Posted by MoparNorm on Sunday, May 19, 2002 at 2:51AM :
In Reply to: Perhaps, but... posted by Brian in Oregon on Sunday, May 19, 2002 at 0:37AM :
Hi Brian,
Hope you get better soon. Contrary to popular misconception, the Poly block/mounts etc are the same as the later 318LA. As far as I know, the \6 and Poly bell will work on the LA.
While hard to find, there is no lack of performance equipment available. All bottom end LA parts will work on the Poly, only the intake/head/exhaust/and cam is different (different valve timing sequence) and those parts are readily available and quite reasonable.
Since the block is the same width (it's the heads that are WIDE, not the block) the clearance shouldn't be a problem and the Spitfire block hugger headers at $150 are very reasonable and quite a bit tighter to the block than LA headers I 've seen.
The radiator hose is on the drivers side so that is one area that would/may present problems, however you can run a later LA water pump and that moves the hose over to the other side.
I'm not 100% certain about the lightwieght starter, I've heard both that it can be used and that it can't, purhaps with a newer two bolt bell it could be used, but I haven't researched this.
Mechanical lifters can be a problem, but personally I like to hear that baby Hemi breath! There is something to be said about that staccato sound of a finely tuned Poly being punched up! I'd say that every 6,000 to 10,000 miles would be the limit on ignoring this service.
All minor parts, gaskets and fittings are still available over the counter from NAPA, All other parts are available from Mopar Performance or Wieand. Chris Nelson Cams in Utah has NOS cams and lifters in many, many performance/RV grinds. It is not uncommon to have in excess of 300 HP and still get 18 mpg with these motors in the very aerodynamic (ha! ha!) Power Wagon!
MoparNorm