402 Magnum V-8 crate motor

[ChallengerChuck]

Has anyone had any experience with the newer Magnum series crate motors?The reason that I ask is because I am contemplating fitting such an engine to a '72 Challenger.
More specifically,what is driveability like?Do they have overheating problems due to too steep a camshaft?Finally,would I be able to keep the OE Magnum single-plane intake with a Holley carb and a OE-spec air cleaner?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chuck

[mtrv8n]

You wouldn't want to put the OE intake on, it would ruin the performance of the motor, and besides, it may not fit correctly.

I have a crate 360, same intake as the 402, and the stock aircleaner fits fine. Bit of a restriction , but it looks good...

[ChallengerChuck]

mtrv8n:
Thanks for the heads up on the OE Magnum crate motor intake.You confirmed suspicions that I had concerning it.Would you go with the Magnum dual-plane intake?I was going to do this anyway for hood clearance reasons.
Again,thanks for your input.

Cordially,
Chuck

[mtrv8n]

Mine is in a '73 cuda, rallye hood, no clearance problems. I didhave a 3 inch drop base filter on at times, also no problem.

I don't know that the dual plane is much lower, but the stock setup will work just fine. I'm thinking of running the heater hose for cold air supply.

[ChallengerChuck]

mtrv8n:
Again,thanks for the tech info.I think that I would keep the OE Magnum single-plane intake.
What is driveability like with the Magnum series crate motors?Is the hydraulic roller camshaft too radical for street usage?Do you have a/c on your '73 'Cuda?
Again,thanks for your replies.

Cordially,
Chuck

[mtrv8n]

I wouldn't compare the 360 to the 402. Foistly, the 402 , being a stroker, has different geometry. next, it's aluminum head, which has a higher compression ratio, though still using pump gas.


My motor has proved super tractable, able to leap, no , handle a/c in 95 degree traffic, no overheating, drive smoothly in 4th gear at 30mph.

Takes 15 minutes to get to operating temp when it's below 50 degrees out, though...

great gas mileage too, with a vacuum advance distributor and no pedal mashing.

idles at 850rpm too

[ChallengerChuck]

mtrv8n:
Again,thanks for your experience and input.I hope that you continue to enjoy your '73 'Cuda!
The fact that you run a/c on your 'Cuda is especially relevant.

Cordially,
Chuck

[ChallengerChuck]

mtrv8n:
One other question that I have is have you installed the Mopar Performance roller rocker arm upgrade kit?What if any upgrades have you made to your 'Cuda other than the drop-base air cleaner?Just curious.
And again,thank you so very much for your input.

Cordially,
Chuck

[mtrv8n]

My chassis is all stock, and if I add any more power to this motor Ill wrinkle the body.

Or bust somethin else.

So far, I haven't been beaten at a stop light, which is all I can ask. BMW's, 'Stangs, etc.....

carter fuel pump, edelbrock eps800 carb, ignition system that came with the motor plus an accel super coil, flex fan.

[ChallengerChuck]

mtrv8n:
Again,thanks for your replies!You have been really helpful.

Cordially,
Chuck

[Whitneyyy]

How do the drive belt pullies bolt up?

Will the origional belts and pullies work?

I am also interested in this engine for my 1970 Barracuda but I want to retain the origional belts and alt.

Also how is the driveability?

What kind of manifold vacuume can you expect?

[mtrv8n]

EVERYTHING bolts up almost like the original, maybe a shim or washer here and there. Original A/C brackets may not work, I have an Old Air unit, sanden compressor, custom but a great A/C kit.

Driveabilitly is super, this motor makes 250ft/lbs of torque at 2200 rpm! I can actually drive away from idle (850 rpm) just by using the clutch(slowly, but no throttle!)

I am running 3:23 gears on 24.5 inch tires.

Manifold vacuum is about 14, fine for power brakes and steering(which I also have), but I raise the idle 100rpm in the summer for A/C ( I should get the idle compensator switch..)

stock MP performance distributor set to 36 total timing, and careful idle tuning, great stuff. I use 93 octane, readily available here. that may be your only problem.

[Whitneyyy]

Thanks,

Any guess as to the 1/4 times?

Is the engine any taller than my 340 with a dual plen intake?

[Cliff Foster]

I have a 408ci stroker that came from a magnum380(360ci) shortblock. Motor works great, just have ring seat problem. Make sure that you have a reputable shop go through it and make sure all is okay. Makes a lot of power all over the place. Even me Magnum380 was a good bullet. No problems out of it. Ran great until I had it stroked. Honestly all I have is an oil consumption issue and that was probably done after I had it stroked by a outside shop. Love and glad I have it.

[ChallengerChuck]

Cliff Foster:
Thanks for your insight and input.I hope that you have even more fun out of your Dakota with NOS!

Cordially,
Chuck

[gpeter7761]

I just changed from a strip dominator to an air gap, their is about an 1/8 of an inch differance between the two.

[ChallengerChuck]

gpeter7761:
Would an Edelbrock Air-Gap actually fit a Magnum series crate motor?My impression (however wrong) is that,while they have similiar configurations,there are enough differences as to require quite a bit of modification.I have heard that the Magnum series engines have different coolant and oil passages than the standard LA series V-8s.Am I wrong?

Thanks,
Chuck

[mtrv8n]

why are you thinking of messing with the supplied intake?

It will work , fit , and according to recents tests, there's no way to improve on it.

[ChallengerChuck]

mtrv8n:
I was NOT planning on swapping intakes.I was just curious because of a point that gpeter7761 brought up about the Air Gap.

Thanks,
Chuck