360 or 318

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Dodgefreek89

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Sep 18, 2012
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Ram Year
1989
Engine
318
I currently have a 318 la in my 89 was thinkin bout putting a 360 magnum that i have in it. Bigger motor equals better right?? But i was wonderig if there aas anything i needed to know about it or if its even worth it.
 

oldblue

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Jul 29, 2012
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Ram Year
d250
Engine
318
depends on what your doing. both seem like good motors. i got a 318 in my truck and my buddy has a 360 in his and niether of us have had major problems. i dont know much about the 360s but 318s are very reliable. i heard some where that even with year of abuse they are still good.
 

ramhunter9

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2012
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P-Star Jeep Wrangler
318 is tried and true.
360 also but gas mpg is poor.

My black 2nd gen was a 318 five speed and was a strong motor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Ramjunkie17

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1992
Engine
318
I have a 318 and my boss has a 360 and i can get up and go with a loaded hay wagon just as fast as i can but he has to stop at the gas station before i do i would stick with the 318 they are tried and true and built to last.
 
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Dodgefreek89

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1989
Engine
318
Thanks guys thats what ive heard from other ppl too. So heres the plan haha. Im gonna put that 360 in for now. And build the 318 up some redo seals mild cam intake carb and headers and then ill put it back in.
 

LBC970

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Carbondale, CO
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2004
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Thanks guys thats what ive heard from other ppl too. So heres the plan haha. Im gonna put that 360 in for now. And build the 318 up some redo seals mild cam intake carb and headers and then ill put it back in.

Once you go big, you won't want to go back without building up that 318. You will be dissapointed. Why not rebuild the 360 and just put it in for good?

I have looked into the 360 swap, it's got its ups and downs. In the end I decided to rebuild the 318 I have now to 400hp/408fpt. Kind of a sleeper motor I guess, but lighter and original motor!
 

88rambigblock

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wv
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1985, 1988, 2001
Engine
1970 coded 440 big block
If you out the 360 in it make VERY SURE you get the 360 torque converter. A 318 is an internally balanced motor(crank is balanced). A 360 is externally balanced( balanced by the torque converter). If you use a 318 torque converter for a 318 not only will ur shake the vehicle to pieces but it can do SERIOUS DAMAGE to your vehicle.
 

88rambigblock

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Seriously. MAKE SURE TO USE THE CORRECT TORQUE CONVERTER!
 

88rambigblock

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no problem. dont want to see someone that doesnt know any better just throw money away.
 

smiley

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6.7L Cummins
I am not a mechanic by any means but I think these engines are both rock solid and will last a very long time. I think design is very similar. I have a 318 in my Durango and it seems to be unstoppable. My dad has had many 360's they have also been unstoppable. Both burn a lot of fuel.


$miley
 

88rambigblock

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both engines are nearly indestructible as long as you change the oil.
 

dodgefisher1981

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Location
collinsville texas
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1981
Engine
318
Having problems when turning it feels like the truck wont turn anywhere bit comes out of it like its trying to die and sqeeks when I turn can anyone help with what this could be
 

1991 D250

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Fox Lake, WI
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1991
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360
I have a 360 cid in my D250 and would take that over my old 318 (more power and torque)
 

HemiLonestar

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The LA 318 is the same basic engine internally (except for bore) as a 340. The 360 was designed to be a heavy car/truck engine from the get-go. Longer stroke, bigger main bores (360 cranks do not interchange with the rest of the family). Not sure if the magnum series 360 is still externally balanced like the LA 360. Something to make sure of before proceeding. If I were doing this swap I'd find an early model A518 to go behind it. Then you have an auto OD and can put a better converter and gears to go with it. Then it will be lots more fun to drive.
 

ArmRippinToys

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I work at a dodge dealer, and have talked to some of the old timers there, both sales man and mechanics that dealt with these things when they were new. The info Ive gathered so far is they are both just as reliable, the 318 does get better MPG, stock for stock of course the 360 makes a little more HP, but you can build either of them up. The 360 from what Ive heard has a very rough idle in comparison to the 318, as in it shakes the truck. It depends on what your doing with the truck but if you have a magnum and want a hot rod truck, build a stroker out of the magnum then throw it in there.
 
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