We have a 2002 Durango R/T with AWD, a 5.9 and cracked heads. Also have a rebuilt LA 5.9. Can the Magnum intake be modified to work on the LA heads so we can keep the EFI. Have been a Dodge guy since 1957 but this is our first journey into Magnum land. We have everything to go carb if we have to. Thanks, Terry

 

Just pull the cracked heads and get new ($200 each or so), which will refresh the top end as well with the fresh valve cleanup work involved. That's what I did with mine, no regrets.

 

Jeeperdon, we are in Minnesota and used heads are not that cheap up here. Plus we are retired on a very limited income. That is why we want to use what we have on hand. I thought I read an article years back about mods to a magnum intake to use on an LA motor. Thanks, Terry

 

I don't think you can modify the kegger to work on LA heads...... there simply isn't enough room to get the intake bolts in. Also, if you go carb, how are you going to run the trans? If the PCM doesn't get info from the motor, it won't have a clue what to do with the trans. (assuming an automatic.....)

Sell the rebuilt LA motor to finance repairs are on the magnum.

 

I read on another thread there is an inexpensive kit to handle the trans problem. How about an after market intake to get the job done. Does such an item exist ?? Thanks, Terry

 

I haven't seen any EFI manifolds with the LA bolt pattern. Hughes might sell one, but, I suspect buying heads would be cheaper than JUST the manifold.

If your trans were an RH model, then yeah, there are controllers out there to deal with TCC, and O/D, but, yours should be an RE, and I am not aware of any controllers for those, and once again, I would suspect if you found one, it would still be cheaper to replace the heads.

Not to mention that doing a 'one-off custom' installation of whatever, will make it that much more difficult to work on..... If you retain the EFI, is the PCM going to be able to run the engine reasonably well with the cam that's in the motor? WAY too many variables to even consider going there if you are on a tight budget.

 

How do I tell which tranny I have ?? Not worried about the cam, its an RV grind from Summit. So far the cheapest heads I can find are 600 bucks each. May have to sell the LA motor after all. Hate to do it, have had it a long time. Sentimental reasons : )

 

In the Durango? 46RE. In the Dakota/Durango class, it was as follows, 3.9v6-42re 318-44re 360-46re and the 4.7- a 45RFE or 545RFE. Obviously the Dakota would have more options, those are automatic only

 

I appreciate all the info. Things were much easier back in the 70's : ) So, ball park what would my LA 360 and 2WD 727 be worth in todays market. Both are older rebuilds and neither has been run. Sounds like replacing the Magnum heads will be the easier, softer way. Thanks, Terry

 

Depends on where you are, phase of the moon, depth of the grass, which side of your mouth your tongue is currently in...... Value varies so much, it is pretty much impossible to guesstimate. If you have receipts and such, you should be able to get more for it. Thing is, is anyone around actually LOOKING for one?