First Magnum and problems

[Rd2Scamp]

Im trying to get my first 360 magnum ready to drop in. I’ve probably done 12-15 LA motors in my lifetime. The problems Im having is the crank is hitting the oil pump when I try and turn the engine over by hand. Got another oil pump and the casting is the same. Old stock pump has more clearance in that spot. Tried to clearance one pump and made a hole in the pump after removing just a little bit. Thinking about trying to swap the guts from the new one to the old pump.
Second issue is Im not 100% sure how to tighten the rocker arms down on the magnum. I don’t see the “v8” mark on my crank like the book says to line up with TDC. Do you have to go through the firing order and tighten one set at a time or can you just tighten them all at once like an LA engine and not turn the engine over ?

 

[dogbreath]

Some chinese pumps interfere with the crank , buy a melling. If using stock magnum rockers just tighten them down , however it's a good idea to check for proper preload.

 

[408 swinger]

Are you trying to use a high volume pump? If so, that's your issue. Although I've installed MANY HV pumps and never had issue, it is something that needs to be checked. AND, if you do have the HV pump, you will unsuccessfully transfer the parts to your OG pump housing. The rotor and gear are taller in the HV.

 

[mbaird]

Are you using a gasket ? If not it might give you the clearance you need .

 

[fshd4it]

If you can't see the V8 mark (mine was really faint), it's 17.5 deg ATDC.

 

[mbaird]

I would skip the HV pump and rebuild/blueprint the old stock one . It’s not complicated and very beneficial. In fact I would do the same to a new pump . Lots of flow to be had.

 

[mbaird]

I verify TDC then mark both damper and cover accordingly with a contrasting paint pen .
This not only establishes TDC but also helps me see in all lighting conditions.