Which engine low compression 440 or 360 crate?

[RogerDodger]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the site but I've loved Chargers for a long time starting with my first car a 72 SE that I bought when I was 14. Now close to 30 years later I'm at it again with a 74 SE. I just finished the paint and looking to what motor to use. All along I have been thinking it would be a 360 crate motor (380 horse). Just this week an opportunity came up for a 73 440 and transmission original in a newport or something with about 60,000 miles. It would cost considerably less. I know in 72 and 73 compression and horsepower dropped a bunch and I'm not sure if I should even consider this. The car is going to be a driver, mostly weekends so I'm not real worried about mpg's. I'm thinking about using the 440 as it is with some changes maybe intake and heads. Am I correct in thinking that the only way to get real hp out of this motor is to do lower end work including pistons...  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[firefighter3931]

Welcome Roger. The 440 will make more torque and with a heavy street car that is what you want. With the right cam and a few bolt ons you will like how the 440 performs vs the 360.   


Ron

[RD]

Welcome Roger. The 440 will make more torque and with a heavy street car that is what you want. With the right cam and a few bolt ons you will like how the 440 performs vs the 360.   


Ron

with Ron wholeheartedly

[694spdRT]

 

For a nice "driver" I would bet you would be happy with the '73 440 in stock form. But, if you want a little boost in compression mill the heads, use steel shim head gaskets, and call Engle for a cam that will help build cylinder pressure down low.

[Chryco Psycho]

After the 360 crate my customer bought & another that I dynoed
any 440 will be a better choice

[RogerDodger]

Good. I was hoping you all would side with the 440. Theres something about seeing a big block under the hood. I can go this route for a lot less $$$$$ too. Maybe the Engle cam, Eddy heads and intake?

[Chryco Psycho]

sure

[694spdRT]

Just curious but if the stock low compression pistons and short block are kept wouldn't the aluminum Eddy heads possibly be a step backwards due to the heat loss?

[RogerDodger]

Well I took a few days to think about this and when I called to go look at the 440 it was sold. I guess that puts me back to square one. Thanks for all your help.

[694spdRT]

That's too bad....440's don't last long if priced right.

[Steve P.]

Keep your eyes open for a complete car. I see them for sale pretty cheap in the Carolina's often. Watch ebay in the PARTS CAR area.. Good luck and welcome to the family....

[Nacho-RT74]

For a nice "driver" I would bet you would be happy with the '73 440 in stock form. But, if you want a little boost in compression mill the heads, use steel shim head gaskets, and call Engle for a cam that will help build cylinder pressure down low.

How much you will mill down the heads keeping safety and thinking someday in the future I'll build a 451 stroker using the same heads ? I'm pointing to make that with an extra set of 452 heads to my 400. Also install a metallick gaskets that I already have
Engine is standart bore but sleeved. Stock pistons
Note: I won't race my car, just a street runner between traffic lights

Sorry for hijack the thread. I think soon I'll start a thread about what I have and what I want to get with that, but I want to start to point out my goal.

[Chryco Psycho]

Just curious but if the stock low compression pistons and short block are kept wouldn't the aluminum Eddy heads possibly be a step backwards due to the heat loss?

Yup