LA Pistons into Magnum engine - Possible?

Hello Guys,

I´am thankful to be part of this mopar forum, this is my first topic on it.

So, i´m assembling a Magnum 318 engine, my location is São Paulo and unfortunately this engine is a little but rare here, per consequence the parts are complicated to be found, in other hand the LA parts are much easier... My question is, is it possible to use the LA Pistons into a Magnum engine?

And also if is it possible to use the Connecting rod bearing kit from the LA into a Magnum engine?


If yes with which consequences?

Thanks in advance for the answers

Mathias welcome aboard I dont have an answer for that specific Q but the guys will

Welcome Mathias

I'm building my first magnum engine this year and I found a lot of information on this site: http://www.magnumswap.com/using-la-parts-on-a-magnum/
There are some top notch small block guys on the race section of this website that will know the answer to your question but they rarely ever stray from the race section. If you have engine building questions sometimes it's best to ask them there.
Look here too: https://books.google.com/books?id=C...ns%20in%20a%20magnum%20block&f=false
Gus

I too have that book. It does focus on a lot of high end parts but it is a good read & a good reference manual & definitely worth acquiring for a SB afficionado.

in a single answer... yes you can.

Use Magnum pistons it uses to be a small upgrade on LA blocks because they are A TAD higher and use smaller compression and oil rings getting reduced the friction. So it can be done the other way around.

Consecuences? will get a SLIGHTLY LOWER compression rate and more friction due the thicker rings used on LA pistons, but will keep your engine working.



Can't tell right now if you could find Magnums pistons in Venezuela. They should, because Magnum engines ( 5.2 and 5.9 ) uses to be a popular upgrade on Mopars using originally LA engines. 90s Rams same as 92 Grand Wagoneers and next generation Cherokees were assembled in Venezuela.

Can you guys order from Summit Racing or Jegs?

From Venezuela is tricky ( won't explain why at this moment ), from Brasil yes, BUT shipping is killer. It could be maybe close to the cost than the pistons itself.

On a side note, are the LA pistons available in Brazil same than USA or are they made in Brazil? Asking because some LA engines used on some Venezuelan Mopars back in the 70s were assembled in Brazil I think with lower compresion rate for ethanol gas? Dunno! Just asking.

In Venezuela there is a factory making 318LA pistons called PC PISTONS which are close to the same specs than stock USA cast pistons with 1.730" C.H. No valve reliefs