Once you have a LA small block installed, the sky is the limit. You can just enjoy it as a fun cruiser or go chasing power. One thing, the rear end would not currently be an issue with a mild small block cruiser driven wisely. More power and…….
Keep searching for a 5.9 or a 360LA. might be a torque converter balance issue with the 5.9, others can chime in on that. Mod the trans crossmember so it has the same curved in scallop on both sides so the exhaust doesn't hang down low on that side. As said the 70 up alum water pump will be taller front to rear & not sure if that is an issue or not, others will chime in but if going for that get the later timing cover so the timing marks ain't partially obstructed like they are with the hose/marks both on the dr side.
I went from a 2bbl 318 with the original cam and a 7.25 2.76 pegleg to a 4bbl and a lunati 10200701 and detonated that pegleg within two years. Yes, it's anectodal and he may not destroy his diff, but the potential is there. If you want to stick with a small block, I would recommend a 360/5.9. There are tons of them on craigslist and at pick-n-pull places, still attached to the trans. Pick-n-Pull
Good mention Robert! The balance issue is the LA 360 & 5.9 are externally balanced differently. There is a B&M flex plate for that. Then the use of a neutral balanced converter is OK.
such a nice car , a 318 with a few add ons would do nicely , keep it simple . unles you plan to race the car . once you up the power there is suspension brakes and other things to consider . Whatever good luck car looks great enjoy it
Not directed at you. You were sucked in trying to help with the pitfalls of swapping a 360 for something else.
I stand by what I posted. He hasn't made his purchase yet. If the right (360/LA/mag) deal comes along there's nothing wrong with more cubes (& advantages). thanks for the heads up on the flexplate! RR
Ask them if the flexplate is still with it. Mopar 727 & 904 V* trans cores - auto parts - by owner - vehicle...
Nobody wants that magnum piece of trash in there.....leave that pile for the correct era trucks and vans
If the car is complete and running good and you just got it maybe slow your role just a bit and build a drive train from the ground up?.. Start collecting the small parts and keep your eyes out for a la360 core engine... You know you need all of the conversion parts, motor mounts, steering link ect .. You'll likely absolutely want headers and the only offering for those years is TTI and you're looking at $1,000... The 318 with a cam is going to really light your world on fire for a small amount of time and just leave you wanting for more likely... My go to has always been finding a core 360 putting it on an engine stand and tearing it apart and taking the block down to the machine shop. Buying a $1,500 stroker kit off of summit and giving it to them and having them do a short block for me. Then wait for Black Friday and buy a set of Speedmaster fully assembled heads for $700 to the door.. machine shop work is usually about $1,200.. now for $3,500 I have a brand new base not leaving me wanting more .. Buy a cord 904 transmission ($50-150) and a $110 rebuild kit and a $95 shift kit.. build a Dana 60 from a core truck rear end using Dr diff parts will be about $1,200... Now add a couple thousand dollars in miscellaneous and for a tick over 7K you have a near brand new combination that will last you a lifetime oh I forgot 8K you have to buy those $1,000 headers because of your year... I would say you probably paid around that much for the entire car LOL...
I'd say don't buy anything yet, take a breath and drive it for a season as-is. We are not running out of 318 or Magnum deals any time soon. After driving for a season you'll get a better idea if you really wanna dig into a solid running car to get the V8 sound. These cars are a lot more fun to drive than they are to look at on jackstands. A year out you will have a better idea what you want and what it will entail to get there. Drive it and have fun as you collect the parts. My2c.
Who cares? What's your point? You that naive to think that every magnum engine you tear down has perfect cylinder walls and your just gonna throw pistons and rings in a 150k magnum block....sorry bud but none of my cars engines will ever see 150k for one and neither will yours. I don't mess around with junkyard parts as it's a waste of my time and efforts.
