Built 440 or 360 stroker?

[joeinalpine]

I have a 69 coronet and two engines. A fresh built 440 with enough extras to pull 500hp. I also have a 360 stroked (409) with roller rockers / cam, edelbrock rpm heads etc.. and it dynos 516.6hp at 5800 rpm (509.7 tourque at 4700 rpm)

For the life of me I cannot decide which engine to stuff into the coronet which currently has a mild 318. I am leaning towards changing over to the big block but friends are trying to convince me to install the stroker

Whats the consensus .... Big block just because...... or the stroker

 

[70rr-brian]

Those aren't bad numbers for the SB at all. Keeping the SB would eliminate a lot of headaches switching over to the BB that's for sure. But if money is no object and you want to get that big crate moving there is no match for big torque numbers a BB can get ya. And of course a similarly built BB would eat the SB's lunch. But if you are in a hurry to get her going and don't have the money to build up the BB then go SB. But if that isn't an issue than BB for sure.

 

[duster731]

360 ftw

 

[WileE]

... of course you can always flip a coin to decide .....

 

[383man]

If you decide to stroke the bigblock then I would definetly go bigblock. But a stroked smallblock makes good power for what it is. The other cool thing is you can tell everyone the 409 is a mild 360 ! I ran a mild 440 in my 3700 lb 63 and it ran a best ever of 11.49 with 11.60's and 70's on average days. I built the 493 (440stroker) thats in it now and it has a ton more torque as it ran 10.76 once I jetted the carb up and it needs a bigger carb as this is the same 850 I had on the 440. But I already picked up over 7 tenths on only the third pass on it. So its not a bad idea to stroke an eng you build as its not all that much more. Do you have to use the 440 as it is or can you afford to stroke it ? If you cant stroke the 440 then it could be a toss up and I would go with which ever eng is the cheapest to install. Ron

 

[oneof203]

360, your all ready set up for it and lighter is better? right?

 

[CtownChris]

U already have 2 motors ready to go. Similar HP 440 = 500HP and the stroked 360 (409)=516HP.

Which has more torque for the weight of the car I'd look at torque and probable go 440.

SB usually make more power in the higher RPM range. Is that what U what for your car?

What is the goal for Ur car. I'd save the SB 409 for a Duster or Challenger.

 

[joeinalpine]

Both engines are complete and after many beers I believe I will find a 1970 dart to throw the 408 stroker in and call it "the wifes car" and I'll shove the 440 built up into the coronet. that leaves my 72 charger without a powerplant but gives me something to search for.......... this car sickness gets expensive.....

 

[ramairthree]

if you are already small block k member and tranny set up I would throw in the 360

 

[oldbee]

-2 cents- There's no substitute for CUBIC INCHES!!!!!!!!!!!! (big block man all the way)

 

[CtownChris]

Your car is already set up for a small block making the 360/(409) and easier swap as U will need a BB K frame and engine wiring harness for the 440. Do what U want as long as U know what ur getting into.

There is also a WOW factor to a dizzy in the front instead of back of the motor when u lift the hood at a cruise! LOL Ur getting closer to a Hemi with a 440 then the 360/409.
Some day U could stroke the 440?

 

[ramairthree]

Your car is already set up for a small block making the 360/(409) and easier swap as U will need a BB K frame and engine wiring harness for the 440. Do what U want as long as U know what ur getting into.

There is also a WOW factor to a dizzy in the front instead of back of the motor when u lift the hood at a cruise! LOL Ur getting closer to a Hemi with a 440 then the 360/409.
Some day U could stroke the 440?

PREPARE TO BE WOWED!!

What, no wows?
AMC- The exception that proves the rule.

 

[67 B-body]

Your car is already set up for a small block making the 360/(409) and easier swap as U will need a BB K frame and engine wiring harness for the 440. Do what U want as long as U know what ur getting into.

There is also a WOW factor to a dizzy in the front instead of back of the motor when u lift the hood at a cruise! LOL Ur getting closer to a Hemi with a 440 then the 360/409.
Some day U could stroke the 440?

I dont know about the K member needing to be changed????? Its a B-Body....
My two cents, is to go with the Big Block since you have them both available, and your car isn't lightened up.

 

[wingcarenvy]

I bet the small block makes way more torque than the 440. 440 has a 3.75 stroke and the 409 has a 4 inch stroke. I love small blocks and the car would be faster with the "little one" but i think I would go 440 too and put the SB in a Dart or Duster. Just be prepared for your wifes car to be faster!

 

[1badgtx]

My personal opinion is that nothing like a big block...They are much more impressive under the hood...Sure the small block has it ,s advantages...Less weight less fuel...MoPars are famous for big blocks...I,d put the small block in a gremlin but 60 and 70,s mopars have to have a big block!!!!There is no substitute for cubic inches!!!
Petty Blue 67 gtx

 

[PDragon]

WOW.... okay there's one for the cat with the pic:headbang:

Like this thread just answered one of my questions.

 

[PoppaSmurf]

Small Block ALLLLLLLL the way

 

[Satellite65]

You could pull off a smallblock swap in an afternoon.

 

[451Mopar]

Check the water pump lower inlet, most big blocks are on the drivers side, and most small blocks are on the passenger side. there are early style water pumps/housings for either that can swap the inlet sides. K-Member is the same, just need the correct motor mount brackets. Big block will require lengthened dist/coil wires (maybe some others?) Also, big block will need a transmission bellhousing that matches the big block bolt pattern. Some exhaust modifications may also be required. For a street car, you may also want larger torsen bars for the added weight of the big block. with the big block also make sure you have all the correct pulleys and brackets for the accessories.

Anyhow, swapping small blocks is alot easier, but swapping to a big block is not too difficult if your ready to make the required changes.

 

[godfatherofchry]

get the WOW factor and go to the big block you will be glad you did.dont get me wrong I like the small block BUT its hard to beat the big block.....Artie