Well after shopping around for Pull - Rebuild - Install pricing, there seems to be no way I can afford to keep the 340 in our truck. With at least one set of rings gone and main or rod bearings on their way out, I guess it's time to buy a salvage yard motor.

Calling around I've found several 318's available for between $400 - $550.

I want to be able to use all the new parts I put on the 340, like intake manifold, distributor, alternator the valve covers etc....

My 340 is a '72 and is bolted up to a 727 trans.
The engines I've been looking at range from '91 - '94, '95 like that.

Is it a pretty safe assumption that I will be able to swap parts from my old 340 to a newer 318?

Any tips on buying a salvage yard motor?

Thank you
Joe.

 

You are probably looking at Magnum 5.2 318's which started production in 92. There are enough differences that will make it difficult to change over. Without going into the differences I would suggest looking for a shaft rocker engine, then your change over will be trouble free. A 85-87 with 302 heads would be a good choice.

 

I agree, I'd either make the choice to "stay LA" or "go Magnum" but since you are on a budget, I'd say look for older LA engines.

I'm not sure you can find a GOOD low miles LA, though, as old as they are getting to be, as opposed to cheaper than rebuilding the 340, unless it needs the cylinders rebored.

Since you are junkyard hoppin' don't discount a 360. Only big difference there is it needs a weighted torque converter, or different flywheel if you have a stick. Since you are into junkyards, you might find the matching parts right on the rig.

 

Thanks guys.

When did they start going with fuel injection?
I surely am going to want a carburetor engine.

Thank you
Joe.

 

Here is a good read. http://www.allpar.com/mopar/318.html
The chronology is not complete as 85 and on some still had flat tappets. It was a confusing time with some blocks having provisions for the roller spider but still had shaft roller oiling. The TBI was 88. The easy answer is the 10 bolt valve cover Magnum heads will not accept an LA intake manifold. The manifold bolts go in vertically not on an angle like yours.

 

Thank you for the link and the easy answer. That's what I need, easy answers

Oh, I should ask too, is there a vin# designation that would tell me what motor is in a vehicle?

I sure appreciate the help.

Thank you
Joe.

 

On late models Look on the emission label under the hood. Will have the engine listed

 

Had a salvage yard call me back today about a '86 318.

"runs great, $500".

Q. Did you do a compression test?
A. No

Q. Will you do a compression test?
A. No.

Q. Can I do a compression test?
A. No

I've got one that runs good and has a bad cylinder that fails the compression test, so....... Still looking!

Joe.

 

You should be able to get a 360 for the same price as a 318. Also look for some Dodge campers. you can usually get them for about the same price of a motor and scrap/sell the rest to offset the cost.

 

(quote)I'm not sure you can find a GOOD low miles LA, though,

barfly I am in Northern Wisc. So getting here would be a long trip but I have an 86,000 mile 318, from a 68 Fury, in good shape. I also have a few more with more miles but they are complete and good to go. Another is still in the polara, if you wanna hear it run. Come and get one for free if you want to make the trip.