440 build

[Romero14]

I am needing some advice and tips on my 440 build. I picked up a 73 440 block to put into my 70 barracuda that I'm currently restoring/cloning. The engine came from a truck so many of the parts will be getting replaced. I may reuse the iron heads but plan to replace the intake, water pump, oil pan, etc. I may even have to replace the crank because it's rough. This will be a street car that won't see any track time.  I've been reading old posts here and saw where guys suggested stroking the motor to a 512 with a kit from 440 source. I'm a novice when it comes to this stuff so I'm trying to learn what I can and make the right purchases. Thanks in advance.

1) run on pump gas so I would want my compression to be around a 10 to 1
2) retain my AC system
3) have good vacuum for brakes
4) have a little more hp than stock but not too much to where it's not streetable
5) be a durable long lasting build
6) I don't have a real budget but don't really see the need to build a 10k engine since it won't be a on a track
7) works well with a Tremec TKX (haven't purchased yet but this is the transmission that I plan on running)

[70vert]

#3: vacuum for brakes is mostly dependent on what cam specs are. Assuming you are doing disc and aren't concerned about factory OE look I am an advocate for Hydro-Boost. It will give better stopping than anything else and cleans up the engine bay a bit. I did mine about 3+ years ago and am amazed.

[Romero14]

#3: vacuum for brakes is mostly dependent on what cam specs are. Assuming you are doing disc and aren't concerned about factory OE look I am an advocate for Hydro-Boost. It will give better stopping than anything else and cleans up the engine bay a bit. I did mine about 3+ years ago and am amazed.

I'm wanting to keep a mostly stock appearance under the hood. I do plan to do disc brakes up front and probably drums in the rear.

[Chryco Psycho]

Building a 512 Can look completely stock & the cost of the new kit is similar to rebuilding old parts & sound like you need a new crank & pistons anyway .

[Romero14]

Building a 512 Can look completely stock & the cost of the new kit is similar to rebuilding old parts & sound like you need a new crank & pistons anyway .

That's what I was thinking about it looking completely stock. And yes, I'll need a crank, and the engine didn't come with pistons so I'll need those as well. Should I go with 440 source if I get a kit? What about the cam? There are a million different options to choose from. What about heads? Should I keep the iron heads or maybe go with stealth aluminum heads at that price point?

[Chryco Psycho]

Yes get the 440 Source kit , rods ,crank ,pistons ,rings & brgs  & balanced .
You need to be careful with piston selection depending what heads you choose , I am not a fan of the 68 up production open chamber castngs as they can cause detonation , quench is your friend , Stealth heads are a good choice for the price .
IMO the cam profile is the single most critical choice in the whole build , I always used custom grinds but a good off the shelf Lunati can work well too , we can help you get a good cam to match the combo .

[Romero14]

Yes get the 440 Source kit , rods ,crank ,pistons ,rings & brgs  & balanced .
You need to be careful with piston selection depending what heads you choose , I am not a fan of the 68 up production open chamber castngs as they can cause detonation , quench is your friend , Stealth heads are a good choice for the price .
IMO the cam profile is the single most critical choice in the whole build , I always used custom grinds but a good off the shelf Lunati can work well too , we can help you get a good cam to match the combo .

I am definitely am looking for durability and not issues. Yes, point in the right direction with a cam. I was checking out the usual suspects... Lunati, Comp, Hughes. I appreciate all the help and tips you're providing.

[autoxcuda]

Are you going to assemble it? or a shop?

Check in with them before final purchase.

But I would go with 9.5 to 1 compression for pump gas, stroker 500', stealth heads, and a cam around 230 to 240 duration @.050 and 110 to 112 centerline. If around .500" or so lift you may be able to run stock rockers.  The bigger centerline because of the 5 speed and little easier to tune/manage. Reach out to Bullet Cams for a cam selection. They are very good.

That will get you 450 to 500 hp (1hp/cu in). Which is 75 to 125+ hp more than stock.

[Romero14]

Are you going to assemble it? or a shop?

Check in with them before final purchase.

But I would go with 9.5 to 1 compression for pump gas, stroker 500', stealth heads, and a cam around 230 to 240 duration @.050 and 110 to 112 centerline. If around .500" or so lift you may be able to run stock rockers.  The bigger centerline because of the 5 speed and little easier to tune/manage. Reach out to Bullet Cams for a cam selection. They are very good.

That will get you 450 to 500 hp (1hp/cu in). Which is 75 to 125+ hp more than stock.

The shop will machine it but they don't have time to assembe due to back log so my buddy and I plan to. He just finished an assembly on a 340. You prefer the 500 over the 512 kit? I'll also check with bullet cams. 450 to 500 hp would be nice, and I'm guessing torque would be similar?

[autoxcuda]

Are you going to assemble it? or a shop?

Check in with them before final purchase.

But I would go with 9.5 to 1 compression for pump gas, stroker 500', stealth heads, and a cam around 230 to 240 duration @.050 and 110 to 112 centerline. If around .500" or so lift you may be able to run stock rockers.  The bigger centerline because of the 5 speed and little easier to tune/manage. Reach out to Bullet Cams for a cam selection. They are very good.

That will get you 450 to 500 hp (1hp/cu in). Which is 75 to 125+ hp more than stock.

The shop will machine it but they don't have time to assembe due to back log so my buddy and I plan to. He just finished an assembly on a 340. You prefer the 500 over the 512 kit? I'll also check with bullet cams. 450 to 500 hp would be nice, and I'm guessing torque would be similar?

Torque would be similar or more. 500 or 512 kit.

Bullet has great customer service. Tell them your whole situation. Trans, rear gears, driving plans, etc.  I know of 2-3 recent local buddies builds with no issues with Bullet.

Comp cams are a mess. know of 2 recently local builts that went flat immediatly. Then switched brands, no issues.

[Romero14]

I'll definitely be staying away from comp cams then. I haven't decided on rear gears yet but most likely around a 3.55.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have done more than 14 of the 512 builds , great combo using the longer rods & short pistons for good rod ratio & 7 lbs less rotating mass , as mentioned watch the compression ratio & quench .

[Romero14]

I have done more than 14 of the 512 builds , great combo using the longer rods & short pistons for good rod ratio & 7 lbs less rotating mass , as mentioned watch the compression ratio & quench .

That's good to hear. I had never heard of quench(I'm not a builder) but thank you for that tip. How is the durability of those builds you've done?

[Chryco Psycho]

Quench is machining the engine so the piston is around .040 from the head @ TDC this helps in stopping detonation
None that I Have built have had issues or failed that I am aware of , 1 had a small issue using the wrong lifters & that caused low oil pressure , it was easily fixed .

[Romero14]

Quench is machining the engine so the piston is around .040 from the head @ TDC this helps in stopping detonation
None that I Have built have had issues or failed that I am aware of , 1 had a small issue using the wrong lifters & that caused low oil pressure , it was easily fixed .

This is the durability that I needed to hear about. Thank you. And thanks for explaining quench