L440 Rebuild for a 67 Coronet

[Schober Motorsports]

Hey everyone,

I'm in the waiting process of getting my crank back from the machine shop [Been 2 freakin weeks ] But I figured it wouldn't hurt to throw my setup on here to see what it'll run and what you guys think seeing as this is my first 440 I'm gonna rebuild.

Its a 76 block, Its already been honed for the new rings and cleaned. Will be getting new freeze plugs all around. Got rid of the cast crank and have a forged crank goin in, same old pistons... Ya it sucks, but being only 18 and not really a steady income, its gonna have to do!

Stock pistons for 76
Duration 275/287, Lift .525/.525 Cam LINK
Gonna be running a 727 w/ 2500 stall
Stock rear end, 741 8 3/4, Not sure on the gear. It was originally a 318 2 Barrel Coronet...
Single Plane Intake
750 Edelbrock Carb
MSD 6al BOX

But I was really lookin to see, can I still run this cam with the stock rocker arms? What kinda issues would I run into? Also yes I am going to be changing the valve springs. KIT OFF SUMMIT

Now I know what most people are going to say, why are you doing this or that... Truth is I just don't have the cash to really do it all and its not like I couldn't do some more things next winter! But I'm looking for a ballpark estimate on what kinda power I'd be making, maybe quarter mile times?

Thanks
Craig

 

[Meep-Meep]

OK, a few things here. Using the same pistons with the new steel crank could result in balance issues. Did you have the rotating assembly rebalanced? If not go get your old cast crank and harmonic damper back. The late model pistons are pretty far down in the hole and with the open chamber heads and a composition gasket you will be lucky to see 8.5:1 compression. I'm assuming you are running the original heads? I recommend you don't use that cam with low compression! Your gears are probably 2.79 to 3.23 at best and that will make things even worse with that cam and compression combo. You will be better off with this cam or something like it http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-21-215-4/

 

[Schober Motorsports]

I see what your sayin. This forged crank I have is out of an older 440 block. How much is it usually to get that all balanced? The crank that was in the 76 block is long gone so thats outta the question... My thinking is that I get that cam and then for next winter I'd beable to get the higher compression pistons and do some rear end work. What would really happen if I ran that cam for the time being?

 

[67 B-body]

Keep a good train of thought on "tottal" money spent throwing parts together just to get her going this year, and then the cost of redoing it all again next year! You're further ahead to take a little more time and save the money for good pistons this time around.
All your hard earned money will be thrown away when you make things right next winter! Bearings, gaskets, all the fluids... etc etc are just gone...
I know how hard it is to do things on a limited budget, but trust me,,, it's so much better to do things right the first time.
Even a set of cast pistons with the correct compression are better than your first choice of the stockers, and are much cheaper than forged units. Then have the engine shop balance the assy with your new pistons and the old rods. Speaking of rods, it's not a bad idea to ask the machine shop to have a look at them first... Shouldn't cost much just for an inspection. I had my lower assy balanced for $140.00 and it's a great piece of mind!