1977 440hp engine

[darkside]

I found a 1977 440hp engine i was thinking of buying for my charger,its complete for $600.
I was wondering if it would be a good build if i put 906's and a steel crank in it?
My goal would be around 475hp  with 9.5 pistons and a 60303lk voodoo cam.
thanks

[Brightyellow69rtse]

Only drawback to that late of a block is you have to get a steel crank as you mentioned.I say go for it

[HPP]

With 475 HP being the goal, I wouldn't worry about 906s or a steel crank.  Odds are it has 346 heads, which are just a smidge better than 906s anyway, and a cast crank will live with that much power, even more if you prep it right.

[djcarguy]

  What would be the HP---- part of a 77 low compression smog pump 440???  The plastic carb or the thin cast block??just asking..

[darkside]

I may hold out for a 67-70 440,I'm going to look at some engines on sat maybe i'll get lucky.

[Cooter]

 What would be the HP---- part of a 77 low compression smog pump 440???  The plastic carb or the thin cast block??just asking..

The mighty 440 engine began a slow and painful demise at the end of 1970, thanks to the "Earth Day", better known today as the "tree huggers' in the EPA.
First to go was the compression. Finally at the end of the run, the 440 was a 7.3:1 POS Rated at just 250 HP....

unless Sonic checked, the block could go both ways as far as how far it can be safely overbored. I've seen 1968 "HP" Blocks sonic check thinner than 1976 NON "HP" blocks.

[HPP]

...and I think 250 was an optimistic rating for some of those.

Cast cranks can easily push 400-450 horsepower and live long lives. Ultra high compression, boost, and rpm are the biggest enemies. Avoid those and your cast crank mill will be very happy. 

[71bee]

...and I think 250 was an optimistic rating for some of those.

I believe the HP ratings were delivered from the rear wheels in those days too.

[Troy]

...and I think 250 was an optimistic rating for some of those.

I believe the HP ratings were delivered from the rear wheels in those days too.

I'm pretty sure the ratings switched to "gross" in 1972 which lowered the numbers but I don't think they've ever been at the rear wheel.

Troy

[c00nhunterjoe]

The ratings dropped when they starting measuring with. All accessories. Net vs gross

[cdr]

...and I think 250 was an optimistic rating for some of those.

I believe the HP ratings were delivered from the rear wheels in those days too.

I'm pretty sure the ratings switched to "gross" in 1972 which lowered the numbers but I don't think they've ever been at the rear wheel.

Troy

gross at the flywheel was pre 72 then it was net hp

[Musicman]

HP ratings from the factory have always been overstated.

[Kern Dog]

The police cars used the HP mills. They actually had 7.8 compression compared to the 8.2 rating given to the civilian engines. The police cars had double roller timing chains and dual exhaust. ALL 76-78 440s were supposed to use the '452 cylinder heads. The '346 heads were standard for the 1971-75 years. Regardless, the open chambered heads from 1968-78 were all very similar in port size and chamber volume. The later heads had induction hardened exhaust valve seats though.
I built a '78 440 in 2001. It was simply honed and reassembled with rebuilt '452 heads milled.050 . I used a MP 280/474 cam, 1 7/8 headers, an Edelbrock RPM intake and a Holley 750. THAT was a strong performer and a champion tire smoker. With my limited drag racing skills, I went 14 flat at 101 with a 2.2 60 foot time. If I improved my technique and had some traction, it would have been a low 13 second car!

[Troy]

...and I think 250 was an optimistic rating for some of those.

I believe the HP ratings were delivered from the rear wheels in those days too.

I'm pretty sure the ratings switched to "gross" in 1972 which lowered the numbers but I don't think they've ever been at the rear wheel.

Troy

gross at the flywheel was pre 72 then it was net hp

Pre 72 they rated the engine without accessories. After that they had the engine "complete". I guess that's "net". Either way, both are at the flywheel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsepower#Society_of_Automotive_Engineers

Troy

[ACUDANUT]

 "The mighty 440 engine began a slow and painful demise at the end of 1970, thanks to the "Earth Day", better known today as the "tree huggers' in the EPA.
First to go was the compression. Finally at the end of the run, the 440 was a 7.3:1 POS Rated at just 250 HP...."

I disagree, 1972 was beginning of a demise.

[Cooter]

Tis true, 1972 Was the First REAL drop in compression, but it began alot sooner in 1971.

1970
6-198 1-bbl 3.40 x 3.64 8.4:1 125 @ 4400 180 @ 2000 45-65
6-225 1-bbl 3.40 x 4.12 8.4:1 145 @ 4000 215 @ 2400 45-65
V8-318 2-bbl 3.91 x 3.31 8.8:1 230 @ 4400 320 @ 2000 45-65
V8-340 4-bbl 4.04 x 3.31 10.5:1 275 @ 5000 340 @ 3200 45-65
V8-340 3x2-bbl 4.04 x 3.31 10.2:1 290 @ 5000 340 @ 3200 45-65
V8-383 2-bbl 4.25 x 3.38 8.7:1 290 @ 4400 390 @ 2800 45-65
V8-383 4-bbl 4.25 x 3.38 9.5:1 330 @ 5000 425 @ 3200 45-65
V8-383 4-bbl 4.25 x 3.38 9.5:1 335 @ 5200 425 @ 3400 45-65
V8-426 2x4-bbl 4.25 x 3.75 10.2:1 425 @ 5000 490 @ 4000 45-65

*V8-440 4-bbl 4.32 x 3.75 9.7:1 350 @ 4400 480 @ 2800 45-65*

V8-440 4-bbl 4.32 x 3.75 9.7:1 375 @ 4600 480 @ 3200 45-65
V8-440 3x2-bbl 4.32 x 3.75 10.5:1 390 @ 4700 490 @ 3200 45-65
1971
6-198 1-bbl 3.40 x 3.64 8.4:1 125 @ 4400 180 @ 2000 45-65
6-225 1-bbl 3.40 x 4.12 8.4:1 145 @ 4000 215 @ 2400 45-65
V8-318 2-bbl 3.91 x 3.31 8.6:1 230 @ 4400 320 @ 2000 45-65
V8-340 4-bbl 4.04 x 3.31 10.2:1 275 @ 5000 340 @ 3200 45-65
V8-360 2-bbl 4.00 x 3.58 8.7:1 255 @ 4400 360 @ 2400 45-65
V8-383 2-bbl 4.25 x 3.38 8.5:1 275 @ 4400 375 @ 2800 45-65
V8-383 4-bbl 4.25 x 3.38 8.5:1 300 @ 4800 410 @ 3400 45-65
V8-426 2x4-bbl 4.25 x 3.75 10.2:1 425 @ 5000 490 @ 4000 45-65

*V8-440 4-bbl 4.32 x 3.75 9.0:1 335 @ 4400 460 @ 3200 45-65 *

V8-440 4-bbl 4.32 x 3.75 9.7:1 370 @ 4600 280 @ 3200 45-65
V8-440 3x2-bbl 4.32 x 3.75 10.5:1 385 @ 4700 490 @ 3200 45-65