Could anyone tell me exactly what makes the engine a "Magnum" there's an older guy I know that is irked with the newer "Magnums" and he says if it doesn't shake the car then it's not a Magnum. Instead of following that could someone give me technical specs on the "Magnum of old"?

 

examples might be heavier valve springs either stronger or double/triple valve springs, larger cam, intake, bigger carb, better flowing exhaust, maybe ported, stuff like that.

 

And that's compared to the regular dodge v8 back then right?

 

The Magnums were the perf version of a particular engine. A 383 in a pedestrian sedan would have a tiny cam and 9-1 compression. The Magnum would have a bigger cam, 10-1 compression and a 4 barrel, and would end up in a performance car with a decent gear ratio and dual exaust. Magnums were mid level engines. Highest perf versions would be the Max Wedges, 6 barrels, or the Hemi. Cams in Magnums were not huge like the W-30 Olds or the L-88's, so not a lot of fender shaking going on. Very usable as a daily driver, like the 350hp version of the SS396. Until the Gas Crisis and unleaded low octane fuel came along.

 

If you need further info check out my club website

www.440sixpack.com

There is a tech page where you can ask.

 

Bravo, im impressed, but why are you on a camaro forum?

 

I have a 78 Camaro in the garage also, it's a 4 speed so I couldn't pass it up.

 

Way back when I used to hear the term Magnum Heads on the old Mopars. I figured the Magnum had better heads, more compression, than the base engines. Used to mean something back then.