Okay I can't remember what the diff is between the magnum blocks and the LA block? Can I use non-Magnum heads on a Magnum block?

I know the heads are interchangeable. I need specifics on this swap. Magnum heads on a 318 LA block. What head gaskets should I use? Any machining or modifications that need to be made? I'm swapping an entire serpentine system from a 92' Ram pick-up to my 85' Ram pick-up. From what I have found it will be less of a headache to use the magnum heads with the swap. Don't really want to take off my large valve heads or change my headers. Any insight is helpful.

I did some snooping around on here and found what you and I both need. Just go to the moparts tech archive. It has all the info you will need.

Hey bones81 I'm happy for you that you got your answer. Unfortunately for me (the original poster) My answer has not been solved. I've already gone to the tech archives. What I'm wanting to know is if there is a difference between the blocks? Magnum vs. Non-Magnum. I have two side by side and I honestly can't see any difference between the two but then again I've been drinking so... can anyone ELSE help me?

LA blocks oil the head through the mating surface.

Magnum blocks oil the rockers through the pushrods.

To put a non-mag head on a mag engine you need to get oil through lifters and pushrods, and make sure the top end is compatible with them.

So magnum blocks dont provide oil to the rocker shafts? Oil through lifters and pushrods are easy but what to do about oiling the rockers? And what do you mean about making sure the top end is compatable?

you either need to plumb the heads externally like the indy big block heads do, or drill the #2 and #4 cam jounrals for the oil passages to the deck, run a cam with the oil holes (or cut a groove into the #2 and #4 journals in the cam), and run LA cam bearings.

LA headers will work with magnum heads. they have bigger valves than LA 360 heads, better port velocity & flow, as well as smaller combustion chambers, for a ~.7:1 compression boost over LA 360 heads.

Also worth noting, is that some headers will not clear the magnum mid-block motor mount lugs, drivers side I believe.

There are some earlier magnum blocks that do indeed have these holes for shaft oiling.
I have personally seen them.

The magnum also has the clearance needed to use roller rockers. Everything you need for the conversion is located here:
http://www.mopartsracing.com/parts/a.html

Half way down the page you will see:

Magnum Cylinder Head Conversion Components
Designed to allow the use of Magnum engine heads on pre-1992 Small Blocks. Requires the use of Magnum cylinder heads, hydraulic pushrods, Jeep tappets, and eight Magnum engine rocker arms (P4876050) to oil rocker arms through tappet and pushrod.
P5007477 Hydraulic Pushrods — 7.625", Set of 16 (1967–91 Small Block) 37.95
P4529220AB Hydraulic Tappet — Sold Individually (Small Block) 10.75
P4876050 Rocker Arm Set — Single Cylinder (5.9L Magnum, Magnum Crate Engines; Does Not Fit 4.7L)
Hope this answers your questions. The tech thread would have the same answers.
Craig

when using a mag serp set up on the LA

you will need a short nose cam and elect fuel pump

they have long and short nose cams in some pre mag roller engines

mag has a slightly thiner part of rod at piston and balanced just a little diff

some are drilled for LA style head only(early mags)

they use a short nose roller cam under the serp t-cover

has mag mounts on the middle of block sides

fly wheel are slight diff also

intake bolts on the mag heads are diff than LA heads

you can mix match to make a hybrid roller cam non mag engine

mags have short PR and diff rockers 1.6 non adjustables

you can get eq heads with mag head and LA style intake bolts cheap for them now days also

318 mag now has the same rear main seal pan as a 360 does across the board and use a 1 piece oil pan gasket IIRC

maybe that help OP of this post on his ?s