LA360 or Magnum?

tanis4457 said
Is the magnum block superior to the 71-74 360 blocks? I have a 71 360 in my dart and everything I've read about them seems to point to these blocks being a little thicker. In a couple years I would like to build a motor up for auto-x or road racing so I'm curious if I should just stick with this block or go magnum. I've always heard the shaft mounted rocker system was better than the stud style but I'm open to all info. I also already have a new alternator and AC compressor for the V belt setup, I'm assuming I could keep that setup if I switched to a magnum?

I say as far as blocks go, yes, the Magnum is better. Simply because through the years, better and more refined casting methods have been implemented. As for heads, maybe not so much. They thinned them out so badly, that they are prone to cracking. If you find a set that;s not cracked though, they are likely not to crack since they have been through many heat cycles, so that is at least a plus.