273 swap to 318/ build, cost, potential, daily driver
The Magnum engines are better tech, are low cost and easy to obtain. The 360 is preferred because its bigger. The bores of either 318 or 360 Magnum most of the time are very healthy due to coming from a fuel injected engine- no flooding and washing down of cylinders like an LA engine with a stuck float in the carburetor. The Magnum heads have a nice efficient small comb chamber. Unlike an LA Head but stock Mag heads are limited to .550" lift stock. (Valve guides will need machined down for more lift. The Magnum engine is a Hyd Roller cam engine. Go with the stock cam and enjoy idle to say 5200 RPM performance or send the cam out for a regrind and make more power. Those HYD roller cams produce amazing power WITHOUT a ton of duration. Magnum heads will be cacked between the int and exh seat but they're all that way and apparently it poses zero problems for a stock or higher perf build. On FBMP a complete 360 will typically be $300- $600- at least in my area.
I would prefer to keep everything simple and stock if possible. No need or performance mods or HP expenses. It’ll be a cruiser as mentioned. I’m more interested in simplicity, safety and a healthy invest for future needs if a rebuild should ever arise again in X amount of miles/ use.
Having said that. Do you have experience or preference between a 5.2 vs 5.9?
Am I understanding correctly?
Find a decent block. (Any particular years to look for?)
Convert everything from efi to carbureted as needed. Manifold and carb. (Are there any major electrical or other concerns or issues in going from efi to carb?)
Will I be using the exhausts manifolds off of my 273 or use the ones a magnum comes with?
And the approach the ideal transmission and rear end issues?
Also a thought, will a magnum swap need any work related to more weight than the original 273? Suspension, brakes, k-member concerns?
I apologize as I don’t know what I don’t know. Again, goal here is “path of least resistance” (and if you saw my earlier posts, I did come across a 5.2 complete with a 5 year warranty, if it’s not a scam??? No idea) otherwise I’m hunting around on FBMP and classifieds looking for a doable magnum.
Oh! Also, would a magnum allow me the opportunity to eventually look into power brakes and power steering???? Thanks again!