Mopar Small-Block Engines: How to Build Max Performance (Performance How-to)

The Chrysler LA-series and Magnum small-blocks are powerful, efficient, and quick-revving engines that have dutifully powered millions of Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars and trucks from 1964 to 2003. And the LA engine is also a motive power unit for many classic Mopar muscle cars, including the Charger, Barracuda, Challenger, Dart, and others. While these venerable small-blocks 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 small-block as “Lightweight A,” which was a huge improvement over the previous generation. With its compact size, 50-pound 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 360-ci inch iterations, and a full range of aftermarket products are offered for these engines. By 1992, the LA engine platform had evol