Chrysler LA engine

The LA engines are a family of pushrod OHV 90° V-block gasoline engines built by Chrysler Corporation and factory-installed in passenger vehicles, trucks and vans, commercial vehicles, marine and industrial applications from 1964 through 2003. The combustion chambers are wedge-shaped, rather than the polyspherical combustion chambers in the predecessor A engine or the hemispherical chambers in the Chrysler Hemi engine. All are cast iron, except for the Viper V10, which is aluminum. LA engines have the same 4.46-inch (113 mm) bore spacing as the A engines. LA engines were made at Chrysler's Mound Road Engine plant in Detroit, Michigan as well as plants in Canada and Mexico. The "L" in "LA" stands for light, as the older "A" engine was nearly 50 pounds heavier.^{[citation needed]}

273 V8

The 273 (4.5 L) was the first LA engine, introduced in 1964 and offered through 1969, rated at 180 BHp. It had a 3.625 in (92 mm) bore and 3.31 in (84 mm) stroke. It had a mechanical solid lifter valvetrain until 1968 when hydraulic lifters were introduced. A special version was also available in 1966 only - it used a 0.500-inch (12.7 mm) lift solid-lifter camshaft, fabricated-steel-tube exhaust, and a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, producing 275 horsepower (1 hp/cu in). It was available in the Dodge Dart only, and the car so equipped was called the "D-Dart". A 235 hp (175 kW) version with a less aggressive camshaft and without the tube headers was available on regular production Darts, Valiants, and Barracudas from 1965 to '67, it was standard only in the Barracuda Formula S model.

Vehicles using the 273 

• 1964–1968 Dodge Dart
• 1964–1968 Plymouth Barracuda
• Plymouth Belvedere
• Dodge Coronet
• Plymouth Satellite
• 1964–1968 Plymouth Valiant
• 1966–1967 Ghia 450 SS

318 V8

The LA 318 was a 318 cu in (5.2 L) relative of the A 318. Like the A 318, it has a larger bore at 3.91 in (99 mm) as well as a stroke of 3.31 in (84 mm). It appeared shortly after the 273, in 1967, and proved tremendously successful. A version of this engine was available until 1991 when its was superseded by the Magnum version (See below). It used hydraulic lifters and a two barrel carburetor for most of its production, though four-barrel Carter Thermo-Quad and Rochester Quadrajet carburetors were used in police applications starting in 1978. The 318 received roller lifters and a fast-burn cylinder head in 1985. Throttle-body electronic fuel injection was factory equipment on the 1981-1983 Imperial. From 1988-1991, another throttle-body fuel injection system was used for truck and van applications.

Vehicles using the 318 

• 1984–1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue
• 1981–1983 Chrysler Imperial (fuel injection)
• 1968–1981 Chrysler Valiant
• 1977–1981 Chrysler LeBaron
• 1981–1983 Chrysler Imperial
• 1975–1983 Chrysler Cordoba
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Coronet
• 1968–1976 Dodge Dart
• 1977–1989 Dodge Diplomat
• 1991 Dodge Dakota
• 1976–1980 Dodge Aspen
• 1971–1972 Dodge Demon
• 1973–1976 Dodge Dart Sport
• 1967–1991 Dodge Ram
• Dodge Ramcharger
• Dodge Ram Van
• 1980–1983 Dodge Mirada
• Plymouth Fury
• 1968–1976 Plymouth Valiant
• Plymouth Satellite
• 1972–1989 Plymouth Gran Fury
• Plymouth Belvedere
• 1976–1980 Plymouth Volaré
• 1968–1974 Plymouth Barracuda
• 1970–1980 Plymouth Duster

340 V8

As the Detroit power wars heated up in the mid-1960s, Chrysler decided to produce a small block V8 specifically designed for high performance applications. The goal was to have a lightweight, high output engine equally suited for the drag strip or an oval track^{[citation needed]}. The result of this decision was the 340 cu in V8. Chrysler's engineers increased the 318's cylinder bores to 4.04-inch (103 mm) while keeping the 318's 3.31-inch (84 mm) stroke. Anticipating higher loads resulting from racing operation, the engineers fitted a forged steel crankshaft instead of the cast nodular iron unit used in the 318. A 4-barrel carburetor was mated to a high-rise, dual plane intake manifold. This induction setup fed into a set of cylinder heads that are still considered one of the best of that era. The heads were high-flow items with big ports, and used 2.02-inch (51 mm) intake and 1.60-inch (41 mm) exhaust valves. An aggressive cam was fitted to take advantage of the much better breathing top end. 1968 4-Speed cars got an even hotter cam, but it was discontinued in 1969^{[citation needed]}. The engine was equipped with hydraulic lifters^{[citation needed]}. Power output was officially stated as 275 hp (205 kW) for the 4 barrel and 290 hp (216 kW) for the 6-pack version with triple 2-barrel carburetors. Using domed pistons, the 340's compression ratio was 10.5:1, placing it near the limit of what was possible on pump gasoline^{[citation needed]}. The 340 also used heavy-duty parts such as a double-roller timing chain, windage tray and revised oil pump^{[citation needed]}.

In 1970, Chrysler offered a special version of the 340 for use in the Challenger TA and Cuda AAR. The "TA" engine featured a heavy duty short block featuring additional webbing in block to allow for 4 bolt main bearing caps, double roller timing chain and 10.5:1 compression. The heads featured larger ports compared to a standard 340 and offset rocker arms that allowed the pushrods to be moved away from the intake ports for improved airflow. They featured an aluminium intake manifold with three two barrel Holley carburetors and a dual points ignition system.

Like many other performance V8's of the day, for insurance reasons, the 340 engine's power output was officially understated^{[citation needed]}. In reality, either the 4bbl or 6bbl configuration could produce at least 315 to 320 hp (235 to 239 kW)^{[citation needed]}. The 340 developed a reputation for outperforming much larger and heavier engines, with the attendant handling benefits provided by the relatively light-weight 340. The engine was praised as a high-revving unit with good durability, making it popular with circle-track racers^{[citation needed]}.

Due to the combination of rising gasoline prices and insurance companies' crackdown on high-performance vehicles^{[citation needed]}, the 340 did not stay in production long. It was released in 1968, detuned with lower compression (via flat-top pistons) and smaller 1.88 inch intake valves in 1972^{[citation needed]}, and was withdrawn from production after the 1973 model year.

Vehicles using the 340 

• Chrysler Valiant Charger (Australia)
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Dart
• Dodge Super Bee
• Plymouth Barracuda
• Plymouth Duster
• Plymouth Road Runner
• Plymouth Sport Fury GT

This engine also powered the French Monica 560.

360 V8

The LA 360 (5.9 L) has a 4.00 in bore and a 3.58 in stroke. It was released in 1971 with a two barrel carburetor. The 360 used the large intake port 340 heads with a smaller intake valve (1.88 inch). In 1973, a 4-barrel version was released. In 1974, the 360 became the most powerful LA engine with the end of 340 production. After 1980, the 360 was primarily used in Dodge Ram trucks and vans. However, in some instances, the 360 was used in Dodge Diplomat police cars. Edit: With the possible exception of some rumored 'special factory cars', Diplomat police cars did not receive the 360 as factory equipment, however the 360 was available in civilian-package cars. The 1978-1979 Lil' Red Express truck used a special high performance 360 4-barrel engine, with factory production code EH1 and was the fastest production vehicle in North America for those years.^{[citation needed]}. The EH1 was a modified version of the E58 360 police engine (E58) producing 225 hp (168 kW) net @ 3800 rpm^{[citation needed]}. Some prototypes for the EH1 featured Mopar Performance W2 heads^{[citation needed]}, although the production units had the standard 360 heads. There was also a "lean burn" version of the 360. The 360 was replaced for 2003 with the 5.7 L Hemi.

Vehicles using the 360 

• Chrysler 300
• Chrysler Valiant & Valiant Charger (Australia)
• Chrysler by Chrysler (Australia)
• 1975–1979 Chrysler Cordoba
• 1978–1979 Chrysler LeBaron
• 1977–1981 Chrysler New Yorker
• 1971–1981 Chrysler Newport
• 1976–1980 Dodge Aspen
• 1974 Dodge Challenger
• 1974–1978 Dodge Charger
• 1974–1976 Dodge Coronet
• 1974–1976 Dodge Dart
• 1978–1979 Dodge Diplomat
• 1978–1979 Dodge Magnum
• 1971–1978 Dodge Monaco
• 1971–1973 Dodge Polara
• 1971–1980 Dodge D Series
• 1981–2002 Dodge Ram
• 1979–2002 Dodge Ram Van/Dodge Ram Wagon
• 1971–2001 Dodge Sportsman/Dodge Tradesman
• 1974–2001 Dodge Ramcharger
• 1974 Plymouth Barracuda
• 1974–1976 Plymouth Duster
• 1971–1978 Plymouth Fury
• 1975–1977, 1980 Plymouth Gran Fury
• 1974–1983 Plymouth Voyager
• 1979–1981 Dodge St. Regis
• 1976–1980 Plymouth Volare and Dodge Minivans
• 1978–1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express
• (in Bristol-modified form)
  • Bristol 603
  • Bristol 412
• (in Bristol-modified form with turbocharger)
  • Bristol Beaufighter
  • Bristol Brigand
  • Bristol Beaufort

239 V6

The 239 V6 is a 239 cu in (3.9 L) V6 released in 1987 for use in the Dodge Dakota and a replacement for the older, longer slant-6. It is essentially a six-cylinder version of the 318 V8. Output was 125 hp (93 kW) and 195 lb·ft (264 N·m) until it was replaced by the Magnum 3.9 starting in 1992. In 1987 it used a two-barrel Holley carburetor and hydraulic tappets. In 1988 it was upgraded with throttle-body fuel injection and roller tappets which it retained until the 1992 Magnum update.

Vehicles using the 239 

• 1987–1991 Dodge Dakota
• 1988–1991 Dodge Ram
• 1988–1991 Dodge Ram van

Magnum engines

The LA family was updated and branded as the Magnum V6 and V8 in 1992. While the Magnum 3.9, Magnum 5.2, and Magnum 5.9 (1993-up) engines were significantly based on the 239, the 318, and the 360 — respectively — many of the parts will not directly interchange and are not technically LA engines (the only parts that are actually unchanged are the crankshafts and connecting rods). Magnum cylinder heads use a different oiling system and individually mounted rocker arms (AMC style) and a CCW rotation water pump with a much improved housing. The intake manifolds share basic dimensions but will not interchange without modifications. Chrysler's engineers redesigned the oil seals on the crankshaft to improve anti-leak seal performance. Although the pre-Magnum ('71-'92) and Magnum versions of the 360/5.9 are both externally balanced, the two are balanced differently (the 360 Magnum uses lighter pistons) and each requires a uniquely balanced damper, flywheel, drive plate, or torque converter. The valve covers on the Magnum have 10 bolts rather than the previous 5, for improved oil sealing.

Chrysler offers a line of crate engines based on the Magnum designed to bolt into older muscle cars and street rods with little modification. Some of the changes to facilitate this were using a 1970-93 water pump so that older pulleys and brackets could be used, as well as an intake manifold that uses a carburetor instead of fuel injection. With a high lift cam and single plane intake, the crate Magnum 360 was rated at 380 hp (280 kW) with the Magnum heads. Later models equipped with "R/T" or aluminum cylinder heads produced 390 hp (290 kW). A 425-HP bolt-in fuel injection conversion kit is also available.

Magnum 5.2

The Magnum 5.2, released in 1992, was an evolutionary development of the 318 with the same displacement. The Magnum development included the multiport fuel injection, new cylinder heads with a closed combustion chamber, a new higher-flow valve angle, increased valve lift, and new intake and exhaust manifolds. Power up to 230 hp (170 kW) and 300 lb·ft (410 N·m). Production of the Magnum 5.2 ended with the 2003 model year Dodge Ram Van. It was replaced by the new 4.7 L PowerTech V8.

Vehicles using the Magnum 5.2 

• 1992–1999 Dodge Dakota
• 1992–2001 Dodge Ram
• 1998–1999 Dodge Durango
• 1992–1993 Dodge Ramcharger
• 1992–2003 Dodge Ram Van
• 1993–1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Magnum 5.9

The Magnum 5.9 is an evolution of the 360. It got the Magnum V8 name with the same new manifolds, heads, and fuel injection as the 5.2 for 1993. Engine output that year was 230 hp (170 kW) and 330 lb·ft (449 N·m) . The engine eventually produced 250 hp (190 kW) and 345 lb·ft (469 N·m) on the version used in the Dakota RT. Starting in 2003, the 5.7 L Hemi V8 began replacing this engine in production vehicles.

Vehicles using the 5.9 Magnum 

• 1998–2003 Dodge Dakota
• 1992–2002 (and early 2003 models) Dodge Ram
• 1992–2003 Dodge Ram Van/Dodge Ram Wagon
• 1998–2003 Dodge Durango
• 1992–1993 Dodge Ramcharger
• 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited LA BESTIA

Magnum 3.9

The 3.9 L (239 cu in) V6, like the 5.2 and 5.9 V8s, received the new Magnum cylinder heads, induction and engine management system as well as the Magnum name in 1992. It is essentially a Magnum 5.2 with two cylinders left off, just as with the old 239 V6 and 318 V8. Power increased substantially to 180 hp (134 kW)and from 195 lb·ft (264 N·m) to 220 lb·ft (298 N·m). In 1994 the exhaust manifolds for this engine were reduced in size to save money^{[citation needed]}. This reduced the engine's output to 175 hp (130 kW), but it retained its torque rating which later^[vague] grew to 225 lb·ft (305 N·m). This engine was last produced for the 2003 Dodge Dakota pickup. Starting in the 2004 model year it was entirely withdrawn from production and replaced with the 3.7 L PowerTech V6 engine.

Vehicles using the Magnum 3.9 

• 1992–2003 Dodge Dakota
• 1992–2003 Dodge Ram Van/Dodge Ram Wagon
• 1992–2001 Dodge Ram

8.0 Viper V10

Viper V10 engine

The Viper V10 is based on the rest of the LA family, and appeared with the Dodge Viper in 1992. It was conceived and prototyped as a Magnum 5.9 with two extra cylinders and a longer stroke of 3.88 in (99 mm).

Chrysler engineers revamped Dodge's cast-iron block V10 for the Viper^{[citation needed]} by recasting the block and heads in aluminium alloy. Prototype blocks were cast by Lamborghini, at the time a Chrysler division. Some felt that the pushrod two-valve design, while adequate for the truck application for which the engine was originally created, was unsuitable for a performance car. However, Chrysler was uncertain about the Viper's production costs and sales potential^[who?] and so declined to provide the budget for the modification^{[citation needed]}.

The first-generation Viper V10 engine has a displacement of 8.0 L (488 cu in) and produces 400 hp (298 kW) and 465 lb·ft (630 N·m). The second-generation engine, also displacing 8.0 L, produced 450 hp (336 kW) and 490 lb·ft (664 N·m). The third-generation engine, introduced on the 2003 Viper, has a displacement of 8.3 L (505 cu in) and produces 500 hp (373 kW) and 525 lb·ft (712 N·m). On January 8, 2007 Dodge released information at the Detroit Auto Show^{[citation needed]} that the 2008 Dodge Viper engine's output would increase to 600 hp (447 kW) and 560 lb·ft (759 N·m) via a slight displacement increase to 8.4 L (510 cu in) and the use of variable valve timing, among the first utilized in a pushrod engine.

Production of the V10 engine started at Mound Road Engine before moving to Conner Avenue Assembly, where the Viper itself is built, in May 2001. In addition, the Viper V10 was installed in the Dodge Ram SRT-10, earning the truck the Guinness World Record for fastest production truck (later bettered by an Australian production car; the Holden HSV Maloo that uses the LS2 Corvette engine). The Dodge Tomahawk concept motorcycle also uses this engine.

The V10 is also sold to British luxury car manufacturer Bristol Cars. The Bristol Fighter is powered by a front-mounted V10, modified to produce 525 hp (391 kW) increasing to 550 hp (410 kW) at high speed.^[1] In the more powerful Fighter S the engine is tuned to give 628 hp (660 hp at high speed using the ram air effect)^{[citation needed]}. Bristol Cars has recently announced the Fighter T, in which the V10 is further modified to produce ^[2] 1,012 hp (755 kW) bhp at 5600 rpm.

Magnum V10

Originally conceived in the 1980s^{[citation needed]} as a truck engine for the larger Rams^{[citation needed]}, the Magnum V10 was re-engineered as the engine of the Dodge Viper^{[citation needed]} in 1990 by Chrysler Engineering, and used in the Ram 2500 starting in the 1994 redesign of the Ram line. When the 8 L 488ci V10 Magnum debuted for the Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500 in 1994, it was the most powerful gasoline engine available for consumer pick-ups. It provided far less power than the V10 in the Viper and used a cast-iron cylinder block. Output was 310 hp (230 kW) and 450 lb·ft (610 N·m). It was discontinued after the 2003 model year.

See also

• Chrysler engines
• Chrysler A engine
• Chrysler Hemi engine

References

1. ^ Bistol Fighter
2. ^ Bristol Fighter T