I am weighing my options on which engine to stab into my 72 Dodge D200 build. I do not know much about the Magnums and I think I may want to use one to replace my original 318. I want this truck to be a daily driver and pull trailers. Reliability and fuel consumption are my priorities. Moe than likely I will get a core and rebuild it. What year should I look for? Are there block or head numbers I should look for? What MOPAR models should I look for? I am assuming they already have serpentine set ups on them. Any other input I should know about I would appreciate
Are you talking newer as in efi 318 and 360? If so I say 318. I've had both. 360 is powerful but loves gas Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Awe hell Louis. Just shop around for a '68-'69 383 magnum or a 440 police interceptor and have yourself a sleeper truck.
I had the 318 Magnum in a 92 Dakota pickup, first year they came out I believe. It leaked oil from the rear main seal from the day I bought it to the day I traded it in 3 years/18K miles later for an F150 because I got tired of bringing it back to the dealer for repair. I saw my old truck at a gas station a couple years ago, so I guess it lasted. Despite having an oil pump failure during my brief ownership- though I chalk that up to an incompetent dealership service crew. Pretty good power and fuel economy, as I recall, though it was a long time ago.
I agree with the 440 idea. Stroke it out and throw a 200 shot on it! Tons of smiles per gallon. And sleeper status. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I would like to keep a 318 in this old truck. I am guessing if 92 is the first year, I might want to find one a few years newer. I know the first year something comes out is before the bugs get worked out.
