Say, does anyone have any experience replacing an older Dodge 360 LA engine? I am in need of an overhaul versus a crate engine. I have restored a 1972 Dodge B-300 (one ton) van which was originally a Chinook Camper Van. I need the HP and Torque spec on the stock 360 to compare with the new engines. My van weighs about 6200 lbs and I pull a Aljo Trailer which weighs about 3000 lbs. My sick engine pulls the load but not very well. Also has anyone had any experience with the Magnum Heads? I have heard the Magnum Heads have cracking problems? I would like to talk with anyone who has installed a Mopar crate engine.
Mike

 

These are 1978 specs, but it should give you an idea.

 

I've not had any issues with the Magnum heads on the two Magnum engines. Actually, the Magnum engines have much more power overall compared to the LA engines. Of course, if you upgrade to the Magnum engine, you will need the computer too.

 

Thanks for the info. I just have to digest this in deciding which way to go. Thanks again.
Mike

 

Thanks for the info. I just have to digest all this information and decide which way to go.
Mike

 

From the Allpar chart, you would need a Dodge 440cid engine to equal the power and torque of a 5.2L/318 Magnum engine. The Magnum engines eve got better MPG too.

Also from the Allpar site, if you can get a 1988-1991 5.2L/318cid or 5.9L/360cid non-Magnum engine that is OBD-I, the performance would be better than your 1978 vintage engine and would be a better engine swap. You would move up from carb to TBI too. When you hit the OBD-II Magnum era engines, you may need to replace the instrument cluster and find a BCM computer that talks to the PCM computer. That can be a pain.