Originally Posted by AtomicDog

When pulling the engine out of the truck, you have to unbolt the starter, transmission and flexplate/torque converter bolts. With the engine removed, the transmission is just sitting there with the torque converter in front of the transmission. At that point, you can pull the torque converter out of the transmission and slide another torque converter in its place. You can find an engine removal video on YouTube to better show/describe the process.

Originally Posted by BClark_35

Just read where the torque converter is the same on the MAGNUM 318/360 but not the LA 318/360. The difference on MAGNUM engines is the flexplate is weighted on the 360. Since I have a Magnum I am going to only have to have the flexplate for the 360 and the harmonic balancer. Luckily the engine I'm buying comes with both.

Originally Posted by HeyYou

Balance weights for the 360 moved from the converter, to the flexplate, in..... 96. So, as long as you have the correct flexplate for the 360, converter should be good to go.

Originally Posted by BClark_35

Awesome. Makes that easier. Pretty sure they didn't swap in the correct computer for the 318 as I barely get 10 mpg. I guess I definitely won't be using my engine to build anymore. Definitely buying a 360. Still trying to wrap my brain around why anyone would want to swap in the smaller engine...

Originally Posted by HeyYou

Maybe they were hoping for better gas mileage.

Size of the engine should be cast into the side of the block somewhere.......

Originally Posted by HeyYou

Do a compression test. Record the numbers. That will give you a good idea of what shape it's in.