new here need 440 info

[torinoso]

I gave my 21 year old son my 70 challenger (318). We want to restore it and make it a 440 sixpack clone. What year blocks make better motors?does it matter? Are the newer (late 70's ok or should we look for a69- 70-71 block. I think he wants to build a stroker motor. Any advice or pro's and con's would be appreciated. I am new to mopar rerstoration but recently finished a 1970 Ford torino convertible with a 429 SCJ and 4 speed for myself. Thanks, Eric

 

[AlleyoopMgv]

Welcome! I'm a autobody man by trade, but I know that earlier 440 are a little bit better than the later ones, but don't take my word for it. I think if it's a 440, it's all good. Keep us updated on the project, and post some pic's if you can.

 

[burntorange70]

Welcome to FEBO! Any year 440 should work just fine. I would have a shop check it out first to look for cracks and wall thickness. Good luck with the build.

 

[6packcuda]

I don't think there's much difference in the blocks themselves. However, the '67 - '73 440s have the stronger steel cranks. After '73, they all had cast cranks. The cast cranks are still strong, just not as strong as the steel ones.

 

[moparmanpr]

i'll add something i don't think many folks know about. there's always a dash # at the end of the engine # ( -1 or -2 etc.) this # indicates how many times a sand casting had a portion replaced due to shift after each cast. therefore, the lower the dash #, the better. i have a '70 challenger with dual quads that was originally a 318. you probably already know but, you'll need a 727 trans, motor mounts, driveshaft, a bigger radiator & a sure grip rear would be nice.

 

[torinoso]

thanks. more questions

What rear end do the 318 cars typically have in them? 8 1/4" or 8 3/4" ? will a 8 1/4 " hold up ? Eric

 

[moparmanpr]

318's came with an 8 1/4. you could use it but it would not stand the ammount of torque a 440 is capable of generating.

 

[burntorange70]

Use this to ID your rear end. I would use no less than an 8 3/4 with a sure grip. Or a Dana 60 if you are going to put a lot of HP to it or race it with slicks.

 

[torinoso]

thanks, Thats very

helpful, Eric

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Often later blocks are better & generally cheaper to get , if you are stroking it the crank will make no difference , the 440 Source 512 CI kit is one of the best for loongevity / street use , you can buy it complete & balanced for $1800 which works out cheaper than rebuilding the stock parts in most cases
Heads & cam will be the biggest factors in power output , I generally use th Holley Street dom intakes & Proform 950 cfm carbs ontop of what works out to 512 ci