Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Hill
Do they have a newer mopar "big book"? I'm looking for info on what would be the best junk yard engine to get for a 73 dart I have with a blown 318 engine. The newest book we have here is one that referances a ported 318 swirl head that was much better than the standard ported 360 head. But given the IHRA crate motor cars, I'd say the magnum heads are better.
My gut says the best junk yard engine would be a 5.9 magnum from a dodge truck, but I have no idea what would be the best year to get due to valve sizes, head castings, etc. Then put a 4 bbl intake on it and have some fun.
Are there any issues converting a 5.9 magnum truck engine to carb engine?
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No issues in converting to a carb BUT if you use a junk yard engine make sure you have the heads crack checked. Daily abuse, hot OEM temps, high milage and poor castings make most unusable. Either the LA style or the Magnum are good combos. The Magnum heads are better than the older LA heads on the exhaust side but carry more HP factor for whatever class you would run. Plus there is the advantage of the roller Hyd. cam. I would use the new Indy heads for either as they are better quality, flow better, and are new and fairly cheap and legal replacements. Email Myron or Tim Sloan on this site for the correct numbers and style head. They are better informed as I have been out of it for a long time as far as tech goes. The heads are the same except for the way the rocker arms are mounted and flow much better on the exhaust side.