So it’s not a LA after All?

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Ronald C.

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So i’m trying to get started on my 360 build. The date code on the block is 1985, 360 block with 308 heads out of a mid 80’s Dodge Van. However, in a visit with another individual who appears to be well versed in Mopar small blocks, the indication was if the block had a three bolt “spider” bracket in the lifter valley, it would in fact be a Magnum, NOT an LA.

Anyone heard this before?

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Your friend is NOT well informed. THAT is an LA engine with roller lifters. ALL LA engines were fitted with shaft mounted rocker arms. The later ones had roller lifters. ALL Magnum series engines were EFI. All had roller lifters. ALL had 1.6 ratio pedestal mounted rocker arms.
Your engine is an LA series.
Meet smarter people, please.
 
check your date code again....look for a casting date on the side of the block....that is a 89-91 360 LA that came with hydraulic roller cam from the factory....
 
Your friend is NOT well informed. THAT is an LA engine with roller lifters. ALL LA engines were fitted with shaft mounted rocker arms. The later ones had roller lifters. ALL Magnum series engines were EFI. All had roller lifters. ALL had 1.6 ratio pedestal mounted rocker arms.
Your engine is an LA series.
Meet smarter people, please.

What he said. ^^^^^^ Times like a billion and a half and three quarters.
 
You have an LA roller motor. All you need is a little more cam and better valve springs. Port the heads a little.
Freshen up the rings and bearings.
Throw on a good intake and carb with a good ignition and drive it.
 
This was all the same understanding I had as well. Minus the “3 bolt lifter Valley “, everything being said was the same as what I knew. But, thought it would be good to just dbl check.

Thanks for the feedback all!
 
That there be my favorite block flavor.
But the Magnum is pretty awesome too. Adapting an LA head just requires minor modifications that I’d rather not have to be done just because I’d rather it stock.
 
Hey guys, heard back from this fellow late last night where he let me know he was mistaken.

Said after talking to me, he started thinking about the heads not being pedestal mount and remembered there were a couple transition years where LA engines did have roller cams, but NOT the newer magnum heads.

I think the roller piece was what was throwing things off. But, none the less, I’m glad everyone agrees it is an LA block. Thought I was loosing my mind

Thanks again to all!
 
Might also want to verify it is in fact a 360.

Could be a 318 with an '85 casting date (seems too early for an LA roller 360)
 
I will double check the numbers, but I’m positive it had 360 stamped in the side. The date code I thought was 85, but it may have been 89 I just need to double check to be sure ....

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Probably an 89 judging by the tbi. I believe that started in 88. My 87 ram had a carb, my 89 had the tbi.
 
For my own edification, you are saying the “Spider assembly” being what is holding down the lifters and the “bolt holes” being the 3 bolts (holes) down the middle that holds down the spider assembly?
 
So i’m trying to get started on my 360 build. The date code on the block is 1985, 360 block with 308 heads out of a mid 80’s Dodge Van. However, in a visit with another individual who appears to be well versed in Mopar small blocks, the indication was if the block had a three bolt “spider” bracket in the lifter valley, it would in fact be a Magnum, NOT an LA.

Anyone heard this before?

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That's a good builder...

We did a 91 360 roller cam engine for the older kid's 71 valiant 4 door...

We're saving up to put the exhaust on it, but it does start now...

You get the benefit of a roller cam and can run the LA intake and exhaust manifolds....
 
There was no spiders in the valley, just the bolt holes. Both had a hydraulic flat tappet cams. These are LA motors. Kim

Yeah LA roller blocks with flat tappet cams. Why is that so hard for these cats to grasp? They came like that.
 
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