How do I tell if it is 440 engine

[dolphinron]

Hi everyone, I just bought a 73 charger with a supposed 440 4 barrell
How do I tell what engine is really in there.  I would bet my
life it is a 440 but what do I know, you guys are the pro's
What can I look for on the engine, block or where ever to find out
for sure.  Thanks for helping a newbie and a rookie.   I am trying to attach a pic of
engine. hope it works.  Thanks again for any help.

[mikepmcs]

Welcome aboard.

here's some numbers

http://www.mopar1.us/bigblock.html

here's some specs

http://www.mopar1.us/engines.html

here's how to tell what it originally came with

http://www.mopar1.us/enginevin.html

http://mymopar.com/forums/index.php?s=b8f29cddd9ddab7e373729c714a29773

oop gotta go, my buddy just called and he's broke down.

be back later.

It appears to be a 440 by the way.

[RTDaddy]

Quickest I.D., small block,distributor in back, big block, distributor in front.  440 has the engine I.D. codes stamped on a machined flat surface (about 3/4" x 2") located in front of the intke manifold towards the dirver's side of the car on the block.  The 383/400 has this pad located just in front of the driver's side cylinder head where the head bolts to the block.  Hope this helps.

"IF YOU'RE UNDER CONTROL, YOU AIN'T GOING FAST ENOUGH."

[dolphinron]

Wow, thank you for the major info!   Is that firing order just specific to the 440?  I found the firing order stamped near the carb.  This message board is incredible, just came across it the other day after buying the car.  I really don't know much about the car but always wanted a 73 or 74  440 magnum for about 20 years now and finally had a little money and found a good shape one.  I needed to buy a good shape one because I'm not mechanically inclined and will be defintely be inquiring for help from you all if it breaks. Right now it just leaks some oil and besides that runs and looks great. (knock on wood)

[mikepmcs]

You've come to the right place.  You are mechanically inclined, BTW.  I've never believed that for a second on anything I've ever done.  I've never let a lack of talent stop me from doing something, as witnessed by this thread on tattoos(I can't even draw a stick figure, LOL)
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,25462.120.html

All you need is some patience, a little guidance, and some tools. You can do anything you want to this car and with the help of some incredibly smart people on here, it will make it a whole lot easier.  Believe it!!!  We are however a little goofy at times so don't take everything you read too seriously or you'll never get out alive. 

[69*F5*SE]

Welcome to the board      Please post some more pics of your car.  A good above shot of the engine from the frontwould be cool too. Looks like a clean motor.

[375instroke]

As stated before, distributor in front for big blocks, like this:



If it's an RB block, like a 440, there is a flat, machined pad with the engine size, along with other codes, stamped on it just to the left (towards the drivers side) of the distributor, like on this '69 440HP block.  Also notice how the deck sits about 1/2" above the as cast surface of where the water pump housing mounts:



On B blocks, like this 400 block, the pad doesn't exist.  Also notice the same place on this block is machined flat:



Since B blocks have a shorter deck height, when the deck is machined, it gets cut all the way forward towards the water pump housing mount.  That's why it's machined, and the pad on the passenger side is where the engine size, and other stuff, is stamped on these blocks.



If you can see it, the engine size is also cast at the end of the casting number on the left side of the block above where the starter would be.  Here's the 400 block again:

[mally69]

375instroke -  Good job on the pics and the info,   

[SeattleCharger]

Welcome to the site,  lets see some pics of your Charger!