1968 440 HP2 Block

[MoparMotel]

Long story short I am pulling my numbers matching 383 magnum/727 and putting in a 440 with 833 four speed. I have been looking for a 1968 440 HP block in my area for two years and have just about given up. I can go buy a complete 1977 440 motor home engine running for $500 right now. I wanted a '68 HP block to keep it somewhat original but my main question is the 1977 block as good as the '68 block? I am not familiar if there were any changes or smog differences on the later 440's. Also if the '77 is not a good 440 block what years would be ideal to look for?

Thank you.

[MoparMotel]

As for build plans, I plan to build the same engine as Jeroen's 440.

http://www.charger.nl/engine_specs.htm

[Dino]

Yes same thing, a 440 block is a 440 block. Just replace the internals with the good stuff and rock on!

Keeping the 383/727 in storage just so it stays with the car?

[MoparMotel]

Thanks for the info. Yes I am keeping the original 383/727, putting them on an engine stand and wrapping them in plastic for storage.

[MoparMotel]

Also forgot to mention, there is a 1967 HP440 with 915 heads about an hour away from me, heads have been rebuilt but block needs to be bored. I was considering this one but he wants $2,000 for it and the 915 heads don't do me any good since I am going Edelbrock RPM Aluminum.

[Dino]

Good plan. Maybe you can wrap them in humongous vacuum bags! That's how I stored my stripped engine heads for a long time.  

$2K for a block that needs bored and doesn't have much else to offer is a waste. All you need is a solid bare block so cheaper is better!

[MoparMotel]

Thanks Dino, I will look into the vacuum bags, that is a good idea. I live close to the ocean so rust is a definite concern.

[Dino]

I've never seen one that big but hey how hard can it be to find a really large bag, roll the engine in there and vacuum it tight! Well maybe a little hard but doable! 

[Troy]

I need to start selling my 440s in California! I sold one several years ago to a member out there but it was fully rebuilt. I found one of the big blue crates that Mopar ships their engines in and had it sent from work. I think it was still several hundred dollars but, in relation to the full cost, it wasn't that bad. Might not be a good idea for a rebuildable block - although I'm positive I could beat $2,000 for the 67 since I have one sitting here. Those 915 heads are worth a bunch but even if you sold them you'd still have a ton of money in the rest of it. Too much in my estimation - but we're flush with cheap engines, transmissions, and axles here in the Midwest. Pretty sure I have never paid more than $400 for a 440 block and I got a complete 68 383 HP for $200.

Troy

[MoparMotel]

Anything Mopar related here in CA is expensive.

My mistake, it is now $1,800 instead of $2,000.

http://visalia.craigslist.org/pts/5779414026.html

[Derwud]

I bought my 440 block from my Engine builder for $200 Bucks and then stuffed it with all new parts.. My Numbers matching 440 is now on a movers dolly.

[heyoldguy]

Also forgot to mention, there is a 1967 HP440 with 915 heads about an hour away from me, heads have been rebuilt but block needs to be bored. I was considering this one but he wants $2,000 for it and the 915 heads don't do me any good since I am going Edelbrock RPM Aluminum.

Don't get too excited, those are 906 heads.

[MoparMotel]

Also forgot to mention, there is a 1967 HP440 with 915 heads about an hour away from me, heads have been rebuilt but block needs to be bored. I was considering this one but he wants $2,000 for it and the 915 heads don't do me any good since I am going Edelbrock RPM Aluminum.

Don't get too excited, those are 906 heads.

Wow, now it's even more overpriced than I thought. I think I'm going to just grab the '77 440 and call it a day. Thanks.

[Dino]

Also forgot to mention, there is a 1967 HP440 with 915 heads about an hour away from me, heads have been rebuilt but block needs to be bored. I was considering this one but he wants $2,000 for it and the 915 heads don't do me any good since I am going Edelbrock RPM Aluminum.

Don't get too excited, those are 906 heads.

Wow, now it's even more overpriced than I thought. I think I'm going to just grab the '77 440 and call it a day. Thanks.

I think that's wise.   

[MoparMotel]

Any estimates on what Jeroen's 440 build makes power wise? I am hoping for 500. Now to start ordering parts from summit.

http://www.charger.nl/engine_specs.htm