Looking to build a 440. Got a couple options on Blocks.

[oldmansride]

I haven't the slightest idea where to go for a block. There's a couple options. One I see is a company offering to cast a brand new block but thats a straight cast. So I'd have to pay someone to outright remanufacture a 440 core out of this. I have no idea how much thats going to cost, but they want $350 and another good condition 440 core is $2500. Question of the hour: any of you know where to look for a core to build off? Cause the more i think about it, the more i think that casting is better used as an epoxy table.


Plan was to source a block and build my 440 with this all you need included kit.
Any input? Thanks.

 

[65CopCar]

Forget that $2500 block. The other one is a cleaned up core that supposedly is crack free. If so, its a reasonable deal. But it does say it will need cyl boring and maybe line boring so you need to figure on shop costs for that. 73-75 block - I think that's fine.

 

[Curiousyellow71]

Look on Facebook marketplace.

 

[#41]

That $2500 eBay block is worth about $100 or so more than any other 440 block. There are plenty of good core blocks out there on Marketplace and Craigslist for 1/5th of that price.

 

[Runner 68]

Maybe find a good 400 to stroke.

 

[oldmansride]

That $2500 eBay block is worth about $100 or so more than any other 440 block. There are plenty of good core blocks out there on Marketplace and Craigslist for 1/5th of that price.

fair enough. how much should i be looking to pay?

 

[65CopCar]

A bare block is a couple to few hundred dollars depending on location. Then you magnaflux it to check for cracks and hope its good. That is why I say the $600 delivered for the eBay block is not bad because its been cleaned and checked for cracks. In my opinion its not a bad deal.

 

[oldmansride]

A bare block is a couple to few hundred dollars depending on location. Then you magnaflux it to check for cracks and hope its good. That is why I say the $600 delivered for the eBay block is not bad because its been cleaned and checked for cracks. In my opinion its not a bad deal.

Then i guess I've found my block. Thanks.

 

[RemCharger]

Then i guess I've found my block. Thanks.

Not sure if you've read this. Some good info and points
Machine Shop Costs, 440 Build

 

[ckessel]

Bare blocks out here in lefty land are $300 and up. Some complete rebuildable units $850 and up. Since you're not date code matching, just about any of the 440's would be fine and dandy for you. As mentioned, a 400 is another. Don't forget to factor in the machine shop cost to as mentioned. Maybe start networking in your area to source a unit and a good shop to do the work. On the EBAY unit, buyer beware unless its from a known well pedigreed shop.

 

[LSS&B]

Then i guess I've found my block. Thanks.

I would check facebook marketplace around you first. Searching in a 500 mile radius should net you a decent block that your can see and examine before buying. I has a block cleaned & magnafluxed by a machine shop for $180 recently. Clean up is not expensive.

At least eBay seller has 99.1% positive feedback, if that's the way you end up going. Good luck!

 

[BeatersRus]

fair enough. how much should i be looking to pay?

if you just want a good 440 core,check out your for sale/Free Rv-s and Campers local to you.
First thing to do,is to slide under the front and Look at the crank damper/balancer.
is it a cast crank or a Forged crank 440?
Dont lose your mind when you realize its a forged crank and he only wants 500 for the whole rv,or wants you to take it away for free.

some of your mopar buddies might scoff and tell you theres no such thing,but,ma mopar put these in the big class A rvs all the way to 79? i think.
you Have to look tho,Most are gonna be the cast crank 440s,this is not a bad thing,you are probably gonna go thru the motor anyways,the blocks are better if i recall,from 73 onwards. ( please correct me if im wrong there )

for those of you who say theres no such thing,i have a 1975 440 forged crank motor right out of a class A.
cost was 500 bucks.

 

[ykf7b0]

Be sure you get the main bearing caps when buying a bare block.

 

[RJ Squirrel]

I see them for free regularly around here

Motorhome 1977 dodge American clipper parts only no tittle no keys doesn't run needs carb

 

[GTX JOHN]

I have sold good core blocks for $375 for many years.
Still several sitting in the shop. That is really about the fair price
around the West Coast. the trouble with Motorhomes is they
are impossible to scrap and no wrecking year out here will take
one when you are done. I have to get a big dumpster and a backhoe
to tear it apart = a Pain.