building new engine, block.advice

[moparryder]

To start, sorry I have not been active on this forum but was stuck working so many hours at previous job. So recently I lost a "horsepower war" with a close friend. He's using his 95 eclipse 2.3l vs my 72 440 charger. I had basically 475rwhp vs his 538awhp. Currently have a 440 .20 over setup running 125hp sniper nitrous kit w msd timing box + more. I decided to start a new build with expectations of 650+ whp because I LOVE my 71-74 chargers :headbang: and got a excellent bonus (plus I'm a little salty losing to my old little 95 4 cylinder eclipse). I understand a budget is #1 question and #2 is "is the car built for it" . Let's quickly answer these. I will allow 25k for a build (wife's kitchen remodeling on hold, hahaha) and the car will be built to accommodate such torque. I have been looking at a Keith black block and indy blocks. I have read building my 440 69 block will be at "safe max" limit near 650 crank hp but I want 650-700+hp at wheels. I understand this conversation should be with my engine builder but I would love to hear from actual mopar fanatics and see what block they would do their build from. I am quite resourceful on Google but the block is my starting point for a horsepower build and I'm reaching out for some information. I am in chicago il area and I would prefer aluminum due to its weight. If you have some good info to throw my way, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[dieseldazzle]

People push 440 blocks with the correct main support system into those levels and I believe some block fill not sure how streetable those are


Also 230 casting 400 blocks with the correct main support system go to those levels. I know from looking at my own 400 blocks there seems to be a considerable amount of main webbing. All of this I learn from the forum or reading or touching and seeing my own 400 blocks. I have no actual experience with any personally owned high power mopar big block of my own but I have built several to include my own 700plus hp small block fords and a few ls chevrolets.

That being said Id use a 230 casting 400 block with a better main support system and possible hard fill it

 

[moparryder]

I have seen the 400 block can be stronger than the 440 block. I highly prefer not filling the block since this is a "weekend warrior" but i know nothing of the effects of a half to full fill blocks so I'll do more research on that independently. It may see the quarter mile drag but my intent is a "fun" car. I know that's a very loose term since I have lexan all except windshield and most fiberglass parts but want a build capable of 60+ min running times in case. I'll look more into other builds that consist of the 400 block just to gain the "knowledge" and be better informed when I choose a engine builder. Thanks for the input dieseldazzle :icon_thumleft:

 

[Xp29h]

Here's an article on the 400, stroked to 451 from hot rod. There are several articles out there on the 400. I'm not sure I'm a believer yet but I've been told that any of the 400 blocks and web systems are all good enough to get to the hp levels you are going for. But as stated I'd look for the 230 cast number if you go that route. Good luck!

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/hrdp-9809-451-mopar-stroker-engine-build/

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

700 hp at the wheels. don't even bother with a stock block. MP, world, indy, or KB for sure. for the street, build it big low compression and add lots of boost.

 

[lewtot184]

700 hp at the wheels. don't even bother with a stock block. MP, world, indy, or KB for sure. for the street, build it big low compression and add lots of boost.

i agree. no factory blocks! that '72 is awful heavy.

 

[IQ52]

I think the best bet is an aftermarket block. Iron blocks seem hard to come by so aluminum may be the way to go. To get to those horsepower levels and remain streetable, boost is probably the way to go also.

However, here is our journey to 696 RWHP, normally aspirated with 500ci.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,81562.0.html

 

[moparryder]

Thanks again for the replies and reassurance on my thoughts of an aftermarket block is the best choice. I am currently emailing Bill Mitchell and couple sellers of the Indy Maxx blocks. Let's see their availability and shipping times. I'm hearing lots of delays and waiting lists so only time will tell. Once I get further in this, I will start a new thread on my build.

 

[Bigal75]

How about a low compression 400 with a turbo and blow through carb?