Hey, so brand new to the forum and Dodge in general, I just picked up this 1986 D-350 2wd with the stock 360 and 4 speed. I was hoping to get opinions on options for the engine. The current motor is not too happy and smokes like a steam train. So after some research I hope I am on the right track, Option A: Rebuild this motor (found a guy who says he can do it for $675) but this price doesn't include nor does he plan to do any machining, doesn't seem like that will work out too well long term but then again all new to this. Option B: Pull a LA 318 or 360 from a junkyard. Nearest pull-a-part has a big variety and if I only get the block and heads I could probably be out for under $300. Option C: MAGNUM!! For real though do you think a 5.2 or 5.9 swap would be worth it? If I reuse most of my LA stuff it probably be only a couple hundred bucks difference.



From what I have compiled so far is that either way unless I find another 360 LA I am going to be buying a flywheel. And to my understanding all 318s LA or Mag flywheels interchange as they are internally balanced motors. The 360 on the other hand is external so it needs a properly weighted flywheel and front damper to not shake itself to pieces. Also the 360 Mag and LA flywheels are weighted differently so they do not interchange.



So ideally I would like one of the Mag options as from what I have heard they seem pretty stout and you are better off finding one of those in a wrecking yard that is useable without needing to be rebuilt. I plan to go carb either way simply as I already have most of the stuff for it. Including the Holley 4 barrel that came with the truck. I also plan to to retain the LA front dress and timing cover since I already have it and it seems to be in working order.



Basically I am trying to buy as little as possible (at the yard) since they don't sell complete engines, rather they still charge per main piece (block, head, intake, etc). I understand that I will need a new carbed intake for which I plan to use this one. ($189 no-name dual bolt pattern for LA/Mag). I haven't decided on electric vs mechanical pump as its only difference is the hughes cam adapter or using a electric edelbrock pump I already have. I am not really worried about the cost of the intake since the dual pattern means I could basically keep it in the truck forever no matter what engine is in it. Not really sure yet about distributor, I may just reuse the current one in the truck as it seems to work well. So to my understanding that just leaves the flywheel, to which I am very confused. Specifically on the 5.9, is there an OEM one I could find out in the wild or is it just bite the bullet and buy it new, and if that's the case is the extra money worth it to have a 5.9 when I could potentially get a 5.2 and find a used flywheel? Also I have read about the weights on the LA 360 flywheel, if I remove them could I use it as is on a 5.2 mag since then I suppose it would be neutral balanced? This is kinda where I am at and really looking for some insight on the subject.



Like I said this is my first Dodge so still learning, not afraid of the work though and I am up for the challenge. My dad will be assisting me as needed so I am not too worried about the assembly side. Oh also the trans is in perfect working order with a brand new clutch kit so ideally not wanting to mess with that. Thanks

 

I would go the used Magnum route. Find a yard that sells complete engines with warranty. www.car-part.com. Or check local ads for trucks being parted out.
I would also consider a Cummins swap if you can find the right parts truck with everything.

 

Keep in mind, the LA and magnum motors also have different intake bolt patterns. Angled vs. straight down I believe.

 

Good point, I think the complete engine might be the way to go as opposed to pulling it out then removing half of the stuff off it lol. I had no idea about this website, I found a running 5.9 with 160k miles less than 50 miles away for $550, I might have to contact them. Thanks. Also I found this sketchy looking intake that is supposedly dual pattern for both LA and Magnum heads on Ebay for $200. Saw some guys running them on YouTube and they seem to run alright. The link for it is: https://www.ebay.com/itm/15515169049...c3bc%7Ciid%3A1

 

Yeah, that's a copy of the Edelbrock air gap intake. With a good four barrel, it does pretty well.

 

Magnum swap i thing would be the best route. What about the AC, do you plan on using it? R12 is pricey and the compressor on the magnums can be used with a 134a conversion keeping the serpentine belt set up. I would look for lower mileage motor if possible or go over one with higher mileage. With 160K that's not exactly low miles. I bought two magnum motors with over 150k and both had wear on the cam lobes in back by the distributor. Something to look for if you plan on getting a magnum. You can look threw some info on it here.

 

So I am not concerned about A/C, I might just delete the lines and compressor and leave it with that. I also called another local yard around here, they have 4 different 5.9s for $185 a piece, mileage and condition unknown. I think the plan is to bring a socket set and a borescope and I will just take home the best of the 4. Way less than any other yards around here and I am willing to take a chance on it, plus it frees up some money to go over and clean it up. Thanks for that link btw, looks like there is a lot of good info here. Oh and those motors come with a 30 day warranty for "store credit" so if I get home and find something I don't like I can take it back and not be out anything.

 

Keep an eye out for a 1973-78 truck with the big block. If you find a rusty truck with a good engine and transmission, it will drop right into your truck. The basic frame and body was the same from late 1972 through 1993. I like the BB engines as they are a simpler design structure. My dream engine would be to find a 413, 426 Wedge or 400 engine a drop a long ram intake set up on it.

 

What? No 440??? If yer gonna go big block, go ALL the way.

 

I meant to type 440 instead of 400. I have health issues. Most notably Cranial Flatulence and Obese Digit syndrome. (Brain Farts and Fat Thumbs.) Basically the RB engines as the long ram will fit low deck engines, it isn't as effective.