Moparts

How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum?

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/22/11 10:19 PM

Going junkyard shopping and planning to pull a 5.2 magnum from the local u-pull. How do I tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? I was planning on walking away from this with a 5.2 but if there's a 5.9 there I might just snag one of those.
Posted By: 440newport

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/22/11 10:28 PM

If it's still in a truck the emissions tag under the hood should say the engine size. I know the LA blocks had 1" tall numbers on the side showing the cid as well, but I don't remember if they still did this on the magnums or not.
Posted By: 69L78Nova

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/22/11 10:41 PM

They do. It'll say 318 or 360 on the drivers side of the block under the head, in the same place as an LA
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/23/11 12:33 AM

Thanks!

Quote:

They do. It'll say 318 or 360 on the drivers side of the block under the head, in the same place as an LA



Where exactly is this? On the front of the block or on the side by the exhaust manifold? And am I going to be able to see it when the motor's in the vehicle and complete with accessories?

Don't laugh too hard, I haven't owned a small block in 10 years!
Posted By: 5spdcuda

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/23/11 12:58 AM

Under the exhaust manifold, toward the rear. Roughly two inches down from the deck surface.
Posted By: 440newport

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/23/11 12:59 AM

On the driver side of the block above the core plugs, towards the rear. Your view of them will probably be blocked between the starter and exhaust manifold when looking from above. Maybe crawl underneath and see?

Attached picture 6838046-IMAG0077.jpg
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/23/11 01:36 AM

How about what VIN digit/letter to look for on a mid 90's ram or ram van? (assuming the emissions tag is gone) Then I can at least have an indicator as to whether it's worth crawling underneath to check the block for confirmation.
Posted By: MoparJoe

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/23/11 02:06 AM

318's have a Y in the VIN, 360's have a Z in the VIN, I think its the 8th character or close to it.
Posted By: 70Cuda383

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/23/11 04:02 AM

Quote:

318's have a Y in the VIN, 360's have a Z in the VIN, I think its the 8th character or close to it.



Yup

But if looking at Vins to I'd it, the emissions stickers will say the size of the engine.
Posted By: POS Dakota

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/23/11 05:41 PM

There is also an identification on a magnum block on the front of the block right below the deck on the driver side. it's hard to read usually because of crud, or paint but it's there. Looks like it's lazer etched. it's not stamped.
Posted By: HotRodDave

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/23/11 10:03 PM

You can also look at the damper and see if it has a big notch out of one side for balancing it. If the tranny is gone you can look and see if it has a 360 flex plate, you can tell because it has a big balance weight welded to one side.
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: How to tell a 5.2 magnum from a 5.9 magnum? - 09/24/11 06:45 AM

Okay thanks guys!
© 2024 Moparts Forums