hydraulic roller cam and can be more aggressive than a solid flat tappet, allowing a much higher valve lift for any given .050" duration spec. The cam you listed doesn't appear very aggressive for a roller but would make for a quiet, super reliable valvetrain. A lot of "off the shelf" cams are made this way.