It should drop in. The only thing possibly funky would be the trans.

 

Yea, thats where I think there may be a problem as well. Also, does the magnum use a mechanical fuel pump? I assume its electrical so I would have to buy and wire that in.

If anyone has done this swap, what are the tricks I need to know?

 

The Magnum, in the late 1st gen and 2nd gen trucks, uses an electric, in-tank pump.

 

Before I give the guy a call, can anyone really sum up the differences between my 318 LA and the 318 magnum. I just need a quick and dirty, so I know what benefits and drawbacks I'm looking at.

 

Well, before I pulled the trigger someone else did. Thats what I get for over-thinking things like I always do.

 

I'd love to see a conprehensive answer to this too since I have my own thoughts which are,

318Mag has a hotter cam, different heads, different injection, different computer, ignition, maybe a bunch of other stuff. I hear it is almost 100hp more than an LA depending on what year you compare it to.

 

Well, I finally just broke down and started buying stuff. Went to Summit in McDonough, Ga and since everything in the store was an additional 10% off I just basically emptied my wishlist. Now just to take the parts I need to get machined and then Ill be puttin' her back together.

Parts List (for those who want to know)
DCC-4286589 SBM High Volumn Oil Pump
DCC-4529563 SBM Oil Pickup Tube
EDL-1481 Throttle Lever kit for Chrysler
EDL-9905 Reconditioned Edelbrock Performer w/ manual choke
SUM-G6502 Timing Chain and Gears
SUM-G9042 Summit Headers
CCA-CL20-210-2 Comp Cam and Lifter Set
CLE-SH1112S Clevite Cam Bearing Set
MIL-34040 Brass Freeze Plug Set

 

I think you will be very happy with the way your motor will perform with the cam and carb you got. The headers and good exhaust will help more than most people think. What was you going to do for exhaust and have you got an intake yet?

 

My have a Edelbrock Performer intake for a pre-'86 small block chevy that I am currently trying to trade for a performer for my 318. As for exhaust I'm not 100% sure yet what I'll do. To stay on the cheap side I may just get straight pipe ran out the back, not sure yet. Whatever I do needs to be very economical since my build is already a bit over-budget.

 

I think a single 2.5 in straight pipe with a long glasspack would be cheap and sound decent. It would flow well too.