77 rv 440

[crash]

i got a 440 that is a 77 model block out of an rv.  was wondering what do i have to do to raise the compression, is it the pistons or the heads that make these engines low compression?? 

[Chatt69chgr]

Compared to, say, a 69 engine, it's the pistons.  Your heads are 452's but they are the same cc as the 906's and both are open chamber and flow about the same.  Cam is probably different.  During an engine rebuild, you would probably bore the block so would need new pistons anyway.  Decking the block will also increase the compression ratio.  Going to a closed chambered head like 440Source or Edelbrock sells which are 84cc will also get the compression up and they flow better out of the box than you can get the old iron heads to flow when ported.  We are talking static compression ratio.  The dynamic compression ratio will depend on the cam choice.  You can read up on this by checking out the Keith Black pistons website.

[crash]

as far as the torque converter, the one off the engine,  has two broke teeth on the flywheel, so would an aftermarket converter that i had for a 360 that has been balanced work???

[crash]

engine only has 20,000 miles on it, pulled it apart and it's clean enough to eat off of,  you can see hone marks still inside the cylinders, bearings look almost new.  so there's no need in boring it,
wondering if they sell aftermarket pistons in standard bore.

[694spdRT]

What type of build are you planning?

They make standard size pistons and here is a common choice by most in a forged piston.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=TRW%2DL2355F&autoview=sku

If costs are an issue and it is a solid shortblock you can always shave down your heads, find some 915 closed chamber heads, use steel shim head gaskets, and install a cam that helps build dynamic compression. Should be fine for a cruiser even if it is not ideal.

[crash]

i ordered a set of keith black pistons yesterday.  figured getting pistons would be better than having to get  enough meat shaved off the heads to get around the same compression, and probably around the same price.
now i've got to figure out transmission and torque converter.  i'm wondering if the rv trans will fit in my 72. or if i need to get a car tranny. i got a tranny off an old 65 383. then theres the deal with the converter, i'm getting the engine balanced, so i'm wondering if i can use a aftermarket converter off a 360 as long as i get it balanced, but i don't think that would work with the 65 trans would it??? or could i just use the rv trans, and maybe change the tailshaft if i have to, or adapt the mounting if it's different??