Building a 440 for the first time

[Satellite70]

I just got a 440 block from 68, and i was planning on building it to almost stock, no wild things.
And then i was thinking is there somewhere where i can see what i need, because i just figured out that there is a s*** load of things that needs to be put in/bought.
And this will be my first engine build :usa2:

 

[Meep-Meep]

That's a nice year to start with. You will need to prep the block. Since it's unknown magging is a good idea. So...boil and mag, bore, deck and cam bearings. Decking is not required but most Chryslers are pretty out of whack so if it's in your budget go for it. Line honing isn't really necessary unless you have to replace a main cap or something bad happened to the main bores.

For parts you can get cast pistons to 68 specs. If you use factory replacement pistons you shouldn't need to re balance it. Using hyper eutectic KB's or forged you will need to rebalance the rotating assy.

Grind crank and resize rods with new stock bolts. ARP bolts are never a bad thing but not required.

Heads will most likely need guides and exhaust valves. This is where the money is. Hard seats for unleaded gas is required if you plan to drive it a lot. Resurfacing is pretty standard too. I like to pocket port my heads and back cut the valves for a performance enhancement.

Stock pistons will limit your cam choice to very mild. Try to end up with about 160 PSI of cranking pressure for reg 87 gas and if you want to boost the power a bit you can probably go up to 170-180 and run 91 octane.

A little more oil pressure won't hurt so get the Melling high pressure standard volume pump. You don't need a high volume pump. Install a windage tray too.

If you want a hotter than stock cam, maybe something approaching a HEMI grind, then you should use the iron adjustable rockers from Isky or Crane and the 3/8" push rods with appropriate springs. Heavy springs are not too polite to use with the stock rocker gear. You will also need 9.5-10:1 compression if you go with a bigger cam.

Make sure your cooling system is flushed out. Have the radiator rodded out, recored or just replace it. Boil the new thermostat on the stove with a thermometer to make sure it opens at the right temp!

Good quality machine work and stock replacement parts go a long way toward a nice rebuild.

 

[Satellite70]

Im sorry i wasnt precise, the block is the only thing i have, and it has been in the machineshop and is .030 over.
And made ready for the big oil pickup, thats what i know about it.

 

[67coronetman]

Hi look at moparts.com and the have lots of nice street build 440 combos that have worked for a long time.
If you want to talk email me at [email protected]