Sabre_3 Big Block 440 Update

[Sabre_3]

Hello Everyone,

It's Been a while since I've posted updates on my Motorhome 440 Big Block.

Since I am a complete novice with a passion for MOPAR; l'm gonna need all the guidance and advice I can get.

Here are My Goals:
1. Build a "happy" reliable B-Body cruiser to drive around: "Happy" B-Body,440 Big-Block, A833 Manual Trans and 8-3/4 rear end with street-able gears

2. Apply my technical knowledge, attention to detail and resources to restore a B-Body MOPAR. I have my eye on a few (See attached pictures): this one particularly: 1968 Coronet 500.

3. Acquire necessary equipment, materials and knowledge base over time to achieve Goal#1 (above).

Here's where we set:
1. Brief Recap of Current Status:

- Power Plant Acquisition - 10/19/19: bought, at risk, a salvaged motorhome 440 from a local Craigslist add (see pictures below). She was rough, locked up and had her initial issues; however, with patience and a lot of research - we got her to make full 360 degree rotations without destroying anything.

- Machine Shop Prep - after purchasing reference literature like "How to Rebuild Big-Block MOPAR Engines" - By Don Taylor, "How to Rebuild the Big-Block MOPAR" - By Arvid Svendson and " How to Build Max-Performance Big-Blocks" - By Andy Finkbeiner and reading through these books numerous times; I felt confident enough to begin the methodical teardown, inventory and catalog of my pre-owned 440 Big-Block. It took me about a year to inventory, catalog, understand, research and assess my $190 investment.

-Pre Machine Shop Assessment - Got Lucky! Low Mileage 1978 440 with "good potential" (tons of photos - I selected the highlights).

2. Off to the Machine Shop - it took me almost 3 years to get to this point, but nonetheless, we're here! Scope of Work: general and overall block assessment by a highly recommend local machine shop, magnaflux, align hone, deck mill, cylinder overbore (unfortunately - cylinder rust in cyls 2 & 7) New cam bearings, crank bearings, pistons (unfortunately), rotating assembly balance...etc.

3. Now we wait....- while the block and rotating assembly is in the machine shop, I am in the process of acquiring missing parts and components. Purchased a Holly used "re-buildable" 750 CFM 4160 Carb, Points Distributor, rocker arms and rockers... Etc. B-Body car is on the radar screen. I'm saving for that purchase in the future!

I'll do my best to keep everyone posted on this ride with meaningful information and pictures.

Guidance and advice to achieve my goals (above) are welcome!

Thank you all,

Semper Fi,
Sabre_3

 

[ckessel]

Great project you have and its nice for the youngsters to lean about mechanical puzzles.

 

[Don Frelier]

A 68 500 is a great choice.

 

[Sabre_3]

Thank you all!

Hopefully, my little ones get bit by the MOPAR resto bug like me

We'll keep you posted!

Semper Fi,
Sabre_3

 

[Sabre_3]

Well,

It's been too long! I've got updates!

I found a home for the motorhome 440. See the provided pics.

She's a 1969 Roadrunner. Originally a 4-Speed (no tranny included), 383 HP (not included), 8-3/4" rear end (included), floor panels are shot, rocker panels appear to be solid, cross members are solid, front/rear frame-rails are solid.

I think she's got good bones.

Let me know what you all think.

This will be my first build and we'll take you along for the ride!

Semper Fi
Sabre_3

 

[Geetex]

You have a lot of work ahead of you, but it appears you have plenty of patience, which will pay big dividends on this type of project.
I'm assuming the motor is done by now. You said a local machine shop did it. Which shop?

 

[Sabre_3]

You have a lot of work ahead of you, but it appears you have plenty of patience, which will pay big dividends on this type of project.
I'm assuming the motor is done by now. You said a local machine shop did it. Which shop?

Unfortunately, the motorhome 440 is not finished yet. See Pic below.

I took the 440 to Performance Automotive in Bethalto Illinois. Performance, was highly recommended for their familiarity with building 440's and their meticulous work.

To be completely fair, I changed my mind from the typical machining as detailed from the first post; to a complete turn-key build, warrantied, blueprinted and dynamic tested build because of life events.

Nonetheless, I couldn't be happier! I talked to Gordon (the Owner) last Monday and added more Scope of work (i.e. Hooker Headers) to the project since we now have a 69 Roadrunner to park the 440 in.

 

[Geetex]

You seem really excited about the project, that's great. Good luck.

 

[Sabre_3]

You seem really excited about the project, that's great. Good luck.

Thank you!

I've been waiting over 30 years to be in this position.

We'll keep you all posted with pictures and I'll be asking for guidance, advice and prayers from everyone!

Semper Fi
Sabre_3

 

[Geetex]

Two threads that I can recommend to you that will probably answer a lot of questions for you before or as they come up.
The first one is @dadsbee Wayne's restoration of his '69 Super Bee, it has loads of great and helpful information in it. Most or all of the information will cross over from Dodge to Plymouth.
1969 Dodge Super Bee Coupe Restoration

The second one is from a member who sadly no longer visits this site, Justin. He did an amazing restoration of his '69 GTX. I saw that car, it was absolutely stunning. I doubt you're interested in going to that level, but his thread is also a great how-to, just like Wayne's.
For the Love for my Father, My 69 GTX Restoration

 

[oldbee]

^^^^^^!! There’s a lot of people on here to give answers. Good luck on the project..

 

[Budnicks]

Well,

It's been too long! I've got updates!

I found a home for the motorhome 440. See the provided pics.

She's a 1969 Roadrunner. Originally a 4-Speed (no tranny included), 383 HP (not included), 8-3/4" rear end (included), floor panels are shot, rocker panels appear to be solid, cross members are solid, front/rear frame-rails are solid.

I think she's got good bones.

Let me know what you all think.

This will be my first build and we'll take you along for the ride!

Semper Fi
Sabre_3

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Cool deal & congrats on finding the motorhome 440 a home
lots of work, good luck, have fun

 

[Sabre_3]

Two threads that I can recommend to you that will probably answer a lot of questions for you before or as they come up.
The first one is @dadsbee Wayne's restoration of his '69 Super Bee, it has loads of great and helpful information in it. Most or all of the information will cross over from Dodge to Plymouth.
1969 Dodge Super Bee Coupe Restoration

The second one is from a member who sadly no longer visits this site, Justin. He did an amazing restoration of his '69 GTX. I saw that car, it was absolutely stunning. I doubt you're interested in going to that level, but his thread is also a great how-to, just like Wayne's.
For the Love for my Father, My 69 GTX Restoration

Many thanks sir!

I'll need all the help I can get!

 

[Sabre_3]

Cool deal & congrats on finding the motorhome 440 a home
lots of work, good luck, have fun

Absolutely!

Thank you!

 

[Sabre_3]

^^^^^^!! There’s a lot of people on here to give answers. Good luck on the project..

Many thanks Sir!