I have a tired 1972 318 LA in a 72 B-body (originally a 318/904) that I would like to swap out to a late 90s 360 magnum and keep the 904. I’ve searched the tech articles and forum, have found pieces of information regarding such a swap but not a complete run down so I would like to ask about the following and if I have it right.
I’m tried to do this as cost effectively, i.e. cheap, as I can but still being realistic.
Engine Mounts – Schumaker’s conversion mounts are the easiest way to handle this.
Oil Pan – crate version 360 magnum oil pan and one piece gasket.
Camshaft – keeping the stock camshaft but also the mechanical fuel pump so I need the Hughes Engines adaptor,
http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/produ...mp;partid=22194to use the eccentric.
Timing Chain Cover and Accessories – I’m keeping the timing chain cover and accessories from the 318. First to use the mechanical fuel pump and the 360 I’m looking at doesn’t have any accessories.
Intake – Re-drill the magnum heads for an LA 340 intake.
Carb – Small block early 70s Thermoquad.
Kickdown Linkage – Can use stock 4-barrel linkage with the stock intake, TQ and A904.
Exhaust Manifolds – 340 manifolds with Remflex gaskets to take care of the Magnum’s raised ports possibly causing a leak with the manifolds.
Flexplate – Get a 96-02 360 Magnum flexplate since it has the weights already. The 904 torque converter is already neutral balanced.
904 – Stock rebuild, nothing out of the ordinary.
Starter – Stock mini-starter.
Valve Covers – reuse the 318 valve covers to keep the 360 looking stock, period correct, etc.
Thanks in advance for any help,
Mike.