Mopar SmallBlock Engines: How to Build Max Performance

Hit the horsepower goal of your Mopar smallblock engine using this guide that identifies the best parts and techniques to extract maximum performance from LA and Magnum powerplants.Mopar engine expert and author Larry Shepard covers heads, cams, and valvetrain products and modifications that will give you more power. In addition, he provides exquisite details and indepth buildup instruction for other essential components: blocks, cranks, pistons, rods, ignition systems, intakes, carburetors, and exhaust.The Chrysler LAseries and Magnum smallblocks are powerful, efficient, and quickrevving engines that have dutifully powered millions of Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars and trucks from 1964 to 2003. And the LA engine is also the powerplant for many classic Mopar muscle cars, including the Charger, Barracuda, Challenger, Dart, and others. While these venerable smallblocks have delivered impressive performance in stock trim, both can be easily modified to produce much greater power for almost any application.The LA designates the smallblock as Lightweight A, which was a huge improvement over the previous generation. With its compact size, 50pound weight savings, thin wall casting, and wedge heads, it cranked out a lot of torque and horsepower, so it was formidable competition on the street and track. The LA was offered in 273, 318, 340 and 360ci inch iterations, and a full range of aftermarket products are offered for these engines. By 1992, the LA engine platform had evolved into the Magnum 5.2 and 5.9liter engines and became the new standard of Mopar smallblock performance.If you own an LA smallblockpowered Mopar car or truck, this invaluable guidance and instruction will allow you to optimize performance and maintain reliability.