383 vs 440 torque/HP

[raull]

Hello all!

This is my first Post here and I am looking for feedback on what to rebuild.

I currently have a 1968 Charger with a 383 engine 727 transmission in it. Its not the original engine (its from a 1966 Newport), but the engine originally had a 383 (according to vin number). Anyways the engine is blowing out smoke when I start it up and run it (beggining). I have an oppurtunity to get a 440 with trans (approx. 1978 engine unknow vehicle, both for $200). So I am curious to see how much I will need to spend to either rebuild the 383 and tranny, or the 440 with tranny plus modifications (suspension, springs, etc.). About the Torque/HP what modifications can I do to get better performance? I am planning to drive this car once or twice a week, to cruise around town. I am concious on gas, but if there is a big difference in the 383 from the 440, what the hell.  The rear end axle is negative. what will I have to do to make it positive, what gears? I am in a budget. So I will be doing everthing little at a time. I thx all for the feedback in advance.

[Ghoste]

Welcome to the group.  If you check around, you'll quickly see that this is a commonly asked questions with a lot of different opinions.  In my opinion, if you are primarily just cruising around town and budget is important, rebuild the 383.  If you want to do a little more spirited driving, buy the 440 and rebuild it.  Parts and labor for the 440 will cost the same as for the 383 so you'll only be out the purchase price for the 440.  However, if you want to get even crazier (and the 440 can easily open the door) then all bets are off.  You can combine the two for a low deck stroker, you can go nuts on the 440, your wallets the limit.
Fuel for the two, stock for stock, is not going to be as drastic as you might think.  The 440's torque means it won't have to work as hard to get the car moving.  Out on the highway, it might be more noiticeable.  Using it hard will make it a great difference but if you're using it hard, who cares about mileage right?
Rearend becomes a question of the rest of your combination.  What ratio and ring gear is it now?

[raull]

This is the car, I had the bumpers re-chrome to include the pieces. Have not taken a picture after I installed them.

[Runner]

do the 440. the parts will cost the same for the most part. a 383 that makes the same power as a 440 will have to be a little wilder. it will use a little more fuel but it will run harder.

[cudaken]

 First welcome. Then here is the warning, 78 is a cast crank which is fine to 450 Real HP not day dreaming HP. But blances is total driffrent. Steel crank 383 balance is all in the egnine. Cast crank 440 front blancer and converter / fly wheel is part of the blances of the engine.

I as well say do the 440, but either must use a cast crank converter (400 polices converter will work with the 440 and gives you 2400 stall) or a B&M flex plate. Also the 78 front balancer as well. Might also need driffrent lower pullys so the belts line up. Cast crank blancer is around 1.5" and steel crank blancer is about 3/4".

Your 727 that is in the Charger will work with the 440 as long as the converter is changed out as well. For $200.00 for both, jump on it now.

                       Cuda Ken

[71Charger500]

Go with the 440 if you're keeping it pretty much stock, and if gas milage is a big thing, get a mopar big block fuel injection kit (including all the parts you need pump etc.) for 500 dollars and will add 30-40 horse and 5 or 6 mpg.  Its a good deal.  I don't exactaly remember the site, but just google it and you'll find something.  Make it a six pack, too.   

If you want to upgrade it alot, i'd probably take the 383.  It has a lot of potential power, and it can make extra juice cheaply, and a lot of it, with some simple bolt on parts.

But in the end, i'd say try a 440.  Its got a better reputation, as well as sound, and its a beast even stock.

[Runner]

30-40 hp from a 500 dollar fuel injection system is a bit of a stretch if your starting with a properly sized and tuned carb.  id be willing to bet it would be alot closer to no gain at all.   

[71Charger500]

30-40 hp from a 500 dollar fuel injection system is a bit of a stretch if your starting with a properly sized and tuned carb.   id be willing to bet it would be alot closer to no gain at all.     

Yeah you're right, it would probabaly be at least 10-20 though.  And if hes going to modify the engine a little bit, it will be more.  Still, even just the added gas milage is worth it.

[cudaken]

 It is hard for me to believe that a $500.00 injection is worthing trying to run. Ryan, if you post a link it might be a good deal. But the old saying "you get what you pay for" keeps pooping into my mind.

                                             Ken

[andy74]

Welcome to the site! dont frig around with the 383,ifits a non original car,build the 440,follow the advice of ken,chryco and firefighter ron,and for the same dollars spent youll be way ahead on horsepower. engines are still just air pumps,and the more you can put in,the more you will get out.as some one already said,the cost will be the same,or close enough. and i for one wouldnt trust any 500 buck fuel injection anything,sounds like a accident waiting to happen!

[71Charger500]

My uncle used a system just like it in his cuda, well it was built for small blocks (was a 340) but same company pratically same kit same $500 and he said it worked great. 

[CFMopar]

I'd like to see this 500 dollar fuel injection kit. Only "Complete" one I know off is the edelbrock one and its 2000

[andy74]

I'd like to see this 500 dollar fuel injection kit. Only "Complete" one I know off is the edelbrock one and its 2000

me too, id buy 2 or 3 of em

[defiance]

Edelbrock and holley, but the holley is throttle body... both are pretty steep...
$500 sounds pretty unbelievable.  If it's port, that's 8 injectors, which nobody gets for less than $50 for a decent size injector... rails... manifold... throttle body...  $500 won't even cover cost of manufacturing it, I'd think...  not counting an ECU...
Even throttle body set seems pretty crazy for that price...  a throttle body for less than 200-300 alone is hard to find, add injectors, wiring, sensors, and ecu for 500?? 

It would be wicked if it worked - even if it wasn't very good, it might be reasonably priced platform to upgrade from...

[cudaken]

 I have asked Ryan a couple of times in PM top post the link to the site. I like to see it as well. My guess is what he thinks it is, is not what it is. $500 for maybe a body only, but that would be it is a guess. Heck the fuel pump would be more than that.

                                Cuda Ken

[raull]

Quick update. Decided to go with the 440 and 727 tranny. thx all
Here is a quick picture of the current state of this vehicle.

[Ghoste]

Well, it looks as though you are starting from a pretty good base if that's it's current state.  Good luck with the rest of the project.

[raull]

Message to Ghoste. Thats not the car I started with. I will post a pic of the way it looked before. Trust me I have spend numerous months on this car. Spending most of my earnings on it. But hey I enjoy it when I hear people say oh wow nice car man.  Plus I have not mention the stereo it currently has. All I know that I need a bigger alternator at the moment.

[Ghoste]

Man, that is some before and after! 

[cudaken]

 Ghost, you see my stuff when I started? That a good charger Raull, my stereo is the duales, want to stereos, when can talk.

OK, the smoke on start up are bad valve seals. Are you happy with the power with out the smoke? If so just have the seals replaced. I would run a compression test first just to make sure the rest of the engine is happy.

                 Cuda Ken

[Ghoste]

I have seen your before pics too Ken and I also read your for sale post in the general forum.  You should look at your before pics and think how far you've come my friend.
Sorry for the hijack.

[Lightning]

I like the wheels on it, those the Weld ones?