Bad start to weekend

[charger1972]

Was on the way home from work and BANG! Got her towed home and tore it down to find this.

[JB400]

Did it get the block as well, or is that just a reflection?


Sad to see it.   Cast pistons?

[charger1972]

Yeah, blocks OK. Crappy cell phone pic. Cast pistons, looks like the valve broke and drooped into the piston.

[JB400]

Well, that's a plus about the block.  Looks like very little ring ridge as well, so that a plus also.  Hope you're able to get it back on the road soon.  Of course, winter is just around the corner, so that'll give you plenty of time to fix it as well.

[charger1972]

Ha! That`s what my wife said. Wasn't ready to park her yet but, stuff happens i guess.

[charge69]

Sorry that happened! Looks like I would replace ALL the valves and, probably ALL the pistons this winter! A lot depends on how fresh the rebuild is that is there already, I guess but, this winter would be a good time for a good "cleaning up" of the motor and replacement of questionable parts.

Again,  sorry this happened.

[tan top]

 on crikey , sorry to see this  ,

[charger1972]

So , need opinions on next move. I have two 440 engines all ready out plus the one in the car. One of which is tore down. Had spun bearings and did a little damage to the crank looks like mainly the connecting rod journals . Thinking of trying to polish it out myself ,or maybe i should have a machine shop do it or cut it? Or i have the other one that just needs a re-ring job. Not sure what way to go.

[ws23rt]

IMHO the only thing you can do with your crank at home is try some 1500 grit "high quality" sand paper.  (the cheap stuff may have a few rocks in it)

What you would be looking for is removing smeared bearing material from the journals.  (It takes a long time)

If there are scratches you can feel in the journal (even the least bit with a pic) than a machine shop is where it needs to go.

For piece of mind and all the other things that should be checked on the crank it is best to just have it done.

[charger1972]

Yeah, should take to a machine shop to be sure. This is what i was talking about for home. http://www.goodson.com/240-Grit-Premium-Ruby-Crankshaft-Polishing-Belts/ But a machine shop is probably safer.

[Cooter]

Unless you have intimate knowledge of cranks and journals, I'd be zippin that crank down to machine shop.

[Chryco Psycho]

or install a 512" stroker kit

[GOTWING]

throw a junkyard 318 in it until it's fixed ! 

[charger1972]

I would love a stroker kit but my wife likes to keep the bills paid so that's not gonna happen.

[firefighter3931]

That sucks James....sorry to see that happen ! 

Time to build it better, stronger, faster 


Ron

[72Charger-SE]

I too am sorry for you however on the plus side it isn't the beginning of summer    AND... you already have other 'blocks' and hardware to 'barter' with.  You could take the two 'non-running' 440s & sell them on CL or some other site for $700+ each or so and then you can build the other motor this winter.  Just a thought.  Then if you wanted to add another $800 or so for the stroker you could swing it without breaking the bank.  Anyway, that is what I would do.  GOD Bless!   

[charger1972]

Never thought of selling the other ones for the greater good. Did think about selling my Sixpack setup sitting on the shelf though.

That sucks James....sorry to see that happen ! 

Time to build it better, stronger, faster 


Ron

Yeah Ron, my thoughts exactly.

[Chryco Psycho]

by the time you machine the parts & replace the pistons the cost will be about the same as a 512 kit with all new parts

[charger1972]

I`m liking the stroker idea more and more. Anyone use the big one from 440source? Don't see anything on here about the 542, is there a reason? Maybe the hassle of external oiling?

[2Luke2]

I`m liking the stroker idea more and more. Anyone use the big one from 440source? Don't see anything on here about the 542, is there a reason? Maybe the hassle of external oiling?

I think with their biggest stroker there are a lot more areas to be clearanced as well as if you aren't running some crazy heads you won't really see much over the other kits. Are you using stock iron heads or replacing them as well? The external oiling is obviously another additional cost.

[charger1972]

If I'm gonna do this and spend money i don't got, might as well go all out. Was looking at the Indy or Edelbrock  heads. Solid lifter cam and so on.

[tan top]

I`m liking the stroker idea more and more. Anyone use the big one from 440source? Don't see anything on here about the 542, is there a reason? Maybe the hassle of external oiling?

I`m liking the stroker idea more and more. Anyone use the big one from 440source? Don't see anything on here about the 542, is there a reason? Maybe the hassle of external oiling?

I think with their biggest stroker there are a lot more areas to be clearanced as well as if you aren't running some crazy heads you won't really see much over the other kits. Are you using stock iron heads or replacing them as well? The external oiling is obviously another additional cost.

 the  hassle of fitting external oiling  , well not hassle but , i would not want it on the street    , longer stroke crank  putting  more stress on the stock block with two bolt mains , need   aftermarket  block  or girdle  if you want to use the new found power   also im no expert  but  even  maxed out 906 heads would not  flow enough air 542,    , so plan on getting good pair of aftermarket heads  

[charger1972]

Yeah head upgrade iv wanted to do for awhile anyway. Depending where you read the info the 543 kit is OK for the street as far as block strength. What i read was in a race application you could be looking for trouble (engine failure). But that's why I'm asking , the 440source kits are all the same price so bigger is better right? Maybe the 512 is a better option, seems like less complications.

[firefighter3931]

Maybe the 512 is a better option, seems like less complications.

You answered your own question....the 4.25 stroke works very well and the 500in displacement will use all of the available cylinder head flow the Edelbrock RPM casting can throw at it. 

Internal oiling is a plus as well and less stress on the block with a better rod ratio. 

Bore the block as little as possible to maintain structural integrity....if it cleans up at .030 get the pistons to fit that bore (4.35) 



Ron

[charger1972]

OK, After a short trip to Syracuse ..... came back with this from Competition Wedge Engines. 512 stroker short block.