I don't know too much about dodge engines since this is my first dodge, but I want to put a 360 in my 92 dakota but I am given two options. One is a stock 360 and the other is a LA 360. What is the difference between a 360 and LA 360?

 

If your 92 is not a 4cyl the 92-96 wil drop right in ,plus a couple small changes to match your combination (flexplate/flywheel,hoses and maybe 2wires. An LA will need $450 motormounts or you will have to make your own. For the LA there are lots of aftermarket new and use parts to make some easy power (300-400 true HP). For the 360 Magnum there is very limited aftermarket and almost no used parts around.The heads and intake do not just interchange between the two engines

 

I went with the LA over the Magnum, I'm happy I chose it. Although it's a more expensive way to go, it's alot better.

 

Where can I get a LA 360, what other vehicles did they come stock in. I'm looking for a whole vehicle so I have all the parts I would need.

 

Magnum is the evolution of the LA motor. You can find them in full size vans, trucks, large cars, and even some medium sized cars from the 60's on up until the mid 80's. LA and Magnum should have the same motor mounts, as they're essentially the same block. The Magnums oil through the pushrods instead of oil passages, they've got 1.6:1 rockers instead of the LA's 1.5:1, the heads flow much better on Magnums (oem anyway), and really that's it for significant differences. There is plenty of stuff out there that will work on the Magnum 360. Magnum and LA intakes and heads ARE interchangeable, but there is some work involved. The angle of the intake manifold bolts is different on the Magnums, but you can drill out the holes to fix the problem. IIRC Hughes (or somebody) sells a drill guide for doing it. The Magnum heads have 10 bolt valve covers and the LA's have 5 bolts.

Personally I'd go with a Magnum 360 out of a late 90's early 2000's Ram, Dakota, or Durango. The Ram Van iirc will have a different oil pan which may not work for you. Why the Magnum?
Increased compression ratio. My 86 Ram is supposed to have 8.1-8.3:1 whereas a Magnum will have closer to 9.1:1
Better stock heads, but check for cracks
1.6 rocker ratio
Typically lower mileage

Toss an M1 dual plane intake manifold, Holley 600, and the ignition of your choice (I prefer the Mopar Orange because it was PnP on my 86) and run with it. The 360 will require an externally balanced torque converter or flywheel. You can buy a 318 (sero balance) and the weight kit and weld the weights on yourself, or get one for the application.

 

FYI i have a mopar performance carbed intake for the 360 magnum that im trying to get rid of. Was going to carb mine but changed my mind when i moved 40 minutes away from work. Its brand new, never been used, only opened it to check it out. let me know if anyone is interested.