Hello I bought a project 71 Dart that a guy put a Mopar Performance crate motor in it, he said he thought it was the 300hp version but said he wasn't sure, it has a single plane manifold on it that he said came on it, it also has non magnum heads (I assume are 308) I thought the magnum 300hp came with dual plane manifold and the 380hp and 390hp magnum head had single plane but I dug through all my old magazines and the internet but couldn't find any info on the non magnum head crate motor hp ratings. I know he bought it in the late 90s and the car hasn't ran since 2005, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Is this a 360? As I recall, the 300 had the dual, and the 380 had the single, as you state. This was in the 90’s. Late 90’s.

yes it is a 360 im sorry I forgot to include that.

I owned two of the 300hp versions, and they definitely had dual plane M! manifolds. Btw, both were STRONG engines, and I believe underrated as far as hp and torque. You're correct also in that the 380hp had the single plane. Wish they could still manufacture them. Tire shredding torque.

I found this old Hot Rod article. Scroll down to the picture and read note under 2nd pic, one of whole engine

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/mopp-0307-mopar-crate-engine-exhaust/

I’ve got a 95ish MP 300 hp 360 LA in one of my chargers. Dual plane and I think magnum crates didn’t show up until later. Also have the MP catalog I ordered it from. Dunno if factory or installer but there’s a boilerplate bolted to the backside of the drivers head. Has PN, build date, etc. Can dig more later.

The motor I have doesn't have magnum heads on it, i cant find any info on non magnum head crate motors.

1993 MP catalog:

Thanks I appreciate the picture, I thought I read something about a 360hp motor but couldn't find any info anywhere other than the magnum motors.

The 360 LA Commando and Super Commando were the start of Mopar's crate motor line. There is also an article that put a CM from the "big 3" including the 360/360 - Mopar, GM, Ford, into corresponding bodies weighing around 3,400 lbs using 4.10 gears for a shootout. I believe Landy helped set up a blue Duster which won the shootout with low 12's. After the article came out, it was noted that they got the Duster to edge into the high 11's, but I forgot what else they did.

Came across a 2002 MP catalog in the garage today. It was probably the pinnacle of crate motors at this time. In just the small block range they had 300, 380. 395 and 402 horsepower versions for carbs along with a couple different MPI versions in complete long blocks and every version had a corresponding short block offering as well.

I bought a 360/380 short block in the mid 90's and put "X" heads on it then it went in my 68 Dart convertible. That was a strong engine even after I put factory intake, carb, and exhaust manifolds on it...LOL

Going to disagree with this statement here. Only a few years later they were offering still a wider selection of crates and more power, but I would say it was ramping up swiftly to the pinnacle. Anyone remember the 420" six pack and 440" magnums?

I remember the 440 magnum, don't know anyone that bought one, would like to know how it would run in an a-body!

It's always okay to disagree, but I would counter that with the statement-Maybe the average small block crate engine customer isn't looking to spend 14 grand.
410 6 pack and 440 were super cool, but sold very poorly in comparison to prior generations due to very high prices/no OE parts in them including the block which drove prices way up. I still have a couple 410 6 pack air cleaner decals in my collection from back then.

In my humble opinion the prior couple generations were a little nicer bang for the buck based on customer perspective and happiness with the product vs. what was spent. Around 6 grand for the 380 and later 390hp version right at the end of it's run.

I got TONS of calls praising the stroker versions of the 5.9, and the stroker shortblock at the end of the run was
one of the best values in the catalog.

Fair enough. The one thing I fondly remember is the $1100 short block magnum asm, everything was brand new. Just toss a cam and top end on and your ready to rip. I miss those deals.

I bought this version and am still running it today.

Yes! A great pick. Did anyone see the "hot rod" TV episode they dyno tested crates from the big 3 in vehicles? Was a decent episode. I think they shoved the 500" wedge into a 69 road runner and it made over 500 wheel horse...

I paid 3200 for my first Magnum 360/300, all new, complete, oil pan to intake. Those were real bargains, even back then! The assembly on some of them wasn't the best, so you might of had to do some re-gasketing, but they were STRONG, and a lot of engine for that kind of money! They were roller cam setups. Only thing I added was a windage tray and they rocked! Smooth idle so you could have a real sleeper with one if you wanted.

Got two of the mopar crate LA 360 short blocks....one is the high compression version with piston .008 out of the deck and the second is a low compression version with the pistons down in the bore....forgot how far....as that engine is in my 73 340 Duster. The blocks are 360 LA roller blocks.

Both came with the MP 509 cam....

The high compression short block is still in the blue container....for about 20 yrs now....lol