Got my junkyard magnum motor in the 11s!

I think there is a perception that Magnum = huge improvement over LA. The Magnum gets the nod in stock or closed to stock situations because of the roller valve train, better flow heads, and the reality that most Magnums are in better shape in junkyard and stock configuration because they are newer, and fuel injected.
I think the Magnum maintains a slight edge on a higher HP build because of the probable better condition of the core engine, roller valvetrain. The LA equivalent, if built the same, does have some parts availability ease (dampner, better intake), but has added cost if you want the roller valve train.

I would love to see a competitive fresh build... Magnum 360 with the better aftermarket heads, performance cam (using stock rollers), and best MAGNUM based intake, versus a LA 360 with the same family of heads, performance flat tappet cam, and best AL intake, to see which comes out on top.