Smogger 440 build (piston height)

[Cranky]

I've always read about that but even after tearing down dozens of big blocks, this is the first time to see it!

 

[court9155]

Cool, then the block pad should be stamped with the maltese cross. That denotes under sized factory bearings.

I will clean the block pad up further with some emery paper, however, at this time I do not see a maltese cross or any other indication of the undersized bearings. I also see no markings on the pain rail or main cap, if MOPAR ever did that.

I will post pics as I continue.

This post has many intentions, one of them being to log, take pictures you know...document.

I looked around and found a few "smogger 440" posts but nothing with detailed pics, part numbers etc.

Mostly just guys saying "oh my 77 440 with ported 906s went....." or "my 74 motor had a forged crank and with ported 516s it ran...."

This post, I hope to be of a different outcome.

My goal: to have a great running big block that will turn the tires in a heavy b body and see how it reacts to a mild nitrous kit, not run 10s,11s,12s,13s.......just have a fun cruiser and use what I have and is readily available for budget folks..

Dan

 

[court9155]

I've always read about that but even after tearing down dozens of big blocks, this is the first time to see it!

From your posts, seems like you have been around and yet this is the first time you actually are SEEING real hard evidence, if you will. Exactly my point.

Dan

 

[Cranky]

From your posts, seems like you have been around and yet this is the first time you actually are SEEING real hard evidence, if you will. Exactly my point.

Dan

Yup....started messing with cars in the late 60's and parted lots of Mopars and Mustangs during the 70's and built lots of engines and rears. I still have a 1970 standard bore passenger car 440 (and several 400's) that has been sitting on a stand for about 15 years lol. Don't know why I saved it but I did....

 

[64SF]

Been watching this thread. I'm assembling a 77 .030 over, stock rods, stock 452 heads and .020 shim head gaskets. The pistons are flat top .125 in the hole.

Best guess on compression? Maybe 8.5?

 

[Garys1969RR]

Mt 1977 440 smog motor has no maltese cross on the block pad. But 1 rod does where the numbers should be. And all the other rods have a symbol on them, rather than number 1 thru 8. Did yours have a windage tray, 9155? Mine did which really was a good surprise. And it had the factory double roller timing chain.

 

[Garys1969RR]

Also these 70 and 71 pistons weigh in at 860 grams, and 803 grams. The pin is 190 grams. The KB 237 piston weight is 775 grams. Thats alot of weight changing direction 100 times a second at 6000 RPM! Thats one reason I went with Ross pistons in my 451. They weigh 550 grams. But I think you will have a great performing street motor with a light re-build. Good luck.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Been watching this thread. I'm assembling a 77 .030 over, stock rods, stock 452 heads and .020 shim head gaskets. The pistons are flat top .125 in the hole.

Best guess on compression? Maybe 8.5?

You didnt specify 440 or 400. If it's a 400 about 7.6, if it's a 440 about 8.2.

 

[court9155]

No maltese cross but maybe the E means something:

 

[court9155]

Mt 1977 440 smog motor has no maltese cross on the block pad. But 1 rod does where the numbers should be. And all the other rods have a symbol on them, rather than number 1 thru 8. Did yours have a windage tray, 9155? Mine did which really was a good surprise. And it had the factory double roller timing chain.

There was no windage tray and all the rods had symbols versus numbers to coincide with the rod caps.

 

[court9155]

Also these 70 and 71 pistons weigh in at 860 grams, and 803 grams. The pin is 190 grams. The KB 237 piston weight is 775 grams. Thats alot of weight changing direction 100 times a second at 6000 RPM! Thats one reason I went with Ross pistons in my 451. They weigh 550 grams. But I think you will have a great performing street motor with a light re-build. Good luck.

I will use a window switch and only use small nitrous from 3000-4200. With fresh valve springs and the engine never seeing 6,000 rpm those 2 pound pistons will be okie dokie.

 

[court9155]

i also bought a windage tray

 

[RustyRatRod]

What's that just above the red line? Looks like it could be half a maltese cross from a poor stamping.

 

[court9155]

What's that just above the red line? Looks like it could be half a maltese cross from a poor stamping.

Great eye you old Rusty sponge bob croc wearing mopar freak!

Ill go clean that up more and see.

It definitely looks like something!!

 

[RustyRatRod]

great eye you old rusty sponge bob croc wearing mopar freak!

Ill go clean that up more and see.

It definitely looks like something!!

lol

 

[court9155]

lol

My mother just bought my son some crocs. I was going to throw them in the trash or feed them to my pigs out at my property they will eat anything, but then I thought of you and dammit if my 5 year old didnt love them so now I let him wear them.......well I have no choice........so now he wears them but not to school. Playground is more like a prison yard nowadays and crocs dont make the cut.

Dan

 

[RustyRatRod]

You ever wore any? They are most comfortable. I have mine on right now. Keep my feet nice and cool and pain free. Cept when my wife wants to spend all night at the wal mart.

 

[court9155]

You ever wore any? They are most comfortable. I have mine on right now. Keep my feet nice and cool and pain free. Cept when my wife wants to spend all night at the wal mart.

I cant man. I got hurt really bad about 2 years ago and I can barely walk. I wear an AFO to keep my left foot at 90 degrees. I lost my porneal nerve. I gotta wear lace up shoes or boots. Even boots are tough.

I am gellin tho! Love my gel inserts in my new balance shoes!

My wife loved the set she had but I liked her in high heels better so I threw them in the fireplace one night. She was pissed, but got over it.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I cant man. I got hurt really bad about 2 years ago and I can barely walk. I wear an AFO to keep my left foot at 90 degrees. I lost my porneal nerve. I gotta wear lace up shoes or boots. Even boots are tough.

I am gellin tho! Love my gel inserts in my new balance shoes!

My wife loved the set she had but I liked her in high heels better so I threw them in the fireplace one night. She was pissed, but got over it.

Damn you aint right. lol

 

[RustyRatRod]

I cant man. I got hurt really bad about 2 years ago and I can barely walk. I wear an AFO to keep my left foot at 90 degrees. I lost my porneal nerve. I gotta wear lace up shoes or boots. Even boots are tough.

I am gellin tho! Love my gel inserts in my new balance shoes!

My wife loved the set she had but I liked her in high heels better so I threw them in the fireplace one night. She was pissed, but got over it.

Oh and btw, I was hurt on the job a while back, myself. Cannot stay on my feel long....without something to "check" myself with. Practical joke involving an explosion left me with inner ear, nerve and mild brain damage. I even have to use a "walkin stick" as I call it.....hate callin it a cane at age 47. I usually don't use it if I know I'm goin to like wally world or the grocery store cause I always have the buggy to hold onto. It sucks for sure.