need suggestion?

[7dart0]

im buying a magnum 360 with the intention to just drop it in the dart. guy doesnt know too much but it has a rpm intake, mechanical fuel pump with la style timing cover, kevko oil pan. and said the guy he got it from put a different cam and timing set in it.

he said its been sitting with a bag over it in his garage. he said it turns over with a breaker bar and socket. what should i look for and should i crack it open to check bearings or can i leave it be and drop it in with an engine prime to verify oil pressure.

need some suggestions on how to approach this

tom

 

[OldmanRick]

Engines like this are always a "crap shoot". First off, just make sure you only pay a modest amount for it. After that, yes I'd crack it open to make sure what you really bought and the condition? On deals like this, I always planned on the worst...and paid accordingly.

 

[7dart0]

you think just pull the oil pan and check each rod and main bearing and if they look ok just torque them back down. i would prefer not to pull the heads. maybe unbolt the intake and check the valley and see if there is anything foreign.

 

[OldmanRick]

Checking for "stuff" inside and the bearings is always a good thing. One of the big pluses with the Magnum is usually the lack of bore wear. I'm not a educated Magnum guy, but word is the stock heads can be prone to cracks after some miles.

I want some others more familiar with them to confirm that though...

 

[PeaceNGrease]

I'd def pull the pan and check for any excessive play in the bearings and pull the intake and valve covers for a check-up.
Also make sure its a 5.9l, if that's what you want.
-Casting #'s Drivers side above the oil pan xxxx-360 is what you should see.
-Also drivers side behind the PS pump/bracket you'll find and engine pad that's stamped with a series of #' and 360
-harmonic balancer will have a large flat spot/notch machined out of it.