Moparts
Would you choose a 318 or 360?
Posted By: Skid_Demon
Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 04:56 PM
I am going to build up a 40's dodge pickup to be a driver, used 3-4000 miles during the driving season. I have a chance to buy a mid-70's 318 2bbl from a car. Runs great, good price, he will pull and load in my trailer. I can buy a 360 in a 1977 motorhome. 2bbl, runs great, but I would have to pull the engine out and scrap out the rest. The 360 would cost about $150 more after everything is said and done. I have the 727 tranny, just need the correct TC. Would there much difference in performance between the two? Would one get better economy, would the 360 feel that much stronger? Not really looking forward to laying on the frozen ground outside to pull the 360, but perhaps it's worth the numb fingers. Gotta keep the budget in mind. What do you think? Thanks!!
Posted By: dogdays
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 05:01 PM
The 318 is a good starting point. That truck shouldn't weigh that much.
R.
Posted By: DPelletier
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 05:05 PM
Depends what you want, but yeah, the 360 will feel stronger. At the end of the day, 42 cu in is 42 cu in and there really IS no replacement for displacement.
Dave
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 05:21 PM
That 360 was worked to near death in a motorhome, I bet at least one of the heads are cracked. I'd go for the 318 myself unless I was going to rebuild it and replace the heads, then maybe the 360. No fun getting rid of the rest of the motorhome either.
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 06:41 PM
I would pass on both engines. Find yourself a 90's magnum 318. Will be stronger and get better mpg than either of the engines you mentioned. They have moly rings so they last much much longer than the old 318 and 360's and being run on fuel injection their whole life means that they will be way more clean inside. Even if you ditch the EFI and switch it to carb you are still better off IMO.
Posted By: 76dodgeboy
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 07:10 PM
If its being built for a cruiser a 318 is plenty. Whats the 318 going to cost? You should be able to pick up a 318 for under $250 and a 360 under $350 both in Running condition. Theres a few 318s local to me for $250 and under.
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 07:15 PM
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I would pass on both engines. Find yourself a 90's magnum 318. Will be stronger and get better mpg than either of the engines you mentioned. They have moly rings so they last much much longer than the old 318 and 360's and being run on fuel injection their whole life means that they will be way more clean inside. Even if you ditch the EFI and switch it to carb you are still better off IMO.
Can't argue with you there, only bad thing is the OP don't have a line on one right now, I don't think?
Posted By: patrick
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 10:01 PM
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I would pass on both engines. Find yourself a 90's magnum 318. Will be stronger and get better mpg than either of the engines you mentioned. They have moly rings so they last much much longer than the old 318 and 360's and being run on fuel injection their whole life means that they will be way more clean inside. Even if you ditch the EFI and switch it to carb you are still better off IMO.
I second this idea...you can get the roller cam reground cheap, toss some hughes #1110 springs and retainers and have a solid 300HP motor.
2nd choice would be to find a low mileage but rusty '85-up 5th ave and pull the motor from it. roller cam, higher compression, 302 closed chamber heads....add headers, a small 4bbl, and get the cam reground and use hughes #1110 springs and you'll have a solid 240-250hp motor with similar torque as the magnum (it'll probably fall off faster over 5000 RPM is all)....
Posted By: Mr.Yuck
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 10:06 PM
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I would pass on both engines. Find yourself a 90's magnum 318. Will be stronger and get better mpg than either of the engines you mentioned. They have moly rings so they last much much longer than the old 318 and 360's and being run on fuel injection their whole life means that they will be way more clean inside. Even if you ditch the EFI and switch it to carb you are still better off IMO.
I'd also look for a magnum engine. I wouldn't run injection, but the roller parts and head design is much better. a 318 Mag has 215hp stock... real easy to get 275 w/ some bolt ons.
Posted By: cudabitten
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/04/12 11:08 PM
I just recently went through this. I had a hard time finding a low miles (under 100k), Magnum that I could hear running. And you still have to deal with the EFI/serpentine stuff. If you heard the 318 running then at least you have that.
Posted By: dogdays
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 12:09 AM
Here we go: let's keep it up and pretty soon we'll be telling him he NEEDS an aluminum block Hemi.
The cool thing is to start out with the 318, get the vehicle running safely and then upgrade power if you want to. 360s, 408s and Mag motors will drop in wherever the 318 would. As would a 5.7 Hemi.
BTW, the "Street Rodder" Moparts forum would be a better place to ask this question.
R.
Posted By: flyman
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 12:55 AM
Posted By: 70Cuda383
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 01:25 AM
do you want more or less horse power?
Posted By: ahy
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 01:57 AM
I'd pick the 318 of the two. It should have plenty of power for the project, sounds like it is in decent shape and is handy. I've seen guys (try) to scrap out a motor home. Big job and I guess low return on time and effort.
Posted By: RUNCHARGER
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 02:44 AM
When I ordered my new 86 D150 I ordered every option available except I screwed up and ordered the 318 instead of the 360. 360 gets pretty much the same gas mileage as an 18 but is a bunch more fun to drive. However I have to agree that a 77 MH engine is probably used up. I too would look for a magnum engine, they are superior in every way.
Sheldon
Posted By: Skid_Demon
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 04:11 AM
Wow, great information. If I can find the magnum, what do I need to do to switch from EFI to carb? Any idea on cost? Thanks.
Posted By: RUNCHARGER
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 04:17 AM
I believe Mopar Performance makes a manifold and also Crosswinds. I haven't looked for one lately though. My totally stock 86 318 D150 ran 19.22 in the quarter, my totally stock 92 318 Magnum ran 16.22 in the quarter with better gas mileage. thats when the trucks were brand new so it's a pretty fair comparison of how much better the Magnums are.
Sheldon
Posted By: RapidRobert
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 05:50 AM
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I am going to build up a 40's dodge pickup to be a driver. I have a chance to buy a mid-70's 318 2bbl from a car. Runs great, good price, he will pull and load in my trailer. Not really looking forward to laying on the frozen ground outside to pull the 360, Gotta keep the budget in mind. What do you think? Thanks!!
considering all of the above: as Dog said get it running with the 318. Then while you are enjoying your machine you can plan a 408 (360) stroker with killer heads 
Posted By: BulletBob
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 06:30 AM
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Wow, great information. If I can find the magnum, what do I need to do to switch from EFI to carb? Any idea on cost? Thanks.
The cost depends on whether you use the original serpentine Mag stuff or 78back LA V belt drive
The V list is as follows
Crosswinds intake $180.00
Cam snout extension 23.00
LA timing cover,Brackets & pulleys/fuel pump
Serpentine list
Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap $322.50
Carter 4070 Electric fuel pump $78.00
The Crosswinds is a direct bolt on with a RV2 compressor brackets
The Edelbrock needs spacers made & different bolts to attach A/C brace & Alt brace
I own both
Posted By: lifted85
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 06:35 AM
if it was me i would go for the 318.. they are a good little rapper's. my ol man dumped 2k+ in his 360 an it was a dog so i stay away from them, my mild 318 will run 6-7k all day long.. if ya google cheap 318 on the hotrod forums they will show ya how to build a 400+hp 318 for cheap..
Posted By: patrick
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 03:02 PM
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Wow, great information. If I can find the magnum, what do I need to do to switch from EFI to carb? Any idea on cost? Thanks.
an intake, carb, and carb distributor from an LA 318
Posted By: Lmopar69
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 03:24 PM
Interesting. Im doing the exact same thing. Mine is a 46 Dodge truck, now with IFS, boxed frame, 8.75 rear. I am trying to find a 96 or newer v-8, 5 spd, 2wd Ram to use as a engine/trans donor. I would much rather have a 5 speed than a auto. surprised at how hard it is to find a manual trans truck cheaply.
I'd love to see some pictures of yours.
Laine.
Posted By: dogdays
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 04:34 PM
We're at the horsepower wars again! I maintain a 318 with a medium sized four barrel carb and dual exhaust, using 360 pickup truck manifolds or whatever'll fit, is the ticket to get this rig on the road. If you want a little more power swap in a 360 cam at the same time, will be a good starter motor. It should make around 250 hp which is plenty to keep a 3000 or less pound pickup going down the road.
Yes, there are plenty of options. Bt they will all be worthless until you actually start driving the pickup!
I speak from experience. I have started plenty of projects by building an engine and have yet to drive most of them, although the engines look nice hanging on motor stands!
R.
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 04:51 PM
With mu history of actually getting vehicles running and driving I have come to the conclusion that I will always go with the best option to get the vehicle running and driving ASAP!
GO with the 318 and get the car motivating, then if you want more power take your time and find the right engine and build it the way you want!
Posted By: basketcase
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 06:40 PM
I've got my uncle's old '86 D100. 318 that he added a MP cam(one step above stock) and intake, Eddy 4 barrel. dual exhaust. It's no big block by any means, but it sure runs better than any other 318 I ever had.
agre with the 360 being overworked in the MH, and the hassel with having to scrap the remains.
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/05/12 07:50 PM
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Wow, great information. If I can find the magnum, what do I need to do to switch from EFI to carb? Any idea on cost? Thanks.
The cost depends on whether you use the original serpentine Mag stuff or 78back LA V belt drive
The V list is as follows
Crosswinds intake $180.00
Cam snout extension 23.00
LA timing cover,Brackets & pulleys/fuel pump
Serpentine list
Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap $322.50
Carter 4070 Electric fuel pump $78.00
The Crosswinds is a direct bolt on with a RV2 compressor brackets
The Edelbrock needs spacers made & different bolts to attach A/C brace & Alt brace
I own both
Most of that stuff is not needed. You can redrill your heads to accept any LA intake manifold. The angle the intake bolts go in is different. Or you can buy one of the intakes on the market that will fit the magnum heads and take a carb. Those are a little more spendy at around 300 bucks. Don't need the LA timing cover, brakets and all that stuff unless you want it for looks. To run the serpentine stuff I just junked the AC compressor and bought a belt for a non-ac 3.9 magnum truck. I had to slightly reposition the tensioner but no big deal. No cam snout extension needed, buy an electric fuel pump which I much prefer to run instead of a mechanical one anyway. If you can do a little bit of wiring and can find a 92-95 dodge truck/ram van at the junkyard you can snag the engine harness and computer out of it and even keep the efi. This way no changes to the engine are needed. My donor engine is out of a 99 dakota but I grabbed the electronics from a 95 because they're easy to swap in.
Posted By: Dabee
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/06/12 12:46 AM
Go with the 318. I’m doing a 55 dodge truck and was planning on using a magnum 318 until I found a low mileage (66,000) totaled 03 Ram with a 5.7 Hemi in it for cheap.
Posted By: areibel
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/06/12 12:52 AM
I'm looking at doing the same swap in a '69 B body, the Magnum motor sounds perfect. I do have a couple other questions though.
First, what motor mounts would you need, the stockers (that need replaced anyways) or something different?
I was planning on using the stock 904 and converter, any issues?
And this is an AC car. If I find a motor with the AC condenser on it
would that make it remotely possible to go with an R134 set up (If I snag the expansion valve and drier, etc..). I guess I'm asking if the old evaporator and condenser would work with the new spinnin parts??
Thanks!
Posted By: DUFFMAN
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/06/12 03:29 AM
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Wow, great information. If I can find the magnum, what do I need to do to switch from EFI to carb? Any idea on cost? Thanks.
I'd go with a Megasquirt kit and keep the Magnum MPFI if you can fit the barrel intake under the hood. It would be cheaper than an intake and carb with all the advantages of fuel injection.
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/06/12 05:49 AM
Quote:
I'm looking at doing the same swap in a '69 B body, the Magnum motor sounds perfect. I do have a couple other questions though.
First, what motor mounts would you need, the stockers (that need replaced anyways) or something different?
I was planning on using the stock 904 and converter, any issues?
And this is an AC car. If I find a motor with the AC condenser on it
would that make it remotely possible to go with an R134 set up (If I snag the expansion valve and drier, etc..). I guess I'm asking if the old evaporator and condenser would work with the new spinnin parts??
Thanks!
Magnums still have the old LA style mounting ears on them so they will accept stock motor mounts. I don't see any reason your old evaporator and condensor couldn't be reused with the magnum compressor. The expansion valve system is likely different because I don't think the newer ones use the valve on the evaporator like the old ones and I don't know enough about them to make a suggestion on that. Biggest challenge would probably be having custom hoses made to mate everything together.
Posted By: MarkZ
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/06/12 06:06 PM
What is the end goal aside from a summer driver right now? Do you see yourself tearing back into this for upgrades? If this is going to be a do-it-once-and-forget-about-it project, then Magnum all the way. Pound for pound, you're going to get better mileage and power from one when compared to a similarly built LA.
If it were me, I'd find a 318 Magnum, freshen it up while keeping the stock internals and drive it. Just a 4bbl and headers on one of these will put you around 250 horses.
If this an evolving project, drop the LA 318 into it for now and enjoy.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/06/12 06:22 PM
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Depends what you want, but yeah, the 360 will feel stronger. At the end of the day, 42 cu in is 42 cu in and there really IS no replacement for displacement.
Dave
If you want to go with a mid-90's magnum small block, I'd look for a 360. My old 1994 Ram with a 360 was more than half a second quicker in the quarter than a same-year 318 even though it only had ten more peak hp.
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/07/12 04:45 AM
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Depends what you want, but yeah, the 360 will feel stronger. At the end of the day, 42 cu in is 42 cu in and there really IS no replacement for displacement.
Dave
If you want to go with a mid-90's magnum small block, I'd look for a 360. My old 1994 Ram with a 360 was more than half a second quicker in the quarter than a same-year 318 even though it only had ten more peak hp.
I would have to agree, however I found it much harder to find a 360, especially if it was one I wanted to hear running first. I ended up finding a guy parting out a dakota that was still running and half way complete so I went for that. Some say the mag 360's are notably heavier on fuel, others say they're very close. In the end even the mag 318 is going to have more power than an old LA 360.
Posted By: patrick
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/07/12 04:00 PM
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Depends what you want, but yeah, the 360 will feel stronger. At the end of the day, 42 cu in is 42 cu in and there really IS no replacement for displacement.
Dave
If you want to go with a mid-90's magnum small block, I'd look for a 360. My old 1994 Ram with a 360 was more than half a second quicker in the quarter than a same-year 318 even though it only had ten more peak hp.
I would have to agree, however I found it much harder to find a 360, especially if it was one I wanted to hear running first. I ended up finding a guy parting out a dakota that was still running and half way complete so I went for that. Some say the mag 360's are notably heavier on fuel, others say they're very close. In the end even the mag 318 is going to have more power than an old LA 360.
well, a 318 magnum with bolt ons will push a 2ED dakota to low 14's, maybe even nip the 13's...my old '96 ram 2WD long bed, at 4700 lbs plus my 230lb butt in it pulled low 16's and all I had was a cat back, MP computer, and 14" open element air cleaner. similarly equipped 360/auto 4x4 rams were mid-upper 16's, and extended cab 360/auto 4x4's were low 17's....
my dad traded in his '97 regular cab 4x4 with a 318 for a '01 extended cab with a 360 and regretted it. didn't pull his boat any better, but he went from 19-20mpg highway and 15-16 mixed to 15-16 highway and 12 mixed.
for a cruiser, a magnum 318 will have more than enough power (about the same as an LA360) but significantly better fuel economy. and magnum 318's are a lot easier and cheaper to find than 360 magnums.
Posted By: DPelletier
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/07/12 05:06 PM
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for a cruiser, a magnum 318 will have more than enough power (about the same as an LA360) but significantly better fuel economy. and magnum 318's are a lot easier and cheaper to find than 360 magnums.
"enough power" is highly subjective; "enough" for you might be nowhere near enough for someone else. In any case, all things being equal (LA318 to LA360 or magnum 318 to magnum 360) the additional 42 cubes is noticable and yes, I've had both.
Dave
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/07/12 07:55 PM
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for a cruiser, a magnum 318 will have more than enough power (about the same as an LA360) but significantly better fuel economy. and magnum 318's are a lot easier and cheaper to find than 360 magnums.
"enough power" is highly subjective; "enough" for you might be nowhere near enough for someone else. In any case, all things being equal (LA318 to LA360 or magnum 318 to magnum 360) the additional 42 cubes is noticable and yes, I've had both.
Dave
If a magnum 318 isn't "enough" power for your drive, IMO the mag 360 won't be either. There is a difference in power, but not that dramatic. We're not talking 100hp/torq increase.
Posted By: DPelletier
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/07/12 08:20 PM
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for a cruiser, a magnum 318 will have more than enough power (about the same as an LA360) but significantly better fuel economy. and magnum 318's are a lot easier and cheaper to find than 360 magnums.
"enough power" is highly subjective; "enough" for you might be nowhere near enough for someone else. In any case, all things being equal (LA318 to LA360 or magnum 318 to magnum 360) the additional 42 cubes is noticable and yes, I've had both.
Dave
If a magnum 318 isn't "enough" power for your drive, IMO the mag 360 won't be either. There is a difference in power, but not that dramatic. We're not talking 100hp/torq increase.
now it's a definition of "dramatic"! yep, you're right, only 10-15%. whether that's "a little", "a lot", "noticable", "worthwhile" or "dramatic" depends on your perspective. 
I'm just saying that everything else being equal, I'll go with the 360 over a 318 just like I'll take a 440 over a 383.
None of those are particularly expensive or hard to come by.
Dave
Posted By: BulletBob
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/08/12 02:10 AM
Dave's right & there are just as many 360's as there are 318's
If it's a Mag around here on the CL the $$ are 350-500 for good hear them run engines
I buy running & sometimes driving trucks & vans for 600-900 with them in em
Thow a 92-95 harness on it & ride sounds good but in reality takes a donor truck to work right & requires a speed sensor adaptor to have a speedo & in the end a carbed one will out perform & get better mpg with less work
Posted By: d-150
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/08/12 02:15 AM
318 magnum lighter car,360 magnum heavier car
Posted By: BulletBob
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/08/12 02:50 AM
I took a 360 Mag from a SWB 97 Sport & put a carb on it hooked it to a 46rh & got 19 MPG in a lowered LWB 77 CrewCab w/4.10's. the truck it came out of had 3.55's & best it ever done was 17 mpg
Posted By: Skid_Demon
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/09/12 02:32 AM
It's so interesting to read all the information and opinions. I have been looking for a Magnum, either 318 or 360, but no luck yet. With snow on the way, looks like I have 3 or so months to check things out. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Posted By: BEINGmeISaCRIME
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/09/12 03:20 AM
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I would pass on both engines. Find yourself a 90's magnum 318. Will be stronger and get better mpg than either of the engines you mentioned. They have moly rings so they last much much longer than the old 318 and 360's and being run on fuel injection their whole life means that they will be way more clean inside. Even if you ditch the EFI and switch it to carb you are still better off IMO.
Putting a 318 magnum into my 70 coronet was the best thing I ever done for it, dead nuts reliable. Put a 4 bbl holley on it and gained mpg over my 2 bbl 70's 318. The magnum is much more efficient than its ancestor 318. Not to mention, it has a lot more power.
Posted By: MoPar Jamie
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/10/12 08:31 AM
Thinking about a carb'd 318 mag too for the Fury if it could generate high teens for MPG. I found two but one has high miles (196k) and the other is unknown. Though my old 95 Dak had over 220k on it and still ran good when I sold it.
Posted By: Fury Fan
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/10/12 09:02 PM
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for a cruiser, a magnum 318 will have more than enough power (about the same as an LA360) but significantly better fuel economy. and magnum 318's are a lot easier and cheaper to find than 360 magnums.
"enough power" is highly subjective; "enough" for you might be nowhere near enough for someone else. In any case, all things being equal (LA318 to LA360 or magnum 318 to magnum 360) the additional 42 cubes is noticable and yes, I've had both.
Dave
If a magnum 318 isn't "enough" power for your drive, IMO the mag 360 won't be either. There is a difference in power, but not that dramatic. We're not talking 100hp/torq increase.
And if the OP was initially considering a 'plain' 318 from teh 70s to use as-is, big HP isn't his goal. He asked which to buy to use, not which to buy to build for HP.
The 85+ 5th Ave engine mentioned earlier would be the simplest / most efficient one to install. The Mag does require an intake (or mods) and reworking the accy drive system.
Posted By: Skid_Demon
Re: Would you choose a 318 or 360? - 12/13/12 09:21 PM
The truck has been on the road for the last two years. I need to pull the engine to repair a few things with the steering and replace a seal. Thought as long as it is out, perhaps a replacement engine is in order. The current one works okay, but as long as everything is out.... So I have a line on a 318 magnum. If I go the carb route, I need about $300-$400 for an intake and carb. What's the story on drilling new mounting holes in the magnum heads to accept the LA manifold and carb? I have a cast 360 intake and a very nice carb. Not sure on the part number, but it's larger than the 318 carb. Would this work or do I need a 318 carb? Could I use a 360 TQ if I knock off the weights to use in the 727? Merry Christmas!!