I am sure this is a tired old question, but please forgive me I have searched high and low to no avail for a solid answer.

I have bought a 1985 D350 with an engine knock because it has a near immaculate frame and body and was very cheap considering today's used truck market. It currently has the 360LA and I was hoping to swap it out with another engine so I can rebuild it at my leisure and get the truck running as soon as possible.
​​​​​I can find a remanufactured LA and am willing to go that route, so first question is: Is the Magnum a big enough upgrade to worry about any of this?
I know it will bolt to my 727 transmission.
What is unclear is what other modifications I would need to make. Everything I find online has to do with swapping a magnum into a car not a truck.
I would probably try and leave as much on the LA as possible and go in with all new components on the Magnum as possible.
Am I on crack for considering this or no?
Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

This makes for a great swap. I believe you will need an intake manifold, a flex plate and possibly a distributor drive because of the roller cam. What you can use is the front accessories including the water pump plus the oil pan and pick up from the LA motor however, I am unsure about the exhaust manifolds, I know the magnum manifolds flow better. The swap will give you an increase in performance and efficiency over the LA motor, enjoy.

One more thing is that you might want to consider adding Holley FI instead of a carburetor if the truck is as nice as you say it is…

Yet another thing, motor mounts I seam to remember that early magnums had LA mounts, cast into them along with a magnum mounts but later didn’t but I believe adapter mounts are available.

 

I cannot express how much really appreciate your time and the quick response.

https://www.high-performance-engines...=HP73&CartID=1

If I were to purchase an engine like this, am I correct in understanding all I'll need to do is swap over the front accessories? I am already planning on replacing all the wiring due to drying and cracking.

 

Like I said you can use all of the front accessories AC, alternator, power steering, water pump and timing chain cover from your LA 360 on your Magnum, even the fuel pump if you use the mechanical pump with the cam centric.