Are 5.9 Magnum And La 5.9 Oil Pans Interchangeable?

The 5.9L Magnum engine was a significant upgrade to the 360ci (5.9L) LA-series small-block V-8 engine, which was first introduced by Chrysler in 1971. The 5.9L Magnum engine was released in 1993 and offered improvements in output, reliability, and sealing against oil leakage. When comparing the 5.9 Magnum and the LA 5.9 engines, there are some differences and similarities in their oil pans and related components.

The 5.9L Magnum engine was a big upgrade for the 360's evolution

The 5.9L Magnum engine was a significant upgrade in the evolution of the 360ci (5.9L) LA-series small-block V-8 engine. Introduced in 1971 by Chrysler, the 360 engine was originally designed as a low-compression, economical alternative to the popular 383 two-barrel big-block. However, by the early '90s, it became dated compared to competing engine packages.

In response, Chrysler revamped the 360 and reintroduced it as the 5.9L Magnum in 1993. This upgrade addressed the engine's output, reliability, and sealing against oil leakage. The changes included:

• Revised cylinder heads
• Modern MPI fuel injection
• Improved assembly gaskets and seals

These modifications successfully enhanced the engine's performance and extended its production life by a decade in Chrysler's trucks, vans, and SUVs.

The 5.9L Magnum engine also featured a cast-iron block and two cast-iron heads with a single camshaft (OHV) and two valves per cylinder. It was equipped with a multi-point fuel injection system and a mechanically timed electrical ignition system. The standard version produced 230 HP, later upgraded to 245 HP in 1998.

Regarding oil pans, the 5.9L Magnum engine can use a 360 LA oil pan, but it requires the corresponding LA gasket due to differences in the pan's design. The Magnum one-piece oil pan gasket is not compatible with the notched design of early LA-series pans.

The 360 LA car oil pan is compatible with the Magnum engine

When performing this swap, it is also important to consider the oil capacity of the pan. The oil capacity for the 360 LA pan is typically around 5 quarts, while the Magnum pan may have a different capacity. Therefore, it is essential to consult the vehicle's manual or a mechanic to ensure the correct oil level is maintained.

In addition to the oil pan, other components such as the oil filter, dipstick, and pickup tube may need to be changed to match the 360 LA pan. The dipstick, in particular, may require slight modifications to fit the Magnum engine. It is also recommended to verify the oil level marks by adding 5 quarts of oil and a new filter, running the engine, and then checking the oil level on the dipstick.

When choosing an oil pan for the Magnum engine, it is important to consider the specific model. For example, the 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum engines use the same oil pan, which is different from the 3.9L Magnum engine. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the correct oil pan for the specific Magnum engine to ensure compatibility and proper oil capacity.

The Magnum oil pan gasket is different from the LA

Some people have successfully swapped a Magnum oil pan onto an LA 360 engine by using the proper gasket and making minor modifications. One person reported that they had to hammer the oil pan's ledge flat along the last inch or so of the curves of the oil pan to make it fit. Another person suggested carefully cutting the front seal ends off and installing them in the pan's locating holes to fill the notches in the pan. This method does not require any hammering or modification of the pan itself.

It's important to note that the oil capacity of the engine is dictated by the oil pan, regardless of the engine style. So, when swapping oil pans, it's crucial to consider the oil capacity and ensure that the oil level is correct for the specific engine and pan combination.

Additionally, the rear of the Magnum oil pan has a smaller diameter than the LA oil pan. This difference in diameter needs to be addressed when swapping a Magnum oil pan onto an LA engine or vice versa. In some cases, this may involve notching the K-member slightly to fit the oil pan.

The Magnum engine is factory-equipped with a truck-style rear sump pan

The 5.9L Magnum engine was a significant upgrade in the 360's evolution, with Chrysler making changes to improve output, reliability, and sealing against oil leakage. The Magnum engine is factory-equipped with a truck-style rear sump pan. This means that if you are installing the engine in a truck, no changes are required. However, for installation in a car, a mid-sump standard car pan for a 360 engine is necessary.

The Chrysler LA 360 oil pan can be bolted to the Magnum engine without any modifications. The Magnum engine also uses a one-piece oil pan gasket, which is nearly leak-proof. This is in contrast to the typical leaky four-piece 360 gasket found in the LA engine. The Magnum gasket can be used with the LA timing cover, but modifications to the front of the gasket are required.

When installing a Magnum engine in place of an LA engine, most parts are directly compatible. However, there are some notable exceptions. The oil pan is one area where the Magnum and LA engines differ. The Magnum engine's rear sump truck-style oil pan is designed for use in trucks, while the LA engine typically uses a mid-sump car-style oil pan.

The LA 360 car oil pan will work with the Magnum engine, but it is important to use the correct oil pan gasket. The LA car pan requires a one-piece MP oil pan gasket, and the LA pickup should be used, but clearances must be checked before installation.

In summary, the Magnum engine's factory-equipped truck-style rear sump pan is suitable for truck installations but requires modification for use in cars. The LA engine's oil pan can be adapted to the Magnum engine with the appropriate gasket and pickup, ensuring clearances are checked.

The Magnum engines use the same starter as the LA small blocks

The Chrysler LA engine, or "Light A", is a family of overhead-valve small-block 90-degree V-configured gasoline engines built between 1964 and 2003. The LA engine was a replacement for the Chrysler A engine and was factory-installed in a variety of vehicles, from passenger cars to vans and trucks.

The Magnum engine is a direct descendant of the LA engine, with the first of the upgraded versions, the 5.2 L Magnum, released in 1992. The 5.9 L Magnum followed in 1993, based on the LA-series 360 cu in (5.9 L) engine. The Magnum engines were a significant revision of the Mopar small-block, with improvements in output, reliability, and sealing against oil leakage.

While there are many similarities and interchangeable parts between the LA and Magnum engines, there are some notable differences. One such difference is in the rocker arm arrangement. The LA engine uses a shaft-mount 1.5:1 rocker arrangement, while the Magnum engines use 1.6:1-ratio pedestal rockers. This change in the Magnum engines means that the oil is supplied to the rocker shafts via the lifters, rather than through an oil passage in the block and heads as in the LA engine.

Despite this difference, the Magnum engines do use the same starter as the LA small blocks. However, it is recommended to upgrade to the high-torque mini starter for better header clearance and easier installation.

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