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.