diff between magnum and non-magnum

Subject: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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I'm looking for a project engine to rebuild

hopefully a 318.

I'm just wondering what, if any the differences between a magnum engine and a non-magnum.

and if need be can you turn an older 318 into a magnum?

Manny
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2007
23:35:27

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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Magnum is what Dodge calls all its engines now (except diesels).
It's a selling point. A bit of advertizement, meant to make the customer think he's getting something special when, actually, one is just like any other.
Everything is x.xL Magnum.

gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2007
00:33:57

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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Dodge doesn't make 318's anymore, and since that's the engine in question.....
The Magnum series 318 and 360 were the last evolutionary changes to the LA-series engines, circa 1968. Fast-burn heads, developed in the 80's were tweaked a bit more and the intake manifold was changed. The rockers were changed from shaft-mount, to the AMC-stle stud-mounted rockers, and the ration went up from 1.52 to 1.6. The water pump and fan on Magnums turn opposite of engine rotation due to the Magnum-only serpentine accessory belt. The 318/340/360 LA engines are easily converterd to Magnum status, and you can read all about it here:
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0507phr_mopar_magnum_engine_specs/
and here:
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/116_0401_318/index1.html
Keep in mind that Magnum heads do not have exhaust heat crossovers so an electric choke is pretty much a must-have for cold weather drivability with a carburetor. Otherwise, stick with fuel injection.

Flippy
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2007
00:54:28

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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boy, you sure told us off

gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2007
01:18:07

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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So much for the BF method of birth-control.

Anyway, Killboyy, get this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Build-Performance-Chrysler-Engines-Design/dp/1884089542/sr=1-2/qid=1170223186/ref=sr_1_2/105-5975112-2085209?ie=UTF8&s=books
It clearly shows what will and will not swap between the Magnums and LA's with clear pictures and explanations, and without all the high-brow engineering jargon. Extremely helpful. It also covers other Mopar engines.

Killboyy
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2007
20:06:04

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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so if they dont make a 318 anymore, what are they making?

killboyy
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2007
20:08:46

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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sry i mean in the magnum line of engines

Shoe
GenIII

1/31/2007
20:52:30

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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The 4.7 replaced the 318 in 2000 and then as soon as the last R/Ts were made it was no more 360s.

'97 RC V6, 5spd, soon to be V8, 5spd!

gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/01/2007
02:30:39

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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And the 5.7 Hemi filled the 360's place in the line-up.

hemichuck
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2007
14:47:52

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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gen1dak had kind of the right answer but maybe not enough detail.The earlier LA engines (273,318,340 and 360)can be adapted to use the magnum heads but the major differences are the fact that the magnum motors oil the head through the lifters and the earlier engines oiled through the rocker shafts.Thats why you have to block the oil passage in the block to install magnum heads on an early engine.The magnums dont have this passage drilled which is why you cant use the early heads on a magnum block.
The big problem with the early motors is that they dont have the motor mount bosses in the block to install Dakota mounts and they are also lacking the bosses to mount the crank pickup behind the head.I have a 1989 Dakota that I have put a 5.9 magnum into but there were a couple of minor details that had to be taken care of.The pre 92 Dakotas didnt have a notch in the passenger side frame rail that it needs for header (or exhaust manifold)clearance and of course you have to swap the 91 and later core support and grill and bumper for the radiator clearance.Swapping the Magnum engine into the older Dakotas is much easier than swapping the early motors into the 1992 and later Dakotas.There are a number of subtle differences that you can overcome if you really want to swap a motor that bad.Sorry guys,didnt mean to write a book but I've done quite a few of these swaps and its hard to explain it all in one sentence.Hope this helps,hemichuck

gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2007
02:51:55

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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The whole thing has been written here many times now. The book I listed covers all this. You don't need to block the oil passages in the block....the heads do that effectively. Since the question was pertaining to swapping to Magnum heads, the stud-mount, pushrod-oiled rockers are a given. Also, the links I listed cover the other nuances of the swap, particularly the oiling issue. As for the crank sensor, an aftermarket front mount unit can be substituted. As for the swap, changing out the front bumper, etc is one way. Using an aftermarket radiator that fits within the radiator support frame (forward about 4 inches compared to stock) is another way....this makes room for the fan assembly, and you don't have to change any grille/bumper, or other pieces.

hemichuck
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2007
09:39:11

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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Sorry,I thought the question was "and if need be can you turn an older 318 into a magnum" so I believe the correct answer would be NO unless you have the ability to overcome minor problems like being able to mount it in your vehicle with the factory components and make it run with simple bolt on parts.I was answering the question for the benefit of us average guys doing engine swaps as opposed to someone who is obviously on a much higher intellectual level where simple problems just overcome themselves.I will be happy to stop posting on this sight and leave these guys in your capable hands.You seem to have all of the answers.Good luck guys

csm
Dodge Dakota
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2/14/2008
13:23:31

looking for a 360
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I need to know what the last year they put carbs on the dakotas. My
main goal is to get a bare bones 360 and a manual tranny out of a
318 dakota. Balance the fly wheel. Is there any hang ups I should
know about

dakota49
Dodge Dakota
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2/14/2008
19:26:22

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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The only year the Dakota's used a carb was in 87
(that was the first year for the Dak.)

gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/14/2008
21:55:00

RE: diff between magnum and non-magnum
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And there were no V8's in them.

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