Dodge 318 Engine for Sale | OEM Used LA and Magnum 5.2L Small Block V8
$8,599.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM used, compression tested across all 8 cylinders
- Availability: In stock, LA (1967 to 1991) and Magnum (1992 to 2003) variants available
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states via freight pallet, 5 to 10 business days
- All 8 cylinders compression tested, results available before you pay
- Generation confirmed, LA or Magnum documented before shipping
- Fuel system type confirmed, carb, TBI, or EFI noted before shipping
- Cam type confirmed (flat-tappet LA vs roller Magnum)
- Casting number and date code documented
- Police-spec 318 identification when applicable (1978 to 1991, 4-barrel carb)
- No core charge required
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
- Description
- Warranty
- Why Buy From Us
- Additional information
- FAQ
- Warranty
- Why Buy From Us
- Reviews (2)
Description
About the Dodge 318 Engine
The Dodge 318 is Chrysler’s best-selling V8 engine and one of the most widely used American V8s in automotive history. Introduced in 1967 as the LA (Light A) series small block, it remained in production in evolved form through 2003, a 35-year production run that saw it power virtually every Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth vehicle ever built during that era. Where the 340 and 360 got the performance headlines and the 383 and 440 got the muscle car glory, the 318 was the engine that actually kept America moving. It was in police cruisers, taxi fleets, everyday sedans, pickup trucks, cargo vans, and RVs for three and a half decades.
The 318 earned its reputation through two core strengths: durability and reasonable fuel economy. With its 2-barrel carburetor and modest state of tune, it produced 200 to 230 hp, enough for smooth highway performance in a full-size Dodge or a spirited launch in a lighter Dart or Duster, while returning 15 to 16 mpg that most of its big-block contemporaries could not approach. Police agencies across the country chose the 318-powered Dodge Diplomat over comparable Ford and Chevrolet alternatives for its combination of performance and long-term durability.
In 1992, Chrysler introduced the Magnum update: roller lifters replacing flat-tappet units, revised cylinder heads with improved port flow, and sequential multi-port fuel injection replacing carburetors and TBI. The Magnum 318 (sold as the 5.2 Magnum) remained in production through 2003 in the Ram truck lineup and represents the most capable and most durable evolution of this architecture.
Signs You Need a Replacement Engine
- Blue smoke on cold start that clears after warm-up, valve stem seal wear, extremely common on high-mileage LA 318 engines
- Knock under load, rod or main bearing wear on high-mileage units
- Rough idle that worsens when warm, cam lobe wear on flat-tappet LA engines that were run without proper ZDDP oil
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders, ring wear or scored cylinder walls
- EFI rough idle or hesitation not resolved by basic service on Magnum 318, MAP sensor or idle air control failure
- Oil leaks at front timing cover and valve covers, common on aged Mopar small blocks
Known Problems With This Engine
- Flat-tappet cam lobe wear on LA 318 (pre-1992): The LA 318 uses a flat-tappet camshaft. Modern engine oils are formulated with reduced zinc (ZDDP) for catalytic converter protection, but this makes them inadequate for flat-tappet camshaft lubrication. Any LA 318 that has been run for years on modern low-zinc oil likely has accelerated cam lobe wear. We inspect valvetrain indicators and report before shipping.
- LA vs Magnum head incompatibility: The LA 318 and Magnum 318 use different cylinder heads. The Magnum heads have larger ports and a different intake manifold bolt pattern. They are not directly interchangeable. We document which generation head is on the unit before every order ships.
- 5-bearing crankshaft vs competition: The 318 5-bearing crankshaft was entirely adequate for the engine power output but limited its response to high-rpm performance modifications compared to engines with more main bearings. For a stock or mild street replacement, this is a non-issue.
- Lean Burn ignition system on 1977 to 1979 LA 318: These years used Chrysler problematic Lean Burn electronic ignition that caused reliability issues. We note ignition system configuration on these year-specific units.
- EGR and emissions equipment on late LA units: 1975 and later LA 318s have EGR valves and increasingly complex emissions equipment that can cause surging, rough idle, and fuel economy loss when aged. We note emissions equipment condition on late-model LA units.
Dodge 318 Variants by Generation and Fuel System
Two distinct engineering generations across the 318 35-year production run:
| Generation | Years | HP Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA 318, 2V Carb | 1967 to 1987 | 150 to 230 hp | Most common. 2-barrel carb. Flat-tappet cam. Powers Dart, Duster, Diplomat, Ram D-series truck, Van, and virtually all Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth models. |
| LA 318, 4V Police Carb | 1978 to 1991 | 175 to 195 hp | 4-barrel carb on Diplomat and Gran Fury police cars. Higher-output tune. Still flat-tappet cam. |
| LA 318 TBI Truck | 1988 to 1991 | 140 hp | Throttle body injection on D-series truck. First fuel-injected 318. Roller lifters introduced here before Magnum. |
| Magnum 318 (5.2 Magnum) | 1992 to 2003 | 230 hp at 4,100 rpm | Roller lifters, revised heads, sequential MPFI. Ram truck, Grand Cherokee, Dakota. Significantly improved over LA. |
Common Casting Numbers
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| 2780930 / 3462293 | Common early LA 318 blocks 1967 to 1972 |
| 3769902 / 3769827 | Mid-era LA 318 blocks 1973 to 1980 |
| 4323900 / 53020699 | Late LA and early Magnum transition blocks |
Casting number and date code documented on every unit before shipping.
What Ships and What Does Not
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED, Long Block | Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pan, front timing cover, and water pump where present. |
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold, carburetor or EFI system, exhaust manifolds, distributor or ignition system, alternator, power steering pump, starter, flexplate or flywheel, accessory brackets. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Vehicle Compatibility
The Dodge 318 powered virtually every Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth vehicle for 35 years. Key applications include:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Dodge Dart and Demon | 1967 to 1976 |
| Plymouth Duster, Barracuda, Valiant, Scamp | 1967 to 1976 |
| Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare | 1976 to 1980 |
| Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury (Police) | 1977 to 1989 |
| Dodge Ram D-100/D-150/D-250 Truck | 1967 to 1993 |
| Dodge Ram Van and Wagon B-series | 1971 to 1993 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1993 to 1998 (Magnum 5.2) |
| Dodge Dakota | 1992 to 1996 (Magnum 5.2) |
| Dodge Ram 1500 | 1992 to 2003 (Magnum 5.2) |
The 318 shares the Chrysler LA and Magnum small block bellhousing bolt pattern and motor mount dimensions with the 273, 340, 360, and 400. It is a direct swap in any vehicle originally built around any of those engines. Note: LA heads and Magnum heads use different intake manifold bolt patterns and are not interchangeable. Verify generation before sourcing intake components.
Transmission compatibility: Torqueflite 727 (A727) automatic, most common heavy-duty pairing | Torqueflite 904 (A904), lighter duty automatic | Chrysler 833 4-speed manual, some performance applications | 46RH / 518 overdrive automatic, Magnum era truck applications.
Inspection Workflow
Every used Dodge 318 we ship goes through this process:
- Compression test across all 8 cylinders, results per cylinder recorded and shared before shipping
- Generation confirmed, LA or Magnum documented including fuel system type
- Cam type confirmed, flat-tappet (LA) or roller (Magnum / late LA TBI) noted
- Valvetrain condition indicators inspected, cam lobe wear signs noted on flat-tappet LA units
- Casting number documented, year and block family confirmed
- Timing cover and gasket surfaces inspected for seepage
Mileage varies by unit. Where available from the donor vehicle we provide it. Where mileage cannot be confirmed, we disclose this before your order is placed.
Buyer Tips, What to Know Before You Order
- Flat-tappet oil, mandatory for LA 318: If installing a pre-1992 LA 318, use only oil with ZDDP zinc additive. Add a ZDDP supplement (such as Driven or Comp Cams ZL-1) to any modern oil. Running a flat-tappet LA 318 on modern low-zinc oil without supplementation will destroy the cam lobes within 10,000 miles.
- LA vs Magnum heads, not interchangeable: The Magnum head has a different intake manifold bolt pattern. A Magnum engine requires a Magnum intake manifold. An LA intake will not bolt to a Magnum head. We confirm generation before shipping, verify your intake manifold matches.
- Police 318 identification: The 1978 to 1991 police-specification 318 used a 4-barrel carburetor and specific cam. These units typically have low-mileage, well-maintained histories and are among the most desirable used 318 cores. Call us and ask about police-spec availability.
- Lean Burn ignition (1977 to 1979): The Chrysler Lean Burn system on 1977 to 1979 LA 318s is a known problem source. If your replacement vehicle uses these years, consider converting to a standard electronic ignition system during installation.
- Magnum EFI compatibility: The Magnum 318 sequential EFI requires the Magnum ECU, wiring harness, and sensors. It is not a simple replacement for an LA carbureted 318 without converting the entire fuel delivery system. We advise on this before shipping.
Why Buy From Part Nests
- Generation confirmed before you pay, LA or Magnum, fuel system type, and cam type documented
- Compression tested across all 8 cylinders, results shared before order confirmed
- Flat-tappet cam wear indicators noted on LA units, most important concern on aged Mopar small blocks
- Casting number documented, year and block family confirmed
- No core charge, keep your old engine
- Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states, no hidden fees
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal engine defects
- Call (240) 306-7051 to confirm LA vs Magnum generation, fuel system type, police-spec availability, and intake manifold compatibility before ordering
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used Dodge 318 engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Compression failures on any of the 8 cylinders beyond what was disclosed
- Cam, lifter, or bearing failures within 15 days from installation
- Incorrect generation shipped (LA vs Magnum) or incorrect fuel system type shipped due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from running an LA 318 on modern low-zinc oil without ZDDP supplementation (flat-tappet cam destruction)
- Damage from mixing LA and Magnum components (intake manifold bolt pattern mismatch)
- Damage from incorrect ECU calibration on Magnum applications
- Damage from operating with aged Lean Burn ignition on 1977 to 1979 units (conversion to standard electronic ignition recommended at install)
- External components (intake manifold, carburetor or EFI, distributor, alternator, starter, A/C, P/S, exhaust manifolds) unless itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- All 8 Cylinders Tested: Compression results documented before payment
- Generation Confirmed: LA or Magnum documented including fuel system type
- Cam Type Confirmed: Flat-tappet LA vs roller Magnum noted
- Casting Number Documented: Year and block family confirmed
- Police-Spec Identification: Available where applicable (1978 to 1991 4-barrel)
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
Additional information
| displacement | 317.6 cu in (5.2L) |
|---|---|
| engine-family | Chrysler LA Series (1967 to 1991) |
| configuration | 16 valves, OHV, V8 |
| bore-x-stroke | 3.906 in x 3.312 in |
| firing-order | 1, 8, 4, 3, 6, 5, 7, 2 |
| compression-ratio | 8.6:1 to 9.1:1, year dependent |
| aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| block-material | Cast Iron |
| head-material | Cast iron (LA and Magnum use different port designs) |
| valve-train | Flat-tappet hydraulic (LA) |
| production-years | 1967 to 2003 |
| manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation (Dodge, Chrysler division), Plymouth |
| horsepower | 150 to 230 hp, confirmed at order |
| torque | 230 to 295 lb-ft, confirmed at order |
| compatible-transmissions | 46RH, 904 (A904), Chrysler 833 4-speed manual, Torqueflite 727 (A727) |
| price | $8, 599.00 |
Generation, cam, heads, and fuel system. The LA (Light A) 318 was produced from 1967 to 1991, using a flat-tappet camshaft, LA-pattern cylinder heads, and carburetor or TBI fuel system depending on year. The Magnum 318 (sold as the 5.2 Magnum) was produced from 1992 to 2003 with roller lifters, revised heads with larger ports, a different intake manifold bolt pattern, and sequential multi-port fuel injection. The two generations share the same block architecture but heads and intake manifolds are NOT interchangeable. We document generation on every order.
Flat-tappet design with reduced zinc oil. The LA 318 uses a flat-tappet camshaft where the lifter face slides flat against the cam lobe. This design requires zinc (ZDDP) in the engine oil to prevent metal-on-metal scoring. Modern engine oils (API SN and newer specs) are formulated with reduced zinc to extend catalytic converter life. Running a flat-tappet LA 318 on modern low-zinc oil without supplementation causes accelerated cam lobe wear, often destroying the cam within 10,000 miles. Use only ZDDP-fortified oils (Brad Penn, Driven HR-series, Valvoline VR-1) or add a Comp Cams ZL-1 or Driven ZDDP supplement to your chosen oil for any LA 318 installation.
A 4-barrel carbureted, higher-output 318 used in 1978 to 1991 Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury police vehicles. The police 318 produces 175 to 195 hp from a 4-barrel Carter Thermo-Quad or Holley carburetor and a slightly more aggressive cam. Police 318s are typically among the most desirable used 318 cores because they were maintained on strict service intervals, often had documented mileage, and were retired from fleet service before reaching truck-mileage levels. If you specifically want a police-spec 318, call us and ask about current availability.
No. This is the most common cross-generation installation mistake. The LA and Magnum cylinder heads use DIFFERENT intake manifold bolt patterns. A Magnum head requires a Magnum intake manifold. If you're sourcing a Magnum 318 and want to keep your LA-style 4-barrel intake, you need to convert the engine to LA heads (rare and expensive) or source a Magnum-pattern intake manifold (Edelbrock, Mopar Performance, and others make Magnum intakes). We confirm head generation on every shipped 318 so you can plan accordingly.
1977 to 1979 Chrysler electronic ignition system known for reliability issues. The Lean Burn system was an early attempt to electronically control ignition timing for emissions compliance. It was prone to vacuum hose leaks, computer module failure, and erratic timing advance. Symptoms include surging, hesitation, hard starting, and poor fuel economy. Many 1977 to 1979 Mopar owners have converted to a standard Chrysler electronic ignition (the post-1979 system without the Lean Burn computer) to eliminate the issues. If you are running a 1977 to 1979 LA 318, plan for this conversion at the engine install labor visit.
Yes mechanically, but supporting hardware is needed. The Magnum 318 has the same Chrysler LA / Magnum small block bellhousing pattern and motor mount dimensions as the LA 318, so it bolts into any LA-equipped chassis. However, the Magnum requires its own ECU, wiring harness, sensors, fuel pump, fuel rail, and complete sequential MPFI system. A simple swap from carbureted LA to Magnum is NOT a drop-in operation. The cleanest Magnum swaps use the complete Magnum ECU and harness from the donor truck, paired with the Magnum-spec fuel system.
Multiple options based on application. Torqueflite 727 (A727) is the most common heavy-duty automatic, used in trucks, vans, and full-size cars. Torqueflite 904 (A904) is the lighter-duty automatic, used in smaller passenger cars and the Dart / Duster. Chrysler 833 is the 4-speed manual, used in some performance applications. The 46RH and 518 overdrive automatics were used in Magnum-era Ram trucks and Grand Cherokees. All of these transmissions share the Chrysler LA / Magnum bellhousing pattern with the 273, 340, 360, and 400 small blocks.
No. There is no core return required.
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used Dodge 318 engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Performance materially different from how the engine was described
- Incorrect part shipped due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from incompatible components or wrong oil type (modern low-zinc on flat-tappet cams)
- External components unless specifically itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- Generation Confirmed: LA (1967-1991) or Magnum (1992-2003) documented before payment
- Fuel System Identified: Carburetor, TBI, or EFI noted on every order
- Head Type Documented: LA vs Magnum intake bolt pattern verified
- Cam Type Disclosed: Flat-tappet (LA) or roller (Magnum) confirmed
- All 8 Cylinders Tested: Compression results shared before payment
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
2 reviews for Dodge 318 Engine for Sale | OEM Used LA and Magnum 5.2L Small Block V8
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Vince B. –
Got an LA 318 for a 1979 Dodge Diplomat. Generation confirmed as LA, fuel system documented as 2-barrel carburetor, cam type identified as flat-tappet. All eight cylinders tested uniform on compression. Plan ZDDP oil from install forward per their note. Replacement for the worn-out original was exactly the right specification.
Wally M. –
Sourced a 5.2 Magnum for a 1998 Ram 1500. Magnum generation confirmed, sequential EFI fuel system verified, intake gasket condition assessed and disclosed as showing seepage. Replacing the intake gasket at install per their recommendation. Roller cam intact. Foundation for the truck is solid.