440 from a motorhome a viable option?

[flyboyedwards]

Hello All,
I have to chance to get a 440 engine from a motorhome. Are these a viable option as a good "builder"? I noticed that the crank isn't drilled for a pilot bushing, and I am sure that many were not.
What I am thinking about doing is this, I would like to build this into a "performance" engine, with thoughts of using a paxton, or other supercharger. I want this all to be "under hood". So, with the lower compression of this engine, I'm thinking it may be a fair place to start.
What I see in it's future are a roller cam, and rockers, some sort of intake, and good exhaust system.
The car is running on a .060 over 383 right now, that's a fresh build, so I have some time on my hands.
I just want to build a big HP engine, and wonder what you guys have for input on this build.
This certainly seems to be the place for excellent input.
Thanks for the advice in advance!!
Jason.

[hemi68charger]

I heard they were.. The heads had bigger water ports for cooling? IIRC................

[BigBlockSam]

motor home engines make good performance motors. you can use the tranny too. you just have to change the tail shaft 

[Cooter]

Gotta watch those MH engines..Some were drilled for 4-speed and some were NOT even though they were steel crank engines. The blocks are good and as far as cooling passages go, all I've been able to see different was the figure "8" cooling holes in the block...Heads were the same old open chamber heads like the passenger cars had. Some MH engines (Mainly 413's that look JUST LIKE A 440),also had the WAY different Heads, intake, and water pump than the passenger car style..You will be able to spot this right away looking at the engine. it will look like something out of a dump truck...As for the trans? Well, most came through with the brake drum on the rear and you have to swap out the MAIN SHAFT as well as the entire tail shaft assy. This will be noticable when you crawl under the vehicle..Good engines, just be sure you are getting what you think you're getting....Post a pic of said engine and trans, we'll be able to tell you if it's worth it or not.

This is the 413 Industrial engine:

[Kern Dog]

I SURE do like the spark plug location of that Industrial head!
Whether or not the crank is drilled for a pilot bushing isnt a big deal... just use the roller bearing that fits in the big hole thats intended for the torque converter hub. A competent Dodge parts tech can find it. I think they might have been used in the 2.2 motors.

[BigBlockSam]

just use the roller bearing that fits in the big hole thats intended for the torque converter hub.

i got mine on ebay