LA or Magnum? If you were to build a smallblock.

If you were going to build a smallblock for the street/strip which would you use if you had equal access to either? Would you use an LA or Magnum motor and why?

you'd definitely want the mag heads of course. I'm interested in feedback on this also

Everyone knows the best small block is the LS....

Magnum heads hands down.

1 Machined valve cover rails
2 10 Bolt valve covers
3 Way better chamber, works good with higher compression
4 Way better ex port (Except 308 head)
5 Better intake porty (not just flow either)
6 Smaller chamber, easier to build compression
7 No heat crossover
8 Vertical bolts easier to get to
9 lighter valve train needs less spring pressure
10 Hydraulic roller (except 89-92 360 and some 85-91 318)

Magnum engine all the way. But...

If you go with a LA engine at least go roller cam block with LA 318/360 heads, then you can always step up to a magnum head later.

even though a roller cam is a little more $$ to play with, the no break-in on the cam/lifters/cam changes are worth it.

IIRC, with a magnum 360 engine there are a couple things to remember mixing older LA flywheels/TC due to balance difference. IIRC-conversion flywheel from B&M is the fix.

and the 5 bolt VC will bolt to mag heads if you want to look LA engine.

the end of mag head needs a fix on the LA alt mounting, no bolt hole for LA bracket.

magnum roller cam is short so no mech fuel pump with out the extention piece from Hughes or order a long nose pre-mag roller cam.

this is why I prefer the roller cam pre-mag engines. but my mag heads are done, just need the intake/alt fix to upgrade my junk. I have a magnum whiplash roller cam with extention for mech pump.

some of the slight difference in $$ I was talking about.. bottom line it all adds up.

some of these things may help decide LA or Magnum. it did for me on my no $$ budget.

A Magnum is the way if you can if not at least Magnum heads & roller block

Thanks for the input. Have a mild junkyard 5.9 magnum in my car now. Want to upgrade and was wondering the best way to go. Guess I will be looking for another magnum motor and building from there. Don't want to take the one out of the car as I like driving it to much and don't want to take the chance of not having the car to drive for an extended period of time. Being an old guy I have learned having the car on jackstands makes one tend to procrastinate and divert interest to other things and it never seems to get done.

the Hughes Whiplash roller cam for the magnum engines is a great street/cruzer cam I am very happy with it in my pre-mag roller cam 318. cant wait to get my mag heads on there. should be another good boost in performance.

Magnum hands down

Roller cam and WAY better heads

Depends on your version of street/strip. Mild stuff the magnum engine is the easy choice.