Rebuild LA 318 or 360 Magnum crate?

[BoldAxis96]

I've been having the idea for the past couple years or so with a 72 satellite, it came with a worn LA 318 (original motor) that came with a 904, but I've also wanted to get a 360 (5.9) magnum crate motor to give it a bit more umpth, my plan for this car is to make it a streeter, something I can get in and drive a few times a month, but I've yet to see any good insights doing a magnum swap on a B body, seems like they're always in A bodies or late 70s/early 80s trucks, I've already taken oil pan, fuel pump, possibly motor mount changes, and the balancing situation into consideration, but would it be worth rebuilding the 318 with some decent upgrades or getting a ready-to-run magnum?, the car still ways away from being finished (see pics in my Introduction post). I would appreciate some ideas or good advice while still at this stage, thank you.

 

[VANDAN]

If you're thinking replacement, there's some nice SB Strokers out there. Do it Once...

 

[YY1]

100 more HP from just a stock, possibly already running 5.9

 

[slepr1]

If you want "a bit more umpth" you'll need the 360 with some decent gears.

 

[Runcharger]

360 Magnum was a nice factury package IMO. Pretty good power and fuel efficient too.

 

[Kern Dog]

I don't see the sense in building an LA engine since the 5.2 and 5.9 raised the bar so much.
Better oil sealing with improved valve cover design, better oil pan sealing, better cylinder head flow, roller cams with only a tiny fraction of risk compared to traditional flat tappet engines....
Even a stock 5.9 out of a van or truck makes an excellent engine for a mild street car where power between idle to 4500 rpms is the goal.

 

[4mulas]

The magnum will have quite a bit more torque than the 318 LA. Satellite is big enough, might like the extra torque.

 

[Don Frelier]

I have an essentially stock rebuild .030" over 5.2 in my Dakota with Bosch 5 port injectors.
It pulls hard to 5,000 rpm and gets the rpms up there quickly.
If I were to put a Hughes intake and cam in it then I could likely make 350 hp with it.
A 5.9 would be even better.

 

[Dave6T4]

A friend has a '65 Satellite with a MP 390 h.p. 360 Magnum crate motor. It goes 13.20's in 1/4 mile with 3.55 gears.

 

[VANDAN]

A friend has a '65 Satellite with a MP 390 h.p. 360 Magnum crate motor. It goes 13.20's in 1/4 mile with 3.55 gears.

View attachment 1965016

Really Nice Car, Including the Color !!!