LA360 or Magnum?

TrailBeast said
Because it's a roller, or because the newer metals and machining?
Both, and/or more?

I thought by the time this day came I wouldn't have a doubt in the world what I was going to do, but now that it's here... :D If the trans is from a Dodge truck then quit overthinking it and buy it already. The Jeep trans has a more limited market.

Say, I'll listen.

Better rocker ratio. All of the head flow, more compression. (not 8:1) Better mill to grow from. (roller block stock, but not an 8:1 dog like the LA roller motors)

TrailBeast said
I considered the trans also, but don't really need it and the FI is just more BS that I'm not ready to deal with on a car I need almost every day.
If I could find a long block LA engine for a good price it would so be in there. :D

Other than that I'll go ahead with a carbed magnum since that can all be dealt with over time on a stand and dropped in on a weekend day.
I think about the biggest change I can deal with at the time is the Mag engine and serpentine system.
I would definitely keep the FI system and computer if it comes with it though, as I might decide to do it at a later time.

Think about it like this- when's the last time you saw a 360 LRE/E58 motor for $250 with low miles complete? Chances are your cheap E58 would need a lean-burn conversion. Most 360s were 2bbls or dogs with little cams that made 40+ less HP than a Magnum 318.

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?

Yes. It has roller cam provisions factory. (you aren't breaking the block if you're not throwing hundreds of HP of boost thru it or having a massive tune hiccup)

magnummopar said
Tanis,
The strength/hardness difference between LA and Magnum 5.9 blocks are up for debate. I prefer the Magnum, obviously, but also because they have much better gaskets, roller cam and much less wear in cylinders which may be due to block or more likely, hyereutectic pistons, moly rings and FI. The Magnum 5.9 rotating mass is lighter too. Better rev for autocross.
X

It actually wouldn't surprise me if it's because the trucks sold much better and were sold to more people who you know- actually changed the oil after the first few years.

273 said
I'd like to see LA vs Magnum shoot out. But ya stock long block Magnum seems to have the advantage, LA seem to port better though.

Magnum is the best bang for the buck

Basically. Magnum heads flow as good, the 318s have better cams, the 360s have more compression, all a very nice gain.

RustyRatRod said
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.

The stock radiators were crap in the new body trucks. Most split under 100k. Can't drive something with all the water leaked out of it and not worry about cracking or warping the heads.