Going To Start New Project 440

[MoparMotel]

Hi,

I have decided that I want to start a new project, Building a fun street 440 for my car

First question I have is there are usually a few 440 blocks on my local craigslist, What year is the best block to get? I was going to try and find a 1968 HP2 440 block that way my car has a date coded correct block, but this is not necessary since the car has the #'s matching motor in it right now that is going to be put on an engine stand and wrapped in plastic.

I have a good friend that is my friends dad that is going to build the motor for me and teach me how to do it. He has been building hot rod motors for 30 years and just finished this Chevy 427 for my friends ( his son ) 1972 El Camino...Brodix heads and the works...about 500HP





(No he is not running an Edelbrock carb, He said he has never been able to tune one and get it to run as good as a Holley...He installed the Holley on my car and tuned it)

I am looking for a good street-able 440 with about 500hp...Something that can be driven around town and to car shows but also make it down the quarter decent if need be.

After some research this is what I have decided on so far:

440 Block Bored .30 over
Keith Black OR Speed Pro Forged Pistons
Edelbrock Performer RPM Aluminum Heads 84cc
Comp Cams PP284H, XE284H, XS274H, or maybe Engle K58
TTI  1-7/8" Primary Tube Headers
3" TTI Exhaust with X Pipe and Dynomax Ultra Flow's
My 727 is already built up just going to swap in a 2600-2800 Stall.

Current Rear end Gears are 3.23....Thinking either 3.73 or 3.91's.

Anyone recommend anything different? This is a rough parts list as I have not decided exactly which heads and cam I am going to go with because I have not finished looking at the specs and researching them all yet. Definitely want a Loopy Choppy Idle, Love the sound.

Thanks!

[68CoronetRT]

It sounds to me like your on a good path for a 500hp build.

Block year IMO doesn't matter, I'm running the cast crank in my 440 build and it's mild enough that I feel it wont really matter. Some people might feel different about this though.

I'm sure others will chime in with some input on cam selection etc...

[justcruisin]

If you want to run a hydraulic flat with a choppy idle a 284 cam will give you that, I would think vacuum brakes would be marginal. I run a xe275hl in a 440 and it has a nice idle with a good lope, pulls 13" at idle, it is a little soft down low with 3.23 gears, if you run a 284 cam you may want to step up on rear gear. My  is go with a zero deck block with the 84cc e-heads.

[Cooter]

Unlike "Brand X" guys stuff, Chrysler didn't have certain Blocks that were "Better" than others. (Save for the Hemi stuff)..


Take that BBC you posted for Ex.

427 "L88" engine came through with Forged Crank, Rods,Pistons. High Compression, "Racey" type cam with well over .500 Lift, BIG, HUGE Rectangle port heads, And a Holley carb. Got allthe "good sh*t" from the factory...

Now take Granddad's 454 in his Station wagon/pick up truck. Cast crank, Low compression cast pistons, Oval port heads with junk cam, etc.

Unlike Chrysler, ALL Chevy Big Blocks Are cast with "Hi-Perf" on 'em from the few I've owned and my own research. You have to run the numbers to find out what you have.

Chrysler did put a little better stuff in the "HP" engines, but the BLOCKS were no different from what I can tell. IMO, the only reason they did stamp them with an "HP" was so the assembly line workers knew NOT to put that engine in Grandma's New Yorker. I have actually seen 1977 Blocks Sonic check THICKER than the Ever popular, 1966-1970 "HP" blocks. It really does depend on what you are doing with the engine as to how much block prep/aftermarket block you will need. 500 HP should be ok with a basic 440 Mild build.

[firefighter3931]

There are several 500hp pump gas 440 buildups in the proven build section. It's not a difficult task but does require proper parts selection and good machinework/assembly. 


Ron

[MoparMotel]

There are several 500hp pump gas 440 buildups in the proven build section. It's not a difficult task but does require proper parts selection and good machinework/assembly. 


Ron

Thanks Ron and everyone, I will look through the proven combos today and also look at some parts.