STEALTH Head Update.... A "lowly" 440 Street Engine

[Steve P.]

Wow! This changes the ball game!!   

[Chargerguy74]

Not much time to revisit these old 440 builds, but as a result of some sb Chev 355 "restricted" Sprint Car Cylinder Head R & D....
We've apllied an updated V/Seat application for the Stealth Heads, that doesn't require the same porting/time/money and expense(10-12 Hrs) that we used to imput on the "lowly 440" Pkg

Long story short:
I'll get a before/after Flow Sheet on the STEALTH's up soon,
and,
the resulting .030" over 440 Dyno Sheet.

But we've been able to shave our time imput on the Heads within 4 Hrs Labor floor to floor, then Bolt 'em on with NO Intake or Head Intake/Exhaust Opening Porting(lousy OOTB Port Match)
and
we saw 504hp @ 5,400 rpm, and 525 Ft/Lbs on the Dyno, WITH the Air Cleaner INSTALLED(N96 style Oval 4 BBL)

Pkg update skinny:
STEALTH Heads, changed seat prep/angles/check guides/Bowl blend ONLY after the seat cutters, Valves back cut(4 hrs floor to floor)(NO runner or entrance Porting). Intake Flow averages were much improved.
Stock Stamped Steel Rockers/Shafts
Comp Cams XE284H
Street Dom OOTB
850 cfm Holley
10.14:1

Dunno when we'll get a chance to back this up on a 2nd 440 Dyno Test ? but when/if we can.... or do back it up on a 2nd 440 build, it may move the STEALTH Heads into a basically a very cost effective 500hp Bolt On Head for the "resto" appearance/budget build crowd ?
I'll save the revised seat prep until we back it up on a 2nd lowly 440 build, but I'll order some more STEALTH Heads later today to re-apply/flow again.

Very impressive

[green69rt]

So guys, getting down to the time I need to pick the engine for the car and this thread has been really informative. 

Would the 440 builds described here apply well to a 400 stroked to 451 or 470 (440 Source kits).  If not then why.

Another option I am considering is using my old 383 2bbl and stroked to 438 (440 Source kit).

I like the idea of the stroked 400 for hood clearance and the small weight save, but the stroked 383 would save money.

Currently running 3.91 gears but eventually go to 3.23 or lower if the urge strikes me.  Converter to be new.   Currently 235/60x15 tires.

Headers because I like them.  2.5 inch exhaust.

Looking for that very streetable car so the 274 cam appeals.

What do you think?

[justcruisin]

I screwed together a very similar engine back in 2012, OOTB eddy's, xe275hl which is pretty much a xe274h with 1.6 arms. 4050lbs, 3.23 gears and 727. IMO a zero deck 10.0 - 10.2:1 with the stealths/eddy's/sidewinders is a great build for a street car that you intend to drive a fair bit. The final HP/TQ will depend on the amount of work on the heads, no need to go crazy with this type of build. What is detailed here is all that is needed. I wouldn't go crazy on the torque converter either, 2500 with the xe274h is all you need.(presuming auto). I have taken the car to the track on occasion and it runs 12.8's at 110/111mph with full street rubber. Same can be applied to the 400, if it was me I would build the 470 with a studded bottom end and good internals incase the HP bug bites, your then set for cam and top end upgrades.

[BSB67]

Just my opinion, but if you're starting from scratch on a full stroker build, it seems silly to start with a 383 block to pinch on a few pennies.

[green69rt]

Just my opinion, but if you're starting from scratch on a full stroker build, it seems silly to start with a 383 block to pinch on a few pennies.

I've heard that same comment from others.  Currently looking for a 400 block.

[Challenger340]

Just my opinion, but if you're starting from scratch on a full stroker build, it seems silly to start with a 383 block to pinch on a few pennies.

I've heard that same comment from others.  Currently looking for a 400 block.

I am a great fan of the low deck 383/400 Block based Strokers..... I've been building them since the mid 80's
that said,
the only caution I have for anyone considering them(383/400 Blocks) in a mufflered street Car Stroker application ?
and,
given the lack nowadays of Machine Shops with a BB Mopar Torque Plate ?

which can make fitting the very short 1.32" CD 2618 alloy Pistons difficult.... and typically resulting in audible/noisey "Piston Slap" present in the Engine once completed.

Hence is a guy is only looking at 500-600HP/Ft/Lbs Torque in mufflered street cars..... which ALL Blocks are satisfactory for carrying......IMO, advantage goes to the RB Blocks with the longer/quieter running 440 Pistons based on higher CD's.