Can I use 340 (LA) camshaft, lifters, & timing chain in a 360 Magnum?
Got these fairly new LA-340 parts I'd like to use in a new 360 Magnum build. Am I looking for trouble?
While most will agree that the use of a LA or none roller camshaft in a Magnum engine is backwards, there is also another train of thought I think others maybe missing. While a roller cam is normally a superior cam on several fronts, there also expensive as well as a set of new lifters should the heavy weight OEM units need to be replaced.
Over all, if you already have all the LA parts needed for the swap, there are two things that need be paid attention to. First, the lifter should be AMC lifters.
(For those that don’t know, the AMC lifters can be used in pushrod oiling applications while the MoPar lifter can not. AMC lifters are the normal lifter given to you with new cam purchases. They have the same .904 diameter as MoPar lifters.)
Pushrod lengths should always be checked!
Secondly the lift should be recalculated by simple math.
The LA cam lift divided by 15 then multiplied buy 16 for the new lift it will see with the rocker change of 15 - 16. you’ll need to check retainer to valve seal clearances and double check spring requirements as it could change.
If you don’t have the all the LA components, they can add up very quickly to equal and possibly surpass the price of a roller cam. Which may not require anymore parts to effectively use.
The draw back of the roller cam is price. While this is a given, there is some variation in prices. The other thing is the Hyd roller lifter is heavy. They will perform well with mild camshafts. Some have done very well here. The lifter cam spin 6000/6500 rpm’s.
I myself have all the parts needed for this swap and may do it myself later. If I had to source everything new, I would not bother. Spare parts from other engines have been stock piled for future use as well as other “stuff” from “buy it all or buy nothing” deals. Not my favorite. But sometimes I can resell what I don’t need/want if there decent enough for use.
I picked up new, never used cams and lifters from time to time at a big cost reduction vs a new set. Just the pushrods will be new.
