Swaping stock LA heads for Magnum heads - Mopar Muscle Forums at Mopar Muscle Magazine

Swaping stock LA heads for Magnum heads

  
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Swaping stock LA heads for Magnum heads

 
Millet11 Millet11
New User | Posts: 4 | Joined: 09/09
Posted: 09/22/09
03:03 PM

i recently purchased a 1971 dodge dart swinger and am building a 360 for it. im kinda on a tight budget being in school and found a pair of magnum heads for cheap. i was wondering what i needed to convert a 360 LA engine to the magnum heads, or if there is a kit out there. I believe you need new pushrods, and lifters. any help would be greatly appreciated

thanks  

 
drmopar drmopar
Guru | Posts: 843 | Joined: 02/08
Posted: 09/22/09
05:27 PM

Pushrods. However you need to beware, Magnum heads have problems with cracking. They cannot be machined more than .035 thousands on the deck, they are simply to thin. Not even sure why you would want to install them on an LA motor. If they were so great why did edelbrock design their aluminum head after the mighty LA design.
Also the rocker align becomes an issue with more than .500 cam lift.
Doc  

 
Millet11 Millet11
New User | Posts: 4 | Joined: 09/09
Posted: 09/24/09
10:53 AM

the heads that came with the motor were junk and he offered me these for $50. Would you say the LA heads are better?  

 
drmopar drmopar
Guru | Posts: 843 | Joined: 02/08
Posted: 09/24/09
01:21 PM

The big push for the magnum heads are simple, they are readily available. However there are lots of the LA heads still around, just go to your local wrecking yd. and scoop some off any pre 90 360. They were installed in tons of trucks and some cars.
Install a set of 2.02 valves, port and polish, with this work done they will flow similar to the original 340 heads.
Be sure to get heads off a 74 & up motor, they have the hardened exhaust seats.
Doc  

 
Millet11 Millet11
New User | Posts: 4 | Joined: 09/09
Posted: 09/30/09
08:01 AM

Thanks alot for your help i found a set of LA heads off a 78 360 in good shape next time i head home i'll port and polish and find a set of valves thanks again  

 

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