440 HEMI?

[DustinSimmonds]

I've wondered this lately. Is there a way you can make a 440 Hemi?   

[Kern Dog]

There was a company several years back that made cylinder heads that would work on Wedge blocks. I dont know how many sets that they produced though......................................

[mikesbbody]

It required so much screwing aound (external oiling etc) it wasn't worth the hassle.

[A383Wing]

"Ball Stud Heads" was the name I think...ferget the company who did them

[Challenger340]

Yes.
The Company that produces the kit is called Stage V Engineering, and the Kit is known as the "Conversion" Head.

It involves clearancing the Lifter Gallery for the HEMI style Pushrod Angles,
and,
the Installation of External Oil Drainback lines from the Heads to the Oil Pan
Of course, HEMI Pistons are also req'd when building the Shortblock.

I have built a few for Customers over the years, the last one being about a year ago.

The popularity of the Kits has waned dramatically over the years, due to ready availability of regular HEMI Blocks and Heads, however the Conversion stuff is still available as far as I know.
I do not believe you save much, if anything Moneywise, from a regular HEMI build. 

[Troy]

We've discussed it many times. I don't really see the cost savings since a BIG chunk of the "factory style" Hemi budget is in the top end (heads, rockers, shafts, valve covers, intake, carbs, air cleaner, etc.). Where you *can* save money is by using a 440 crank and balancer which allows you to use the 440 accessory brackets, pulleys, and belts along with the 6 bolt flex plate or flywheel. I believe you can get a dyno'd 426 Hemi for a little over $13k from For Hemis Only so I really don't see where you can build one much cheaper (I had almost $9k in parts and still didn't have a block).

Troy

[DustinSimmonds]

So would you guys say its worth making a 440 Hemi or just finding a 426 Hemi?

[A383Wing]

find a real one....everything will fit better

[TK73]

That only has a "screw with" the senile old guys who "had one just like that but it had a 440 Hemi"