1970 440 block or after market block?

[joe34]

Looking to build a 440 engine for my 68 Dodge Charger ( Drag car only).
Have a virgin 1970 440 RB block never been rebuilt.
Looking for 850HP to 900HP. Heard that the bottom end will not hold up , even with girdle plate and main caps.
Would be going with 440 Sourse stroker kit for that horse power range.
Or would I be better off starting out with a new after market block?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[bigblock]

Aftermarket of course. A stock block may handle that much hp but not for long.

 

[dvw]

The stock block will break, It's just how long. some will go 4-5 years, others not. 400 blocks are better depending on how big you want to go in cu in. If I was doing that much power and associated cost, I'd run an aftermarket block. I had one fail, not pretty. Too much money in the rest of the motor to scrimp. To make that much power requires good pieces. Mine makes about that level. Never dynoed my 572 but 147.7 mph@3440 lbs. 14.8-1, fully ported -1 w/2.25 int, .800 roller, Jessel belt, T&D 1.7 individual shaft rockers, .043 rings w/gas ports, alum rod, vacuum pump. It is leaving power on the table with a Indy cross ram and 2 Eddy 750's. I'll bet a single dominator is wort at least 25 hp and a tunnel ram w/2 850's probably 40-50 hp.
Doug

 

[lewtot184]

stock block will explode at those power levels, even with upgrades. i'm having main cap/bearing issues at 500hp on a stock block; 800-900 would be a bomb.

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

aftermarket

 

[Travis_216]

Aftermarket 100% without a doubt. It sucks paying big $ for an aftermarket block when you've got a 440 there, but why spend a pile of money on a stock block that will not handle it and blow it's self to pieces. It's not if it will, it's when. People will say the heck with it and go for it, but if it was me I wouldn't go over 550-600hp on a stock block.

 

[joe34]

Thanks! guys for all the response.
Will definitely go after market. Is one brand better then the other , like World Products or Mopar
or any other suggested brand? Also cast iron or aluminum?
Thanks ! Again.

 

[dvw]

Want the best? KB aluminum. I run an older Mopar Mega block, got to watch them as some had thin bores. At that level I'm sure an Indy aluminum will work. Several N/SS cars run them at the 900 hp level w/o issue. The newer iron blocks are HEAVY.
Doug

 

[Harley]

I would also look at a different rotating assembly for that kind of horsepower.

 

[Moparmatt72]

Can also checkn out Koleno they make a good block from what I can see thick walls on the cylinders and their machine work is all done my Roush. Its the block I'm looking at for my next engine build once I get to that point.

 

[67 B-body]

900HP race only engine, I would agree that an aftermarket block would be the best option.
However,,,,,, 500 - 600+ HP,,,, no way...... A properly assembled 440 making 600HP can run for a very long time!!!!!
Check out my ride sometime,,, you'll see first hand!

 

[Budnicks]

the biggest issue is the larger main bores especially the saddle webs above them, are kind of weak on the stock blocks, you can go to billet mains/even 4 bolt caps, if you have them machined properly, use a girdle it will help too, always bore with proper deck plates... but if you have high compression N/A, boosted or N20 over about 700hp range, beat it allot, I'd go with a quality aftermarket rotating assembly like a Callies crank, Corrillo or Crower rods {or equivalent} I've had great luck with the B-series low-deck factory Chrysler bocks, but not many RB block, the larger main bore is a weaker design, than the Low-decks smaller main bore & stronger main saddle webbing... I highly suggest an aftermarket KB, older Milodon maybe, Mopar Performance Siamese, Mega Maxx, Indy or World block in either aluminum if you can afford it, or cast iron they are high nickel content...

 

[joe34]

Hey Moparmatt72, Thanks for the info.. on the Koleno blocks, I contacted them and they say they are out of production on there blocks for a while, no reason why though. It looks like I will be going with the Mopar brand.
Thanks! again. I will let you know how I come out on the build.
Joe.

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks! to all of you guys for the great info. on my questions. I will let you know on my build when it's done.
Thanks! again.
Joe.