360 LA OR 360 MAGNUM WHICH IS THE BETTER BUILD

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THAT is on my birthday list.

The one I have (Innovate LM2) has other nice features also.
Like flashing E9 if the system voltage goes low, like if your charging system quits.
It started flashing that one night while my Son and I were down town and I popped the hood to find the field wire off of the alternator.
I didn't notice it because most of my lights are LED's so they didn't dim like a regular bulb does, and my signals didn't slow because of the electronic flasher AND we were down town so I didn't notice the headlights being dimmer.
This was before I put a volt meter in the car.
 
Oh come on. Damn.

I look at some of the cam specs for HRT cams that get posted on here and 90 times out of 100 I could find a SFT that would blow away the HRT.
It ain't all that. I was one of the first guys I knew on the HRT band wagon. But years of testing showed me they ain't all that. The BEST way to do what you are saying is a hydraulic roller grind with solid roller lifters.

I no longer spec HRT for anything that is expected to perform. They can use solid rollers or solid flats.



Let the hate begin.
What block mod do you need to do for a 4" crank ?
 
There both fine engines if your going aftermarket heads it really don't matter which one you start with unless you want hydraulic roller. If your using stock heads magnum seem to have the advantage in Stock form. But full out ported LA seems to have the advantage there.
 
If I was starting a build today for an average street engine that I would be driving lots I would go Magnum, I like the idea of the roller cam and finding a Magnum is a lot easer around here than finding a LA lately.
 
What horsepower are you looking for??? Benefits of each .....
Magnum - the magnum comes with roller cam (friendly for todays oils), lighter rotating assembly and better heads. Heads are more prone to cracking, but the cracks don't seem to interfere with the running of the engine. We see alot of these out there way over 200,*** miles and running good, including mine at 233,*** and runs perfect. Typically speaking, you can throw a 4bbl and headers on a 360 mag out of a Ram and you have 300 hp without taking anything apart. Add a better cam and EQ heads, you can get around 400 hp.

LA
- from the factory has tougher rocker arm set up. Way more intake choices, meaning better deals on 2nd hand parts. More off the shelf cams available. LA 360's had roller cams from 89-91 (maybe 1988 also?). All LA's come with the mechanical fuel pump eccentric. Even the worst 360 smog heads had plenty of potential, especially when fitted with larger valves and ported. Shares more parts with 318/340's.

Off the top of my head thoughts..... and both are readily available for cheap (under 400 bucks complete and running). You decide.... neither are a bad choice.


This cost seems Shockingly low . Everywhere I look it’s 1800-2200 for a 360 either la or magnum
 
This cost seems Shockingly low . Everywhere I look it’s 1800-2200 for a 360 either la or magnum
Had to go back and see what I wrote... LOL 2017. You must be looking at remanufactured motors? I'm talk'n at Pick-n-pulls, marketplace, craigslist.
 
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Had to go back and see what I wrote... LOL 2017. You must be looking at remanufactured motors? I'm talk'n at Pick-n-pulls, marketplace, craigslist.
I’m seeing used motors but not refurbs but yes ones picked out and sold but yeah I didn’t see that was 2017 either lol sorry
 
I’m seeing used motors but not refurbs but yes ones picked out and sold but yeah I didn’t see that was 2017 either lol sorry
Quick check this morning with a couple hours from my area - LA 360 for 280 bucks
(2) Marketplace - 75 360 Mopar engine for rebuilding or parts.. cleaning out garage | Facebook
And a 5.9 magnum for 300 bucks... a little ways from me but just showing prices.
(2) Marketplace - 2000 Dodge 5.9 motor | Facebook
We gave 150 for our but it had 198,*** miles. We sold enough off of it (manifolds, wiring, etc) that it was basically free. It's since been running in our truck and runs fantastic!
 
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This cost seems Shockingly low . Everywhere I look it’s 1800-2200 for a 360 either la or magnum
I noticed through out time here that the used engine prices vary by location and can vary a darn good bit. I used to live on Long Island NY (Very recently moved) and your listed prices are on par with the islands pricing.

Searching and noticing that the more you get away from the population, the cheaper it gets. It might not really worth the cost to drive (gas thirsty vehicle) considering the time involved, might be hours away, and any bridges & tolls should you not be able to avoid them. The Mid Atlantic & Northeast is kind of crappy for that sometimes. While possible to avoid, I becomes a PIA to do so.

The junk yards on the Island also do not hold inventory very long and will scrap quickly. It’s to the point that there not really worth going to for parts anymore. They charge nearly the same as a brand new part from the dealer.
 
magnum improvements over LA 360
1-better rear seal
2-better oil pan sealing with 1 piece pan gasket
3-better water pump
4-better valve covers with better sealing
5-better heads
6-better compression
7-arguable better rocker set-up
8-better intake mounting and sealing
9-roller cam
chrysler improved some of the shortcomings of the LA with the magnum and for your best build use a combination of parts from each.
 
:rofl:


But there still not as good as the 302 head right?

:rofl:


That is correct. The 302 beats ALL castings and should be the head used for any performance build. I would never go against what Hysteric says because we know he is the head guru. Far be it from me to say he is wrong.
 
Quick check this morning with a couple hours from my area - LA 360 for 280 bucks
(2) Marketplace - 75 360 Mopar engine for rebuilding or parts.. cleaning out garage | Facebook
And a 5.9 magnum for 300 bucks... a little ways from me but just showing prices.
(2) Marketplace - 2000 Dodge 5.9 motor | Facebook
We gave 150 for our but it had 198,*** miles. We sold enough off of it (manifolds, wiring, etc) that it was basically free. It's since been running in our truck and runs fantastic!



lol yes but you have to take it fully apart and probably rebuild it . I want one pulled from a running truck ready to rock pretty much . Some sort of faith it works lol
 
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lol yes but you have to take it fully apart and probably rebuild it . I want one pulled from a running truck ready to rock pretty much . Some sort of faith it works lol
Well, those were just quick examples. I see them "hear it run" for the same money. To me, if it runs great, sounds great, has good oil pressure, and the heat gage stays steady, 150,*** miles on a 5.9 means nothing. Each to their own..
 
Well, those were just quick examples. I see them "hear it run" for the same money. To me, if it runs great, sounds great, has good oil pressure, and the heat gage stays steady, 150,*** miles on a 5.9 means nothing. Each to their own..
I agree but hard to see something run thst been sitting on a garage floor for 20 years that is fuel injection . I don’t need ir want new lol but do need some trust I’m not putting it in my car for no reasons
 
I agree but hard to see something run thst been sitting on a garage floor for 20 years that is fuel injection . I don’t need ir want new lol but do need some trust I’m not putting it in my car for no reasons
well, like i said, many are "hear it run"... still in the truck. Looks good, sounds good, oil pressure good... it's good. Now, Good Luck ! LOL You said "my cost seemed shockingly low"... I'm just telling you how I roll :)
 
well, like i said, many are "hear it run"... still in the truck. Looks good, sounds good, oil pressure good... it's good. Now, Good Luck ! LOL You said "my cost seemed shockingly low"... I'm just telling you how I roll :)

there is no way to trust a block sitting on the floor in slightest so if you like a 300$ motor you need to spend 2k to get it right. If it was a good motor it still be in something running good lol .
 
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