318 to 360 Magnum swap

[DR1969]

Just after some info on swapping from 318 LA engine to a 360 Magnum in a 69 Charger,  I believe its a fairly straight swap, but just wondering about headers? mounts? flex plate? or something really obvious
i'm not thinking of ?
the car has power steering
any advice or info would be a great help.
cheers David

[Troy]

It is a fairly straight swap. Headers for an LA engine will fit the Magnum. Mounts are slightly different for all 340/360 and can be tough to find. However, most people just add washers or a spacer and reuse the 318 mounts. The mounting ear locations are maybe 1/2" closer(?) on one side. The 360 is balanced differently than the others AND the Magnum is different than the earlier LA 360. You need the flex plate that matches the motor. Mopar sells a balance weight kit to convert a non-balanced flex plate. You need a car oil pan and pick up (assuming your Magnum came from a truck). Again, the 360 pan is different than the 318.

The biggest question is whether you want to keep the EFI or not? If you want to convert to a carb then you need to do something about fuel delivery. The Magnum has a serpentine belt system and NO provision for a mechanical fuel pump. Luckily, the front end of a 318 bolts right on (timing cover, brackets, accessories, etc.). Even then, you still can't install a mechanical pump because the Magnum cam doesn't have the eccentric on the front to move the pump arm. Hughes sells a bolt on piece to solve the problem. The Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap intake has great reviews. If you want to keep the EFI then you need to install some sort of electric fuel delivery and engine computer/harness. You also have to deal with the throttle cable fitment and oxygen sensor(s). The factory "beer barrel" intake is ok for torque but really isn't  all that great in a car. It should fit under the hood though.

Troy

[toocheaptosmoke]

A van power steering pump bracket will clear the stock battery tray, if you keep the serpentine belt.  Had to splice two different steering lines to connect to the magnum PS pump to stock '73 steering box. 

[DR1969]

Thanks for the advice, looks like there are some good aftermarket mounts available, and with the right flex plate i should be on the right track. The engine comes with carby and standard belt setup.
cheers David

[scatpack69]

http://www.magnumswap.com/first-steps/

here is some info on doing this. I am swapping a 360 into my 69 318 car