The LA engine Family

Introduction

This racing manual has been prepared as a guide for the customer who wants added performance or reliability from his “LA” engine. Included are tips covering several different types of racing for all four engine sizes that have been produced to date. The procedures outlined in this manual represent those that have been tested by Chrysler engineering, working both at the racetrack and on the dynamometer, as part of its continuing performance development program. This development program serves as the foundation for the direct Connection parts program.

The “LA” engine was introduced in 1964 as the 273 with a two-barrel carburetor and 180 horsepower. From this modest start, the “LA” performance development has continued upward. The 235 hp versions of the 273 were introduced in 1965 with a four barrel carburetor and a high performance camshaft. In 1966 a limited production version of the 273 rated at 275 horsepower was introduced with steel tube headers, 700 cfm Holley carburetor and a .500” lift mechanical camshaft.

The early model 318 (’57-66) was the predecessor of the LA family and in 1967 the new LA version of the 318 was introduced. Few parts from the new LA engine family are interchangeable with parts from the older series. The new 318 have been produced longer and in greater volume than any other LA engine. It has earned an excellent reputation for durability and economy. Only a two barrel carburetor version of the engine has been used.

The 340 was introduced in 1968 and started building it’s own reputation as one of the best performing engines available. Many heavy-duty performance parts were introduced for the LA engines with the 340. The heart of the 340 is its big port, high flow cylinder heads and well designed 180 degree intake manifold. Even though most of the 340 engines used foul barrel carburetors, the LA engine reached it’s highest performance output with the introduction of the 1970 340 6-bbl. T/A engine. This engine used a special thick web block, specially machined heads, adjustable rocker arms and the unique carburetors and intake manifold.

In 1972 the 340 lost its 10.5 to 1 compression ratio in favor of a 8.5 to 1 for emission considerations. It also picked up the 360 head with the smaller intake valve. The 360 had been introduced in 1971 as a two barrel carburetor engine. It is reliable, durable and it got excellent mileage. The 340 engine was retired at the end of 1973. Many 340 parts were then installed on the 360 and the 340 high performance tradition carried on. The 360 with the four barrel carburetor has been winning frequently at the drag strip. The 360 Dusters and Dart Sports are the only cars left that offer the customer “muscle car” performance typical of the late 1960’. You might say that this is a new generation, but it’s all in the family.- the “LA” engine family of course.

In the past two years many non-production, racing “only” parts have been developed for the LA engine series. These new and all the eleven years worth of production will be discussed as a group. All further references to the 318 will mean the new ’67-75 engine only.

The LA engine can easily be identified from other Chrysler V-8’s because they all have the distributor located at the rear of the engine. To identify one from

the another the engine number is needed which is located on the left front of the cylinder block below the left cylinder head. The engine number 318 or 360, etc. is stamped clearly along with the date the engine was built, performance level and oversized-undersized parts replacement information.

All the LA engines employ the lightweight casting techniques that originally separated the 273 from the older 318. because of these casting methods, the LA family makes a very lightweight engine assembly for its displacement. It also has small exterior dimensions of length and width. These two basic advantages make it an excellent choice for street rods and engine swaps.

While this racing manual covers the LA engine specifically, other engines such as the 6 cylinder or RB engine are covered in other engine manuals There are also racing manuals covering chassis items including transmissions, axles, and front and rear suspensions. These manuals are (NOT) available for $1.00 each from the address listed on page 54. These manuals do not try to duplicate the service manuals. We therefore highly recommend that the correct service manual for your car be obtained before any modification or maintenance is performed.