1970 Winnebago 440?

[Havocatl]

I know someone selling a 1970 Winnebago 440 motor and trans, he claims it only has 60k miles, never rebuilt. Runs, currently still in the RV. I have an opportunity to buy this and put into my 70 RR.

I've researched and I think the 1970 RV's had the same motors and compression as the muscle cars. Is this true? I need to confirm before I pull the trigger. Would some of these RV's have rare heads too?

Thanks in advance

 

[Dennis H]

Sounds like that Roadkill episode.

 

[1967coronet440]

Nothing special about them as far as I know

 

[BeepBeepRR]

They are low compression 440s and you will have to build it to make any real power.

 

[Havocatl]

I thought the earlier RV 440s had the same HP numbers as the cars.

 

[1967coronet440]

I thought the earlier RV 440s had the same HP numbers as the cars.

Nope, probaly around 8.0:1 compression and 200hp

 

[408Swinger]

RVs tend to be driven for long periods of time per drive .
So they are good seasoned blocks for building

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I believe these guys are right. As a motor to be completely rebuilt...no problem, but as a motor to just drop in your car, maybe not. I mean it is a 440, so that's something. I seem to recall some weird things about their harmonic balancers and/ or water pumps, but don't quote me on that. Just don't pay too much for it.

 

[408Swinger]

Are you planning on using this engine as is ? Or do you intend to recam etc...?

 

[Dennis H]

How long has it been in storage?

 

[dieseldazzle]

Most pre 72 winnies are 413s triple check its prolly a boo boo 413

 

[davek]

I think there is something different about the water pump or the water ports on the heads.I remember I was going to buy one then I back out.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

Here check out my thread, I'm doing a 75 440, yes the water pump dumps on the passenger side. Mine was shot so I went with a car style. Anyhow here is my build of the 440 Low compression engine. https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/picked-up-a-low-mile-440-today.143842/

 

[Johnny Mac]

Take a good look at the trans also...if i recall, some R/V's have a unique tailshaft with an aux E-Brake. Unless you want to go tailshaft swapping...I think the trans wouldn't have much value.

 

[wannadrag]

I am on number 4 for a R/V 440,every one is pretty much the same with the same 452 heads and nothing weird about them.Pick the right cam,intake,carb and headers and they perform decent even with the low compression. Last one I put in a 72 Swinger and would roast the tires right off. The ones I used were newer though 75-78 models

 

[BeepBeepRR]

Something to note about my situation.. I needed pistons anyhow since the engine sat for quite a few years with water damage in 2 cylinders. Had to be bored anyhow. If its running and driving you are light years ahead of my money pit.

 

[PP1RT]

Here check out my thread, I'm doing a 75 440, yes the water pump dumps on the passenger side. Mine was shot so I went with a car style. Anyhow here is my build of the 440 Low compression engine. https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/picked-up-a-low-mile-440-today.143842/

The water pump neck was a change made in 73 on everything including cars. An older one should still be on the other side.

 

[PP1RT]

I know someone selling a 1970 Winnebago 440 motor and trans, he claims it only has 60k miles, never rebuilt. Runs, currently still in the RV. I have an opportunity to buy this and put into my 70 RR.

I've researched and I think the 1970 RV's had the same motors and compression as the muscle cars. Is this true? I need to confirm before I pull the trigger. Would some of these RV's have rare heads too?

Thanks in advance

It's a 440. Nothing special fancy or rare. Buy it right and build it. It wont have hardened seats in the head and likely has a cam aimed more for torque. The day will come when a 440 gets hard to find. Grab it for a couple hundred if ya can.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

I over paid for mine.. lol 350.00 But then again I couldn't see inside it. But 1600.00 later its balanced,bored,decked, Heads shaved and rebuilt, 4 new valve seats The pistons are .005 by my measurement. My engine guy says .009, speed pro forged pistons. Not to mention all the little things I have to do to it. 20.00 here 20.00 there the list goes on.. Compression wont be an issue now