need advice for 440 engine

[66plysat]

I'm looking to find a 440 engine for my 66 Satellite, I need some advice from you Mopar experts out there. What should I look for and what should I stay away from. Are some years better than others, are there problems specific to certain years. I will be looking at having it rebuilt or doing it myself with the help of some friends. I'm in So Cal so I'll be looking in the southern west coast if anyone has an engine and 727 trans for sale. Any advice you can provide is appreciated.

 

[HitIt]

Here's a good read on the differences between the years of blocks. For most builds any 440 block will be just fine. 1969 and later blocks have additional support ribbing in the block which is good. Even later models had a bit better coolant passages, depending on what you belive.

http://440source.com/blockinfo.htm

The heads have more of a variety to them, a good plentiful casting number is the #906 head.

 

[Meep-Meep]

You pretty much can't go wrong with any 440 as a good street / strip build. Only thing I noticed about the 77 block in my 66 Bel is that it has huge bore chamfers, but I don't know if that's common to the later blocks. It's either done for a reason or it's sloppy machining.

 

[Andrew]

The article hitit posted is very informative, but even considering coolant passages and hardness test etc. I'd be looking for a year that matches my project and has a standard bore.

 

[Ralph Cali]

Andrew, is that your car the blue coronet - was it at carlisle this year - if so mighty nice car- I wanted to talk to you but you didnt come back soon
Ralph

 

[Andrew]

Sorry Ralph I haven't been on for a while. The Coronet is mine, but I have not been to Carlisle... yet.