Joined: Fri Oct 09 2009, 09:27PM
Location: yakima
Posts: 64
A friend of one from school picked up a 5.2 for $300 and it has made me decide to stop buying parts for my old LA 318 I am figuring it would cost me about $1500 - $2000 to do the swap and keep it carbureted. I remember hearing some were that some one makes an intake manifold that is drilled for both the LA and the magnum motors any one know who makes these? I was thinking of I could locate one I could use it on my current motor tell I could afford a motor and the rest of the parts for the swap. I figure a new carb and intake alone will cost any were from $500 to $700 after its installed. <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited ]</span>
Joined: Fri Oct 09 2009, 09:27PM
Location: yakima
Posts: 64
Found it its part # 55026 through summit racing called the crosswind from professional products. Was thinking if I went this rout I would use a 625 speed demon and later add a holley red pump before I do the magnum swap. I know I will kneed a new lower pulley from a newer 318 because mine has an offset bolt and I want to use my old water pump and pulleys so that my hoses for the water pump are in the right places. Am I missing any thing here is this all the parts I am going to kneed? What about my distributor?
You don't need an electric fuel pump as there is an adapter to install on the front of the cam so you can retain the use of you're fuel pump eccentric. http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/products.php?browse=category&level0=U21hbGwgQmxvY2sgTWFnbnVtICgzLjkvNS4yLzUuOSk=&level1=VGltaW5nIENoYWluICYgQ29tcG9uZW50&partid=22194 Just install this along with the (NEW eccentric as the old one is probably worn out) fuel pump eccentric and you can retain you're old timing cover and bolt the mechanical pump and waterpump right up. Older style Dist should drop right in as the new one had an optic pickup i believe. I think someone makes the correct modified pulley for that also,as i'll check. If you are using the 727 or 904,i think you may need a new flexplate,but i'm not sure. I'm contemplating building a E-58 360 LA shortblock with magnum heads for someone,so as i'm doing some research i will pass along some info to you. You can get a cam from Hughes for about $200 that'll really wake this up and you can retain the use of you're used roller lifters unless they are worn out (i would recommend new,but hey you're on a budget and i understand). Other than that it's pretty straight forward. This thing will move you're C around real good. Also you are probably going to need a front/center oil pan and pickup as the magnum truck pans are rear sump. 360 only as you're 318 pan won't fit.
Glen <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Sat Nov 14 2009, 10:04AM ]</span>
Joined: Fri Oct 09 2009, 09:27PM
Location: yakima
Posts: 64
Thanks for the sights I have a new Mopar performance fuel pump still in the box was hopping it would not have to go to waist also means I don�t have to run new lines. Another question my fuel pump is 8 psi so I think I am going to need a fuel pump regulator will I have to run a 3 port regulator with a return to the tank or will a 2 port be ok? Don�t want to damage my pump. <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Sat Nov 14 2009, 12:34PM ]</span>
At 8 lbs. of fuel pump pressure you are at the max that Holley recommends (not sure about the speed demon). Just get a cheap holley reg. from Summit or Jegs for $25-$30 and plumb it direct and you'll be good to go,as there is no need for a return. The 5/16" line will be alright until you start making some horsepower. If you can go to 3/8" (or #6 A/N fittings and line) line from fuel pump to carb now, along with the good pump,reg. and Speed demon,...there is no need to upgrade for a long time! Keep the regulator as close to the carb as possible.
Joined: Wed Dec 21 2005, 07:34AM
Location: indiana
Posts: 791
One thing to realize is that the Magnum heads do not have any provisions for an exhaust crossover, and the Crosswind manifold is an �airgap� style, so you�ll have to run an electric choke (not a big deal). However, you�ll have minimal plenum heating to help with fuel atomization.
Yes, you�ll get some heat conduction from the heads into the intake, but nowhere near as much as with a factory crossover setup. Some guys discard the importance of the crossover when focusing on performance, but IMHO it is important for good fuel atomization -- and not just at startup or in cold weather, but all the time. A buddy of mine installed such a carb setup on a 5.9 Magnum in a Dakota; it was a bit cold-natured until it got warmed up. I�m not saying you�ll have a problem, I�m just mentioning it so you can be aware.
There is a lot of info on Moparts.com about Magnum swaps. Polaraco did a great writeup on here about a factory EFI Magnum retrofit, but for carbed info Moparts will probably have more.
Joined: Tue Jan 16 2007, 07:35PM
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 455
As Glen stated the 318 uses the 360 oil pan. I think you can just slot the bolt hole in the pulley. I believe it was around 96 when the flex plate/TQ went symetrical patern. Earlier should be OK. 5.2 is still internal balance, but 5.9 is external but different that older 360s. That is all I can think of for now that hasn't really been covered. <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Wed Nov 18 2009, 07:02PM ]</span>