5.2 parts interchange

Okay, so I have a 66 Belvedere with a tired ol poly 318 in it. I was given a low mileage 2001 5.2 Magnum engine years ago so I figured I'd throw it in the Bel to make a decent driver. I have a few older core LA 318 engines I can use for parts like timing cover and whatever else. I have gone through the Magnumswap.com site but am unclear about what I can and can't do. Maybe I didn't read close enough?? So here is a list of some things I could use some help with:

-balancer. Can I use an LA 318 balancer or do I need to buy an aftermarket piece?
-trans flex plate. Can I use an LA style flex plate?
-are the engine mounts the same as the 5.9? Meaning 318 mounts won't work?
-engine oil pan that is needed is a car 360? Car 318 won't work?

Thanks for any info you can give.

That website seems pretty clear to me

Balancer. Use the balancer that matches the engine.

Flex plate. This I'm not sure, you want a flex for an LA trans? I think you'll need a BM aftermarket flex balanced to the engine (mag) to fit the LA converter. You do NOT want a 360 converter, or knock the weights off.

Engine mounts, mag has 360 type mount ears, use LA mounts

LA pans, 273/318/340 have a large cutout in rear of pan

LA pans 360 has a SMALL cutout in rear. This small cutout is what you want for ALL mags, either 318 or 360

Aren't the balancers a one piece unit with the serpentine belt pulley? I plan on making the engine look like an LA engine so I'll be using V belts.
I read the magnum 318 is internally balanced like the LA and early 340. Hence the balancer question. Also, the flex plate on the engine has a built on ring gear, no? I want to use my original 727 and converter so couldn't I use the old style LA flex plate?

Moparbrad said:

Aren't the balancers a one piece unit with the serpentine belt pulley? I plan on making the engine look like an LA engine so I'll be using V belts.
I read the magnum 318 is internally balanced like the LA and early 340. Hence the balancer question. Also, the flex plate on the engine has a built on ring gear, no? I want to use my original 727 and converter so couldn't I use the old style LA flex plate?

Click to expand...

unbolt the serpentine belt pulley and bolt on the v belt pulley. You can use the original 727 and converter and the old style LA flex plate. Everything is nuetral balance on a 5.2

That's good to know. Thanks for the info guys!!