440 build questions

[Kuruton]

Talking to an engine builder about having work done on a 75' 440. I want it to be completely daily-able on 93 octane but hit at least 400 crank hp and run power brakes without an external pump.

It would be stock pistons, hastings rings, roller rockers, double roller timing chain, sealed power bearings, melling oil pump, earlier closed chamber heads, performer rpm intake and dougs long tube headers. For the cam, he recommended the comp 280H, but I'm thinking the comp XE268H.

He says with the swapped heads, it should be around 9:1 compression and doesnt recommend spending the money on a roller cam or aftermarket pistons.

Looking for input from anyone with more experience. Any different reccomendations or changes they'd make. Appreciate it!

 

[Xcudame]

The key to 440 power is all the the quench zone. You need pistons that will give you ~.040" to .060" between the top of the piston and the earlier closed chambered heads. Get the quench right, you can probably get 400 hp (kinda wimpy for a 440!) with any after market camshaft out there. For power brakes you want a cam with around 112° to 114° lobe separation. Others will have different opinions, but I'm not wrong.

 

[540HemiCuda]

I agree, quench is a critical component with today's pump swill to avoid detonation. You can have detonation with a low compression ratio without proper quench. With proper quench and planning to run 93 octane, you should be able to run a more favorable compression ratio. Although personally, anymore I try to run a combo that is comfortable on 89 or 91 just cause those are often easier to find. But if you have ready and dependable access to the 93, then go for it.

One reason a lot of guys bypass the quench is because it involves squaring the block corner to corner. Our big blocks are usually not real square there and when going for the optimum .040", it matters. It is not hard or terribly expensive to square the block, but is another step and cost.

If you can swing it, aluminum heads would be another good addition for a number of reasons.

There are a number of Mopar experienced engine builders who have cam grinds that will do what you want to do THE FIRST TIME. Call one or two for their cam recommendations and the recommended compression ration. What you are shooting for is not difficult and has been done many, many times so there is plenty of experience to draw on.

Dwayne Porter, Porter Racing Heads has been my go-to for wedge cam grinds on my stock inch and stroker engines for years and years. He is a great guy with TONS of dyno, street, and track experience.

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