A buddy of mine has a '79 Magnum 360-2V his dad bought new...after about 160,000 miles the oil pump died (he thinks), oil pressure dropped to nothing, quit running, won't start. He wants to either rebuild the one that's in it, or put in a new one, he has no mechanical abilities but loves the car, and I just don't have time with all my projects to help...any suggestions as to where to find another motor?? JC Whitney? Pep Boys? Damn near impossible to find a decent running 318/360 in wrecking yards anymore, and even then you don't know what you're getting. He lives north of Seattle...any thoughts? Anyone know a decent engine rebuilder in Washington state??

 

have him rebuild it be a great learning process.

 

May be less costs to go rebuilt, you don't know what you'll get salvage.
If it were ran long with no oil pump, there may be extensive damage.
http://www.bestrebuiltengines.com/CHRYSLER8.htm

http://www.rebuiltcrateengines.com/
Read the article about considering aused engine.

 

First question, obviously, will the engine turn by hand? If not, it could be seized up, and may not be salvageable. I have a core 360 sitting in my garage if you find that the motor in the the Magnum is a boat anchor. As for builders, I remember a guy in Merrysville that was at the Mopar club meeting talking about his shop. Sounded pretty good. As for the Edmonds, N Seattle area, I'm clueless. I'm in Everett looking for an engine builder myself, and am thinking of going to Marrysville for my motors.

Good luck, and let us know what happens.

Also...have your buddy join, and get some pics up of that Magnum

j

 

Probably took out the rings/cylinders if ran a while without oil pressure, thus no compression to start.

For the engine to just quit though, would lead me to believe it is another issue, possibly the drive gear broke, which runs pump and distributor. Could also be a snapped camshaft, broke timing chain,...etc.