440 main bearing undersizes

[Crider]

I picked up a 440 crank for a good deal, but like a dummy I didn't mic it. Turns out when it was machined the mains have been cut .040. Does anyone make RB main bearings in .040 or .050?

 

[Cranky]

I know .040 under was available at one time....may have to do some searching.

 

[lewtot184]

pretty sure .030" under is the limit on mains. at one time there was some .040" rod bearings, but I've never seen them.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

As far as I know, main bearings are only available std, .010", .020" and .030". How much of the engine do you have already and what are your plans for it?

I see 3 choices:
1. Find another crank.
2. Have this crank welded up on the mains & re-machined to get it big enough for bearings
3. Offset grind it....the original stroker. Somebody commented on one of my posts within the last month that recommended this for me. You don't get 500 cubic inches, but maybe 460-480 or something and you use much cheaper parts.

 

[Crider]

What I actually have is a low mileage 72 440, with cast crank. I grabbed this one at an auction last weekend since it was a steel crank. Paid $5 for it so no great loss. It would be a good candidate for an offset grind. I built a 470 years ago doing that with bbc rods in a 400 block

 

[wyrmrider]

get some 383-400 main caps
make some spacers for the uppers (just like putting a 350 crank in a chevy 400) (make 3 full circle then cut in half and you'll have a spare
line bore
or put crank in a 400 block for a 426
grind crank to 383/400 size

 

[69Bee]

Egge Machine sells mains (1, 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60) undersizes, and rods (1, 2, 10, 20, 30, 40) undersizes...

 

[Crider]

Thanks 69 bee. I should have thought of eggs. I’ve bought a couple sets of early hemi pistons from them over the years

 

[69Bee]

Thanks 69 bee. I should have thought of eggs. I’ve bought a couple sets of early hemi pistons from them over the years

Yea, I just ordered some Ross pistons for a 331 from Hemi Hot Heads because I am shooting for 10:1........$860 + shipping

 

[Crider]

Yea, they are proud of those. Both of my builds were 354, so just took them out to 4.0” and used 392 pistons. Bob at Hotheads is a great guy to deal with. And he is semi local to me

 

[BeepBeepRR]

If all else fails there is always this.

 

[dvw]

You can always cut the mains to B engine, offset grind rods to BB Chevy. Now you can build a 470" low deck with a 400 block.
Doug

 

[dukeboy_318]

What I actually have is a low mileage 72 440, with cast crank. I grabbed this one at an auction last weekend since it was a steel crank. Paid $5 for it so no great loss. It would be a good candidate for an offset grind. I built a 470 years ago doing that with bbc rods in a 400 block

I'll give you 10 bucks for it