Which Big Block Do You Like?

[kycarnut]

I have a small block crate engine in my 68 Charger now but I want to go to a Big Block. I always assumed I would go with the 440 but after talking to a friend he seems to like the 383 over the 440. What engine do you all think I should go with. Thanks for any and all opinions  .

[mauve66]

no substitute for cubic inches unless you want to add NOS or forced induction, the B block tends to rev a little quicker but the stock 440 will always make more power than a stock 383 and a stroked 440 will always make more power than a stroked 383 (yes you can get technical but given the same stroke and compression and cam the 440 will win).  I've resisted this idea for years 'cause i want the engine to "look" like a stock 383 but outside mopar circles alot of people take things at face value so if the engine is turqouise and the decal says "383" then they will walk on by so i've taken the turn to the dark side of the RB block with my intake purchase, now i just have to save up for the rest of it

[RD]

machine work for a 383 and a 440 are the same, 440 has more piston choices in stock and stroked from (assuming on the stroked version mind you), and you will get more hp (i.e. bang for the buck!).

[moparstuart]

the popular thing now is to do a 400 stroker also  ?   just another thought  

[suntech]

None of the above...............................HEMI 

[Troy]

What do you want to do with the car? The 383 will rev higher and it's a bit lighter but the 440 will make more power overall. As mentioned, building either one will cost about the same but picking up a 383 will likely cost less.

Troy

[dodgecharger-fan]

"Whichever one you've got," is the best answer, but given the choice and all other things being equal with regards to the car it is in, Ior in your case of doing a swap, 'd go for the 440.

[Mopar2Ya]

I prefer the 593.  http://www.kolenoperformance.com/

[Mike DC]

 
A 383 magnum is a worse buy than a 440 if you want raw power potential. 

But you might argue that it's a better buy if you have any thoughts about gas mileage/effeciency and you don't plan on seriously investing into the motor after you buy it. 



Decent 4-barrel 383s make an assload of usable low/mid-rpm torque in proportion to their displacement.  400+ lb/ft at barely 3000 rpm is no joke for a 40yo 6-liter motor that's tame enough for station wagon duty. 

   

[mauve66]

I prefer the 593.  http://www.kolenoperformance.com/

I prefer the 593.  http://www.kolenoperformance.com/

i didn't look at the video but it didn't list any numbers on the site either?

[Mopar2Ya]

I prefer the 593.  http://www.kolenoperformance.com/

I prefer the 593.  http://www.kolenoperformance.com/

i didn't look at the video but it didn't list any numbers on the site either?

1043hp @7000rpm
849ftlb @6100rpm

Contact Info:
Marty Koleno
Steve Koleno
219-924-9247 in Griffith Indiana

NOW IN STOCK--FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY! K-P 440 BLOCKS-$3895.00 A $500.00 deposit will enable you to make payments on the balance. Also-For MOPARTS MEMBERS-The B-1 Head Sale at $ 3395.00 has been extended to allow purchase of the sale package along with the K-P 440 Block. A $1000.00 deposit will reserve both & permit you to make payments on the balance. Call-419-433-4410 or check www.B1HEADS.Com for further details and pictures.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Of the two choices (383 or 440) I'd go with the 440. But I still like the 383 engine, and the 400 with a 440 crank is one that I'd most definately consider.

1-440
2-400 (stroked)
3-383

[dkn1997]

you can get a stroker kit for the 383 that will end up at a 496.  4.250" stroke/6.535" rod

1900 bucks final balance at 440source.  throw in a set of their cnc ported stealth heads, paint it all orange and have some fun.

[rusty lee]

I still can't decide. so I bought both used of course and while the slow process of body work grinds on I sit on the fence.   

[tan top]

I prefer the 593.  http://www.kolenoperformance.com/

been looking at that video a few times ...  damn power full motor  , & spins so high also 

[Rolling_Thunder]

I happen to like 383s...   cant tell you really why - maybe it is because it was the best all around engine back in the day...    i mean for a street car that is comfy to drive everyday, has enough power, and still is a BB - - -   plus you can probably pick up a complete core for less than $100...    most 440 cores cost a bit more.

[mauve66]

I happen to like 383s...   cant tell you really why - maybe it is because it was the best all around engine back in the day...    i mean for a street car that is comfy to drive everyday, has enough power, and still is a BB - - -   plus you can probably pick up a complete core for less than $100...    most 440 cores cost a bit more.

i used to be that way, wanted to be different, tried to convince myself that "it'll be alright", tried to be different, .............................. now i've turned to the dark side...................

[kycarnut]

The truth is I just want a dependable and easy to maintain engine. Something with enough power to feel like a muscle car  but able to cruise it on long distance trips with little to no problems . Also right now it has a DC Magnum 360 crate engine and it just don't seem right having an engine in there that never came out in a 2nd generation Charger. I guess you might call me a purist. Thanks 

[Dans 68]

The truth is I just want a dependable and easy to maintain engine. Something with enough power to feel like a muscle car  but able to cruise it on long distance trips with little to no problems . Also right now it has a DC Magnum 360 crate engine and it just don't seem right having an engine in there that never came out in a 2nd generation Charger. I guess you might call me a purist. Thanks 

Of your 2 choices I'd go with a 383; it meets all your requirements (well, I guess a 440 would also. Tough choice  . I guess I 'd go with a 471 stroker   ).

Dan

[mauve66]

you could still have a reliable, even idle stroker even with the extra cubes, just cause you get the cubes doesn't mean ya have to get the cam, caddies had 500 cubes and idled so quiet you wouldn't know it was running

[Mike DC]

   
It's worth it to really build up a 440 motor. 

A 383 is something I'd give a cheaper near-stock overhaul.  Or even just try to buy one that doesn't need major overhauling.

--------------------------------------


The 360 has its strengths but I'd be after a big block in your place too.  The 360 is basically a good strong item, but it burns too much gas for its size & power IMHO. 


A SB stroker isn't a bad idea though.  Get one of the 4.00" cast stroker cranks for it and it goes up to about 400 inches.


------------------------------------------


Any kind of small block motor would be a fair bit lighter weight than a big block though.  A 360 does have that going for it. 

The difference between an all-iron stock 440 versus a 360 stroker with alloy heads & intake is probably a good 200 pounds.  Make that a stroked alloy'd 360 compared to an all-iron 383, and now the small block is lighter than the big block while actually having more displacement too. 



A big block's weight increase is not a huge deal-breaker when measured against the entire car's weight.  But the handling/braking would probably feel a noticeable bit more nimble without that extra boat anchor sitting on the front end. 

[mikesbbody]

Another vote for the 440! they do say the 383/400 make a great stroker motor and if it was between a 383/400 stroker, or a 440 (stock or mildly modified) that would be the only time i would choose the 383 over he 440.
but 383 vs 440 id pick the 440 hands imo bigger is generally better imo.

[Ghoste]

The answer to the question you posted is 440, the answer to your question is 383.  I've had a few of both and for me personally, more is better.  Based on what you say you want to do with the car, I kind of think you might be a lot happier with the 383.

[grdprx]

"FOUR FOURTY!" Just sounds awesome!

[Nacho-RT74]

Of the two choices (383 or 440) I'd go with the 440. But I still like the 383 engine, and the 400 with a 440 crank is one that I'd most definately consider.

1-440
2-400 (stroked)
3-383

no need for a STROKED 400 to be in 2nd. Of course never in stock form will get the 2nd place. Just get back the CR the 383/440 had in earliers days and will be in the 2nd place the same.

ONLY DIFF between 400 and rest of engines is the CR ( and camshaft depending of year ).

ANYWAY  if we talk about stroked 400 againts both in stock... 400 could get 1st place though

[mauve66]

Of the two choices (383 or 440) I'd go with the 440. But I still like the 383 engine, and the 400 with a 440 crank is one that I'd most definately consider.

1-440
2-400 (stroked)
3-383

no need for a STROKED 400 to be in 2nd. Of course never in stock form will get the 2nd place. Just get back the CR the 383/440 had in earliers days and will be in the 2nd place the same.

ONLY DIFF between 400 and rest of engines is the CR ( and camshaft depending of year ).

ANYWAY  if we talk about stroked 400 againts both in stock... 400 could get 1st place though

if you can stroke one you can stroke any of them so stay with the 440, and if you can spring for the new siamesed bore 440 blocks then..............

[Rolling_Thunder]

Honestly - if you're going to do a complete rebuild there is no reason to not get a 440...    and just do a stock rebuild - nice and simple... 

[Nacho-RT74]

Of the two choices (383 or 440) I'd go with the 440. But I still like the 383 engine, and the 400 with a 440 crank is one that I'd most definately consider.

1-440
2-400 (stroked)
3-383

no need for a STROKED 400 to be in 2nd. Of course never in stock form will get the 2nd place. Just get back the CR the 383/440 had in earliers days and will be in the 2nd place the same.

ONLY DIFF between 400 and rest of engines is the CR ( and camshaft depending of year ).

ANYWAY  if we talk about stroked 400 againts both in stock... 400 could get 1st place though

if you can stroke one you can stroke any of them so stay with the 440, and if you can spring for the new siamesed bore 440 blocks then..............

thats what I think, so is not fair to put in the list the 400 stroked... or everything is stroked or everything is stock on a list like that so:

stroked:

1-440
2-400
3-383

stock:

1-440
2-383
3-400

BUT what I mean is for the cost of a regular rebuild ( not a stroke ) just get the right pistons to raise the compresion like on earliers ages before the 400 came up to substitute the 383, then a 400 will be over the 383.

Engine year is also something to think because an earlier 383, could it be over a late 440 on HP too. But once again... making the rebuild job, raise the compresion with the right pistons on a late 440, and will get the shine of earlier years, and will be on top again.

anyway, the 400 is not in the poll

[A383Wing]

i used to be that way, wanted to be different, tried to convince myself that "it'll be alright", tried to be different, .............................. now i've turned to the dark side...................

But you still drive a pink car... 

Oh, I'm going to hell for that one, I'm sure

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Of the two choices (383 or 440) I'd go with the 440. But I still like the 383 engine, and the 400 with a 440 crank is one that I'd most definately consider.

1-440
2-400 (stroked)
3-383

no need for a STROKED 400 to be in 2nd. Of course never in stock form will get the 2nd place. Just get back the CR the 383/440 had in earliers days and will be in the 2nd place the same.

ONLY DIFF between 400 and rest of engines is the CR ( and camshaft depending of year ).

ANYWAY  if we talk about stroked 400 againts both in stock... 400 could get 1st place though

if you can stroke one you can stroke any of them so stay with the 440, and if you can spring for the new siamesed bore 440 blocks then..............

thats what I think, so is not fair to put in the list the 400 stroked... or everything is stroked or everything is stock on a list like that so:

stroked:

1-440
2-400
3-383

stock:

1-440
2-383
3-400

BUT what I mean is for the cost of a regular rebuild ( not a stroke ) just get the right pistons to raise the compresion like on earliers ages before the 400 came up to substitute the 383, then a 400 will be over the 383.

Engine year is also something to think because an earlier 383, could it be over a late 440 on HP too. But once again... making the rebuild job, raise the compresion with the right pistons on a late 440, and will get the shine of earlier years, and will be on top again.

anyway, the 400 is not in the poll

Me thinks you over reacted or put way too much thought into my post. So, just to clarify my thinking: If the original poster has access to a 383 or 440 I'd go with the 440.

But if by chance he happened to run across a 400 block, and a 440 crank then personally I'd go the 400 stroker route.  Often times it makes good sense to be flexible in your choices especially if you're on a budget, and many of us are.  

[Nacho-RT74]

yeah definitelly!!!

[mauve66]

i used to be that way, wanted to be different, tried to convince myself that "it'll be alright", tried to be different, .............................. now i've turned to the dark side...................

But you still drive a pink car... 

Oh, I'm going to hell for that one, I'm sure

that's why the car will probably be black AND pink now................. you just gave me a vision............. thanks
now i have to get that book on photoshop for dummies

[1970Moparmann]

ANYWAY  if we talk about stroked 400 againts both in stock... 400 could get 1st place though

I'm getting mixed signals on this thread between a stroked 440 and a 400.  I guess everyone has a different opinon .  I have a chance to pick up a 400 block for almost nothing.  Isn't a 400 much lighter?  What is it that would give it a 1st place?

I thought I also read that the K-member has to be notched or something to fit a 400 in a 68 - 70 B-body - is this true?

[Sublime/Sixpack]

ANYWAY  if we talk about stroked 400 againts both in stock... 400 could get 1st place though

I'm getting mixed signals on this thread between a stroked 440 and a 400.  I guess everyone has a different opinon .  I have a chance to pick up a 400 block for almost nothing.  Isn't a 400 much lighter?  What is it that would give it a 1st place?

I thought I also read that the K-member has to be notched or something to fit a 400 in a 68 - 70 B-body - is this true?

You've quoted me as making that statement but I didn't. That was from Nacho's post. I Sublime/Sixpack didn't say anything about a stroked 440.

P.S. Nice '70 Charger!

[1970Moparmann]

Sorry, I deleted too much of the quoted parts. 

Thanks!

[Sublime/Sixpack]

If it were me I'd pick that engine up especially if its next to nothing in cost.

Don't know why anyone would tell you the k-frame would need to be notched?  Not true.   

The 400 would be a little lighter than a 440, not exactlly sure how much though.

I ran a 400 in my '69 Super Bee for a few years with good results.

[1970Moparmann]

If it were me I'd pick that engine up especially if its next to nothing in cost.

I just found out - $50!

It's mine!!!!

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Thats great! What will it be going in?

[mikesbbody]

50 bucks!!! nice score 

[1970Moparmann]

Project- 68 Charger original 383 4 speed with air.

I've always restored my cars to correct spec's, but this time I said "Sometimes you have to say F'it".  Looks like I'm going with a 400 stroker !