440 engine... paper weight

[Rolling_Thunder]

I just purchased a 440 for my Road Runner project. I know it's not ideal at a 1977 - it was a truck engine - So it will need a water pump housing, oil pan, pickup, and the correct motor mounts but I just need something that runs to drop in my RR for the time being so it can move under its own power.

I got it complete, pulleys, alternator, PS pump, flexplate, valve covers, dizzy, wiring harness, and an Edelbrock performer intake and 750cfm carb for $200      

So I figure I'll pull the heads and just take a look see - if it looks alright just slap it together and drop her in.  

Anything I should be looking for?   I know about the 213 motorhome heads - not sure if it has those or 452s...      

Am I correct in thinking the engine block itself has added cooling passages for the motorhome heads?  If so can I simply use standard head gaskets and swap on 906 heads? 

[Supercharged Riot]

How'd you get a nice deal for cheap? 

[Rolling_Thunder]

Was willing to pick it up in the pouring rain.      I just hunted Craigslist until a good deal popped up and jumped on it.    I just keep shopping and keep shopping...    eventually something comes up.   

You going to make it to the Spring Fling?

[Kern Dog]

Am I correct in thinking the engine block itself has added cooling passages for the motorhome heads?  If so can I simply use standard head gaskets and swap on 906 heads? 

Extra cooling? Some did, some didn't. Either way, you can use a standard 440 head gasket and almost any BB head that you want. Many say that the 906 and 452 are essentially the same as far as port size, combustion chamber volume.... The 452 heads will have hardened exhaust seats though. The 906s will need inserts to be compatible with unleaded fuel.
You CAN use the Water pump housing if you want. The only problem there may be if you are trying to retain the stock radiator with the drivers side lower outlet. Be sure to retain the later engines harmonic dampener and weighted torque converter, since all later 440s are EXternally balanced.

[Rolling_Thunder]

rgr - I think I'll just pull the heads to inspect the cylinders and make sure nothing is wrong there then fresh head gaskets and just reuse the 452s. I plan on putting this in my 69RR project just to get it mobile so I am not super concerned with compression and HP. I just need to drill my spare flywheel so it will be weighted correctly for the balance on this thing. 

[Supercharged Riot]

Its a bit of a drive for me 74+ miles
Far enough for me to be too lazy to drive out there.
But the mopar swap meet has me interested.

I might just hit up the show on Saturday for a couple hours

[ACUDANUT]

You know that a 440 with non-hardened valve seats will harden by themselves over time. 906 heads are perfect imo.

[westcoastdodge]

You know that a older engine with about 100K miles on it, really does not "have to have " harden valve seats.  They have hardened over time. 906 heads are perfect imo.

i am running stock 906's on mine with unleaded,no probs thus far,as ACUDANUT says they tend to work harden