Is a 5.9 a 318?
No, a 5.9 is not a 318. The 5.9 refers to the engine displacement in liters, while the 318 refers to a specific engine model number. These are two different ways of identifying an engine, and they do not necessarily correspond to each other.
Explaining the Difference Between Engine Displacement and Engine Model Numbers
Engine displacement is a measure of the total volume of the engine's cylinders, typically expressed in liters (L) or cubic inches (ci). The 5.9 in this case refers to a 5.9-liter engine, which is a common displacement size for larger truck and SUV engines.
On the other hand, engine model numbers are alphanumeric codes used by manufacturers to identify specific engine designs. The "318" in this case is a model number, not a displacement measurement. Different engine models can have the same displacement, and the same model number can be used for engines with different displacements.
To summarize, the 5.9 refers to the engine's displacement, while the 318 refers to a specific engine model. These are two different ways of identifying an engine, and they do not necessarily correspond to each other.
What size engine is a 5.9 Dodge?
The 5.9-liter V8 engine has been a mainstay of Dodge trucks and vans going back over 50 years. Based on Chrysler's LA line of V8s that date back to the 1960s, the engine was redesigned in the 1990s and modernized with electronic fuel injection as part of Dodge's Magnum line of engines.
What vehicles have a 318 engine?
Unlike some engines built solely for power or speed, the LA 318 was adaptable. It found its way into a variety of Chrysler vehicles, from the dependable Dodge Dart to the family-friendly Plymouth Fury and the rugged Dodge D100 truck.
Is the 5.9 a 318?
While the Magnum 3.9, Magnum 5.2, and Magnum 5.9 (1992 and up) engines were significantly based on the 239, the 318, and the 360, respectively, many of the parts will not directly interchange and the Magnums are not technically LA engines; the only major parts that are actually unchanged are the connecting rods.
How to tell a 318 from a 360?
You can tell a 318 from a 360 by checking the casting numbers on the driver's side of the block, looking at the front harmonic balancer for balancing marks (grooves/holes on a 360 vs. smooth/holes on a 318), and examining the oil pan's rear sealing face. Another key difference is the left-side engine mount, which is 2 and 7/8 inches for a 318 and 2 and 1/2 inches for a 360, and the alignment of freeze plugs, which are aligned with the main caps on a 360 but not on a 318.
This video shows how to visually distinguish between a 318 and a 360 engine based on the balancer: 56sYoshimoshiYouTube · Oct 1, 2022
Key identifying features
- Casting numbers: The simplest method is to look for "318" or "360" cast into the side of the engine block, often near the starter or motor mount.
- Harmonic balancer:
- 360: Has a large, curved groove or a set of weights on the face for its external balance.
- 318: Is internally balanced, so the balancer face will be smooth or have a few small drilled holes, but no large groove.
- Engine mounts: The left (driver's side) engine mount is physically different between the two.
- 318: 2 and 7/8 inches
- 360: 2 and 1/2 inches
- Freeze plugs: Look at the freeze plugs along the side of the block.
- 360: The freeze plugs are all aligned with the main bearing caps.
- 318: Two of the freeze plugs are not aligned with the main caps.
- Oil pan: The rear main seal area of the oil pan differs.
- 318 and 340: Have a larger rear sealing face.
- 360: Has a smaller rear sealing face.
- Crankshaft main journals:
- 318: Has 2.50-inch main journals.
- 360: Has 2.81-inch main journals.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences in engine mounts: 1mThe Gas TapYouTube · Nov 14, 2020
