What is the difference between the 360 LA and the 360 Magnum?

Also can I change a 318 or 360 LA to 360 Magnum Heads? If so, do I need to change the push rods?

I am having trouble finding information on this. Thanks

 

The 360's are all external balanced, and the LA and Magnum are balanced different FROM EACH OTHER.

So originally, 273/ 318/ 340's (LA) used unweighted torque converters. There would be small weights to balance the converter, but not the big weights used on the LA

So to use a 360, you need to either change the converter or buy an aftermarket (B&M) flex plate which is properly "un" balanced to use an LA 360 with a neutral converter.

Sometime in the late 80's the LA blocks went to roller cams. My understanding is that these need special considerations as the push rod angles are different.

The Magnums do NOT oil up through the block and heads as the LA, but rather through the pushrods like a Chivvy.

My understanding is that all? late? Magnums do not use proprietary converters (might be wrong) but rather use "un" balanced flex plates. IF you use a Magnum to replace an LA 360, you need a different balance situation.

One last thing, is the early torque converters. Pre 68 converters/ engines had smaller torque converter registers, so trying to use an early converter with a later engine means you need a bushing ring on the converter pilot.

Also be aware that some automatic cranks were not only unfinished undersize in the pilot bore, but in some cases were not drilled deep enough!!! If using a stick transmission.

I don't know why you "can't find information" there is tons of it on the www.

What you really need to do is list your specific car/ transmission combo and the specific engine you want to install, so someone can detail the differences.

 

Just to add to 440roadrunners excellent post The angle of the intake bolts are different. Magnum heads require magnum intake.

 

yes la intakes are at a 45* angle or so and the magnum ones are straight up and down 90*. You can put magnum heads on a la block and vise versa but you have to put the appropriate intake on. HOWEVER.... Hughes engines does something called a double bolt pattern (something along those lines) where the intake their selling has both magnum and la bolting angles.

 

https://play.google.com/store/books/...SABEgJjkPD_BwE

this book covers any and all differences between the magnum motor and the LA motor,
also covers any and all differences in heads: x,j, magnum, W2 etc.
strongly recommend this book .

 

So I have a 5.9 Magnum from a 2001 truck. The transmission I have is from a 93 Dakots 5.2. 46RH or 518 its also called.
Does anyone know what is needed to make this setup play nice together? Its going to go in a 1974 Duster.
I plan on an engine harness from HotWire Auto. Thank you for any advise you may have.