I think a 5.2 magnum with stock heads and a 380 crate motor cam will get you 340hp out of a 318 . Use magnum heads, big cam, headers and get a 4bbl intake[/QUOT
Makes sense if the Magnum is a good flowing head. I am not familiar with magnum, heads. I did some quick reading and found out the heads are the same between 5.2 and 5.9. I would think it is the bigger 360 type casting that they modified for the magnum. Considering this, it makes sense that the 5.2 Magnum more then likely runs circles around the LA 318.