What options for a low compression 440? Cam/heads?

[Wakko]

We've got my 440 torn apart and the good news is that it's in great shape and is rebuilt like advertised when I bought it.  Bad news is that it was rebuilt using .030 over low compression slugs, I believe it's 8.5 or so.  I'll get the part number and let you know for sure, but my LCB told me that's what he found when he ran the number on the internet.  The car currently has a purple cam, I think it's .482 but I'm not sure.  Heads are stock 906 with headers, running a 750 DP and an RPM Performer. 

I'm not in a position to put heavier slugs in there, should I bother with anything else?  I thought about the heavier purple cam (502 is it?) for more rumble, but am concerned it would be too much cam for a low compression motor.  How much more compression would milled heads give me?  Anything I'm forgetting?

[firefighter3931]

The Engle k54 is what you want for a low compression motor. Going bigger on the cam would be a step in the wrong direction. A member on the 70 registry just installed one in his low compression 440 and is very pleased with the results.

http://1970chargerregistry.com/70messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=2917


Ron

[Wakko]

Good thread, thanks.  I was actually quite happy with the purple cam in the car now.  I don't have power brakes and the car is a 4 speed, so it gave me a little more freedom.  I'm not sure what grind the cam is since the builder lost the cam card (previous owner) but we guessed it at the .482.  Are there a number of purple cams? 

[firefighter3931]

  Are there a number of purple cams? 

Yep, Mp makes several grinds. Everything sold under the MP banner is a "purpleshaft" even the stock replacement cams. On a low compression type engine, the "hotter" purpleshafts are a poor match. 


Ron

[694spdRT]

Are your pistons the forged TRW or Speed Pro 2266's? They are what was in my 440 too and I got it up to almost 9.5 to 1 using them. You could deck the block, mill the heads, and run the steel shim gaskets like Ron mentioned in the other link since you have it apart.

It all depends on how your was 440 built because the compression rating of the pistons is basically an approximation.