This may be true, I don't know this statement to be incorrect. It was my understanding all 88-92 LA 360's were roller cams though. My personal experience is that all 5 of the engines I've had in this time window were roller engines. Going to pick up another in a few days. For a disassembled engine I'd say 100-150 bucks.
These are a great platform to build upon. These later blocks usually had better machining tolerances with less core shift than older ones. The efi prevented cylinder wash down from running rich on the choke. The ones I've pulled apart had little bore wear, most had cross hatch still visible.
I agree,
In my experience with these platforms:
I've had 1984 ramcharger, 1989 ramcharger, 1983 Power Ram W150, and a 1988 Power Ram W150.
The 1988 Power Ram did not have a roller LA 360. (it was manufactured in 08/1987 so It's possible it was using leftover 87' stock)
The 1989 Ramcharger did (yes, it was the original engine).
The 83 and 84 obviously did not as well.
I then acquired a low mileage 1990 LA-roller 360 (minus heads/intake) that I found in a salvage yard out of a 90's Dakota project that someone threw away.
I pieced together the 90' motor using parts from the 1989 W150 360 as the 89' cylinder walls were well worn. I used these to build the engine I'm using now in my Duster.
And yes these are a great platform to build on as you say.
I'm now building a 408 stroker based on a 02' magnum.
Also note to the OP
@Dusted73; that the push rod guide holes in the cylinder heads of roller-LA & magnum's are quite a bit bigger than the standard cylinder heads. Meaning the older heads will not work unless the guide holes are drilled out (pushrod angles of the roller lifters are quite different from the standard flat-tappets).
If you're going for aftermarket heads pay attention to these as well, there are some that do have larger pushrod guides for LA, others do not. You can use aftermarket Magnum heads but it will require oiling mods to work in LA's. (others here on this webpage have done this mod).