Engine rebuild

[twodko]

I know this is hard to gauge but my 440 is getting tired with close to 100k miles on it. It already has a mild cam in it and I'll replace with same. Also the OO I bought the car from had the original pistons replaced with lower compression ratio ones.......something to do with unleaded fuel. I want to replace those with the original ratio pistons. I'm keeping the stock HP exhaust manifolds and will Install the heat blockoff valley pan. Just a basic rebuild and the shop will have to pull the engine.......that's just not something I can do myself for a number of reasons. The engine has an Edlebrock carb on it now that I don't like so I'll have the original carb rebuilt/reinstalled too.  Don't really know what machine shop labor rates are here in NorCal but I need to start budgeting for this to happen next year.

Let my education begin.......

[pullrock]

I used Mopar Engines West to rebuild my engine.  It cost me 10k but the engine was broken in and dyno ready to install.  I am sure you can skip that step to save some money.  Angie is the one who will answer the phone.  She is very knowable about engine building.

http://www.moparengineswest.com/home.htm

Thanks,

Eric
68 Charger R/T
San Jose,CA

[twodko]

Thanks man, I'll check them out.

[BSB67]

I know this is hard to gauge but my 440 is getting tired with close to 100k miles on it. It already has a mild cam in it and I'll replace with same. Also the OO I bought the car from had the original pistons replaced with lower compression ratio ones.......something to do with unleaded fuel. I want to replace those with the original ratio pistons. I'm keeping the stock HP exhaust manifolds and will Install the heat blockoff valley pan. Just a basic rebuild and the shop will have to pull the engine.......that's just not something I can do myself for a number of reasons. The engine has an Edlebrock carb on it now that I don't like so I'll have the original carb rebuilt/reinstalled too.  Don't really know what machine shop labor rates are here in NorCal but I need to start budgeting for this to happen next year.

Let my education begin.......

You cannot get the original pistons or original compression height pistons assuming you have a 1969 motor.   The 6 pac piston will be your best choice if you are looking for a factory like piston. If you are using the factory 906 or other similar open chamber head, 9:1 is about all the compression ratio you will be able to handle due to the lack of quench.  Possibly more, possibly less depending on your cam.

[twodko]

So I can't get pistons with the original compression ratio? I wasn't think about OEM pistons. This is going to be a big learning curve for me, glad I've begun asking you guys now.
I'm not a hardcore full on OEM maniac but my car is 98% as it came from Ma Mopar.......except new paint, upholstery and tires/wheels.
Getting the car back to it's stock 375hp would be great...still strong and still factory. Our cars can be nasty muscled and fast, part of me would like to do a 450-500hp build but then it's becomes a truly modified car.
Can't have both unless I had another engine and some Lotto money.

[cdr]

i would buy a crate engine & have it installed,less down time,keep the stock 440 in the garage,
http://www.musclemotorsracing.com/   build a 470 with stealth heads very small cam & you would love it

[twodko]

The street killer krate is bad nasty. 

[Challenger340]

So I can't get pistons with the original compression ratio?

Nope......but as already mentioned, the L2355F six-pack pistons are a good substitute.

Used in conjunction with the CompCams upgraded Factory resto "magnum" Camshaft, or similar from others, plus 400hp is a no brainer.

[Supercharged Riot]

Build the engine yourself!

Its a whole lotta fun