I have a 1986 w150 that needs a motor, but I am no mechanic and have limited funds . What I would like to do is find a good deal on a junk yard 360 of any year model and swap it or have someone do it for me, either way I don't know what converts and what doesn't. Any help on just some basic info would be great. I have rebuilt the 727 and done a lot of the other basic stuff to it, I just don't want to trash it but I am lost.

 

If you do not have to deal with a state smog or inspection program... Then Do the swap... There will be some items needed... Carb, intake, gaskets, fuel system, wiring, Convertor Flex plate, Stuff to deal with in the convertion system.

Or

Just rebuild what you have in the truck already.

Just find a good Mopar shop to help you out....

 

First, what was in it? If you had a 318, that means the converter is what has been known as "neutral balance" and if you put in an LA (not a mag) 360, you'll either need to replace the converter, or buy a weighted aftermarket converter, or some guys weld weights on the 318 converter. That is not for the novice, in my opinion

Now a 360LA and a 360 Mag are DIFFERENT external balance. This means the same weighted flex plate for an LA cannot be used on a mag, and of course neither can the converter.

My understanding is that all? mag flex plates are weighted to the engine, something that is NOT true with LA engines. They also changed the converter bolt pattern. I AM TOLD you can drill out the "odd" bolt on the newer flex plate and bolt it to an older, NEUTRAL balance converter.

If you HAD a 360 LA (with weighted converter) I believe you can knock the weights off (grinder and chisel) and install a 360 mag with the mag matching factory flex, again, drill out a mounting hole

I don't believe any mag engines had fuel pumps so you'll have to provide and electric pump

The intake manifolds will not interchange between LA and mag. If you are going to go with a carb, you'll have to spend a fair amount of money on an aftermarket intake to fit the mag.

Frankly, 'with limited funds' I'd be sticking with "all LA" stuff. What came out of it, and what is wrong with it? 360LA? high mileage? What would it take to rebuild it?

How "big" is your town? You might find a good running 360LA and the problem would be done.

 

Wow! It actually sounds like quite a bit more work Thani wanted to get into doing the switch to magnum (over my head a little). Let me ask you this? I have no and I mean zero compression on one cylinder per side. I'm thinking rebuild obviously. But like I said I'm no mechanic and dodge is like Chinese to me,am I on the right page here thinking I need a motor? Is there something right in front of my face that I'm missing?

 

If you rotate the engine so a cylinder is on compression stroke with both valves closed then pressurize with compressed air you can listen at carb, oil fill and exhaust pipe to hear where it is leaking by.

Carb = Bad Intake valve.

Oil Fill = Bad Rings.

Exhaust pipe = Bad Exhaust Valve.

 

Zero compression in two cylinders on different sides is more than likely a bad valve. Start by checking the rocker arms and push rods If they are ok ? Pull the heads and have them checked

 

Thank you guys so much!!! I'll start there. My brother is a shade tree mech and he swears it's a Hole in more than one piston, I'm not a know it all but I don't buy that. Anyway this gives me a good starting point. Thanks again

 

It's not hard to do a Magnum swap I can layout all that is needed to do so with or without A/C I've done this swap numerous times truck & car

 

I just completed a magnum swap into an '86 W250 with a 4 speed. I can tell you it is a basic "direct bolt" but yes it is super expensive to get the intake and carburetor set up necessary to complete it. So far I have almost 2000 invested in used magnum motor, intake, carb, and all the other goodies needed to make it happen.

 

If you go the serpentine route using A/C. you can figure
Edelbrock RPM $305+ $10 shipping
Carter PE4070 $80 AZ or O Rielly
92-3 A/C lines $350 dealer

I used BPE throttle cable bracket & kickdown kit on all of mine $150 for both

If you go without A/C

Crosswinds intake $189 shipped
Hughes cam extension $20 shipped

I buy my used Magnums for $300-500

 

Here's my Ramcharger with 97 360 Magnum with serpentine & A/C

 

You can put a mechanical fuel pump on a Magnum easy also & the flex plate needs a little touch with a burr bit as the one bolt hole is only 1/16 or so off 97-up 360's are what I use & are a different balance than 93-96 ones on 99-02 360's you have to change the balancer to 97-98 style with bolt on pulley to use V belt style pulleys & LA front on the Magnum
If you use a 92-96 water pump with a bolt on pulley you can get a true underdrive pulley kit for the serpentine drive