Oil Pan Plug magnet not pretty...

[ramairthree]

The 318 in my '74 has flicks of metal on the magnetic oil plug.
I have not pulled the filter and cut in in half yet but don't figure that changing my assesment anyway.

Sound wise the motor has sticky lifters but the shavings were a surprise.

I have been searching and reading up on salvage 5.7 Hemi and junkyard pulled 360 magnum swaps instead of rebuilding or getting an LA 360.

the trend seems to be the most cost effective is to get a 360 magnum with accesories/serpentine system intact, and the appropriate mounts and mods to the PS location/bracket, and an electric fuel pump, LA small block oil pan, an intake, and carb. and the necessary parts to bolt it to the original tranny.

Two questions I am not finding much information on,
is it worth keeping/getting/using the magnum EFI and ECM based on hassle and cost?

is it worth taking on the additional mods and costs of keeping an overdrive tranny that could come with a magnum engine?

I would lke to here from anyone that has gone this route already and any insight, lessons learned, recomendations.  Thank you.

[Troy]

How much do you want to spend? It's a lot cheaper to just buy an "LA" 360 and the conversion parts. I had a 5.7 and currently have a 5.9 Magnum for swaps. It's cheapest to convert to carb and the 5.9 will be cheaper than the Hemi either way (EFI or carb). I believe it's possible to keep the factory computer for a 5.9 - just get a stick shift version if you keep the original trans. The 5.7 is a much bigger deal. If you go with an a518 overdrive automatic it will take some work to get it to fit the car (again more $$$) but stay away from the later versions unless you're definitely keeping the factory computer.

I can't imagine that either approach is cheaper than finding - or building - a 360 (remember the 360 oil pan is different than the 318 so they don't swap!). You can, however, convert the 5.9 to use your existing timing chain cover, accessories, and fuel pump (assuming you keep it carbureted) so things are a lot simpler. As for whether it's worth it, you can burn up a whole lot of gas for what it *might* cost to do the conversion. EFI would be preferable but, just for example, if it costs you an extra $1,600-1,800 to gain 3 mpg you'd have to drive about 56,000 miles (at today's prices) before breaking even. On the other hand, I spend a lot of time on the highway so overdrive (or highway gears at least) keeps me sane. Having EFI for easier starts and all weather/all altitude driving takes some of the frustration out of my life - but it's hard to put a price on.

Your best bet would be to find a low mileage "rollover" truck (or one that's been hit hard in the back) and take everything you can. You might be able to do the whole swap for less than the cost of rebuilding a 360 - albiet with more work and frustration.

Troy

[ramairthree]

thank you for the info.
I may have my understanding wrong.

I thought the best bang for the buck was a running, pulled 360 magnum with accesories.  Well under 1k with some minor issues to use the engine with the 904 already in the car. I think they made these from 93 to 03.  I knew the oil pan would need to be swapped, but yes I forgot the LA 318/360 oil pans are not the same.

cheaper but maybe not as much bang for the buck a pulled, running LA pre-92 360.  least hassle.

little hassle, but more money than either, a rebuilt LA 360.

little hassle, but lots of money, a HP LA 360 magnum heads, but old school accessories crate engine

coolest, most money, lots of hassle keeping EFI,
going to 5.7 Hemi, OD tranny, etc.

I would like to cross my fingers and go for a pulled pre 92 LA 360,
but I have been zero for three with a "running when pulled" Pontiac 455, TH400, and BW M12 in the past. well, sure they worked when pulled. and for a little while after I got them...