[DustinRFloyd]

Good Morning everyone, I have a question regarding a truck that I am probably going to buy to this weekend. It is a 1989 W350 with a 360 engine, I am assuming it is the magnum engine. What I am curious about is engine power out put. Let's assume it does have the Magnum engine in it, with a reasonable built for streetability, what kind of power can I get out out of the 360. I know I will have to swap the ECU and ignition stuff out, but with doing that and using a Holley Sniper set up, what kind of numbers could I achieve? I am wanting to get around 400HP and 450 torque. I am trying to decide if I can get that out of a 360 or do I need to try and find a 413 or 440?

 

[DustinRFloyd]

I should have given more information probably, I know it will need a lot more work than just the TBI and ignition upgrade. I was just wanting to know everyone's thought as to weather it is achievable and would it be drivable on 87 octane. This will be a driver, hauling trailers and boat. I will drive 45-60 miles a lot in the spring, several hunting trips in the fall/winter. Will also probably drive it 1600 miles round trip on elk hunts. So I am looking for reliability first, performance second.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Ok, so another question, should I stay with the original motor or find a magnum motor and build it. I want to make sure it is very drivable on 87 pump gas. And I may be asking for something that is not reachable. Looking to you guys who have way more experience than I do for advice. Thanks for all of the input.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

I hear everyone, and saving money is always good. Can anyone give expectations as to what the improvements listed above could produce in power numbers?

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Then I guess I will have to do more machine work. I would really like to get closer to the numbers that I was wanting. Also, did they produce a A518 that will fit a big block? Will a A518 off of a cummins fit the stock 360 and work? I have read something about needing a device to shift it automatically into OD and lock up the torque converter.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

That's what I was thinking on the performance, it would be easier to go with the BB. Are there any options for an OD trans with a BB?

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Well, none of that is good news. It sounds like I will have to shell out lots of money or deal with lower performance numbers. Which I can do, there are just so many options out there I can't decide what to do. Thanks for the help fellows.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Shouldn't I take apart the bottom end to find out if it can take the extra power?

 

[DustinRFloyd]

My goodness, there are so many damn options out there. Would any of you guys mind giving me some options as to what you would put in your engine. I don't necessarily need a tire burning monster, but I do want a truck that can pull my 5K pound trailers without blinking an eye. I really do apricate any suggestions.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Ok, maybe I can just upgrade the top end and it will be good. Would still like some input as to what would be best to put in my motor. I am thinking I would like to do, cam, lifters, roller rockers, valve springs (if needed), intake and Sniper TBI, headers and exhaust. That should keep me busy for a while.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

I would like to do the A518 swap, having a difficult time finding one, at this point.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Hey 440 4spd, how do we send a PM now? Is that still possible thru RCC?

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Click on the members icon and there's a message tab in the lower right-hand side of their profile.

Not sure what is going on, but I look click on someone else's and I see the message button, but not on yours.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

440 reminded me you had a w350- If you have a HD 350, you have the best exhaust system dodge ever put on a truck. H pipe to individual cats and dual mufflers with a 3 inch tailpipe. Not as good as long tube headers, but not something I would scrap- that said, there are no replacement parts for it other than mufflers, some hangers and tailpipe

How do I determine if it is a HD W350? Going to look at it tomorrow morning. Hopefully it isn't a basket case.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Which digit is the Z in the vin code?

 

[DustinRFloyd]

The 8th digit in the vin is a "Z". So I guess it is good news.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

So I just got home with the ol girl. It runs ok, doesn't stop very good, steering wheel flops around and it has a terrible vibration in it. Looks like I will have a lot of work ahead of me. Will be looking for a lot of advice.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

I will definitely check it out. On the steering wheel, it is at the tilt joint, and yes the pot joint is worn out also. And......the fuel guage doesn't work, the heat control is broken, has an exhaust leak, and it has that vibration in it. I was under it check u-joints and noticed that the front drive shaft moved where it comes out of the transfer case, that doesn't seem corrrect. What could that be? Worn out bearings? I will try to post some pictures of it this weekend. There is another truck close by that I am going to look at that supposedly has a good body on it, might pick it up. I am also looking for a 518 trans for a 4wd.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

It's not the cv joint. I was watching it move at the case its self. I will check the flange bolts and see if that is it.

 

[DustinRFloyd]

Yes I am basing my want for 400hp/450 torque off of a truck that I have pulled trailers with, that pulled with little issues. The reason I have been asking about how to build it here is the experience that all of you have. I have only built a couple of motors so I'm not very knowledgeable about what I should do. Like has been said, anything is going to do better than what I have. I don't have unlimited funds, but I am the type of person that doesn't like to things twice, so I want to just build a motor once. I would rather find a 5.9 magnum and build it so the truck isn't down for a long time. So that is the reason for asking specific questions as to what to put in an engine to make a strong pulling truck. Thanks.