1977 440 History?

[Mheiron]

So I have this old motor that came in a barn find 1969 Charger And it was a long way from running.
Digging in to it this weekend and found the tappets were ground way down. I assume the cam is also gone.

I’m mainly trying to decide if the block is junk or not. I would also like to find a service manual for the engine.

The cylinder bores were 4.306 vs. 4.320-4.322 spec. but I only measured ~2” down the bore. I think this means the block wasn’t previously bored.

The valves appeared unbroken with no bent pushrods. There was no visible damage to the tops of the pistons.

The engine turns freely.

My question to the forum: Where would this motor likely have come from? a motor home is my guess as I couldn’t find any cars with this motor in 1977.

Pictures are attached and I’d also like to hear any opinions on the motors usefulnes. I don’t currently have any plans for it.

 

[Doorkicker]

Just quick look, admittedly, I'm certain that's not a motorhome engine. The "HP" is the giveaway.

BTW.. I can't tell... what's the letter before the "HP" on the pad and after the "7T 440"?

Take a look at this page... Moparts on the Web - Main Index

 

[pnora]

The 4006630 was used 75-78. Any stamped numbers above the pan rail?

 

[Sam69sat]

Pad stamping isn't very clear but looks like 7T 440 HP? That would be a cop car engine.

 

[Runcharger]

Any 440 that isn't .060 and worn out is a keeper. It looks like it has a good intake and valvecovers on it as well.

 

[RemCharger]

Yup she's a gull-durned cop mill!!
Sounds like the measurement technique was 14 thou out.
Perfectly good motors

 

[Mheiron]

The stamp by the distributor says 7T 440 EHP.

Any idea what the bore size should be? I checked against the 69 Service Manual.

All very interesting info. Fun learning about the motor.

The heads seem to have the correct part number for a ‘77

 

[Mheiron]

 

[ruffcut]

Good cylinder heads. By what has been said, I think std bore. Turns freely, even better! Being a cop car motor, probably high milage, but should clean up with an overbore under 60 thou. Nice find in this day and age! ruffcut

 

[Timmayy]

I had one of those cop car 440s. 78 Fury state police car. I loved it until someone cut out in front of me and totalled it.

 

[Photon440]

Standard engine if you got a big car like a New Yorker Brougham. Likely the same as optional in trucks as well.

 

[Sam69sat]

The HP motors in those years were only available to police type vehicles. Also were juiced up a little compared to regular 440s of the same year. Supposedly 255 net horsepower vs 195 of the civilian 440s.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/muscle-for-the-man-1978-plymouth-fury-a38-pursuit

 

[matchek]

Any 440 that isn't .060 and worn out is a keeper. It looks like it has a good intake and valvecovers on it as well.

Please clarify the 0.060.

 

[matchek]

When I go to Rock Auto, the 440 engine was an option of many of the pickup lines like the Dodge D200 and W300 - these look to be heavy duty trucks like for snow plowing, pulling trailers, etc. Similar to an F250 today.

 

[Grabbergreendream]

My 78 motorhome 440 had a 452 head replaced at one point and the original head had tapered seat spark plugs. The other 452 was replaced with a car 452, with crush washer style plugs. Not sure all truck/rv engines had the TS plugs but its something I will definitely look at on any future big blocks...

 

[moparmarks]

Trucks, B/C bodies and motorhomes could have a 440 in 77-78. 77 D150 could have a 440. All the blocks are the same.

 

[qkcuda]

The stamp by the distributor says 7T 440 EHP.

Any idea what the bore size should be? I checked against the 69 Service Manual.

All very interesting info. Fun learning about the motor.

The heads seem to have the correct part number for a ‘77

The E before HP seems to denote cast crank, which would be the case in 1977.

 

[Mheiron]

Got to the oil pan rail numbers today:

Confirmed the bore is 4.30 so it must have 50thou. wear and never bored. The stroke is 3.71”. I’ll drop the pan next and will add those photos.

 

[moparmarks]

Lynch Road.

 

[pnora]

Got to the oil pan rail numbers today:

View attachment 1468910

Confirmed the bore is 4.30 so it must have 50thou. wear and never bored. The stroke is 3.71”. I’ll drop the pan next and will add those photos.

Stock bore is 4.320 and stroke 3.75 sounds like you have a stock bore.