440 Ramcharger build question
#2768130
04/25/20 01:46 PM
04/25/20 01:46 PM
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 118 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
MrMayhem
OP
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OP
member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 118
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Hey all, I am looking for some advise on a budget build 440 I am putting together. I am trying to decide if I can use the parts I have on hand without issue or should I just spend the money on the right parts.
In short, I have a 77 440 Ramcharger with 39k miles on the stock low compression rebuild. I recently acquired a set of Eddy E street heads to help raise the compression. I had intended on Calling up Hughes engines and ordering their 440 Whiplash cam which is designed specifically for the low compression motors. All my local buddies are giving me a hard time as I have brand new Comp Cams XE284 sitting on the shelf and I felt the cam would bleed off too much compression defeating my overall goal. My other concern would be I have no intention of buying an aftermarket converter. Would the cam work with a stock converter in a 4000lb truck with 3.91 gears?
I'm not looking to make a 500hp motor but rather a strong 440 weekend driver/sand dune rig
The parts I have on the self are as follows:
Fresh-ish low compression 440 Eddy 75cc E-street heads Fully ported Eddy RPM intake from older build Comp cams XE284 cam and matching springs MP 284 484 cam Comp Cam Roller 1.6 roller rockers Comp Cams Roller chain Headman Headers Holly 750 dp (may install a sniper system)
Will the XE284 work ok on the street without a converter?
Thanks
Last edited by MrMayhem; 04/25/20 01:47 PM.
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Re: 440 Ramcharger build question
[Re: MrMayhem]
#2768139
04/25/20 02:18 PM
04/25/20 02:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,525 Michigan
MarkZ
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Worthy
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,525
Michigan
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I wouldn't do it - especially if you don't plan on buying aftermarket converter. That cam calls for a 2800 stall, short gears (with truck tires you'll need even more gear) and makes power starting at 2300 RPM. I'd use something more in the 224@.050" duration range for that. That MP 484 Purple cam would be even a worse choice. More knowledgeable people will chime in with recommendations.
Your friends are more of a street car build mentality aren't they?
Last edited by MarkM; 04/25/20 02:19 PM.
1987 Fifth Avenue - 512/518/D60
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Re: 440 Ramcharger build question
[Re: Jerry]
#2768501
04/26/20 06:58 PM
04/26/20 06:58 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,047 in a cattle trailer down by th...
Guitar Jones
Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
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Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,047
in a cattle trailer down by th...
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I don't know that I agree with the above recommendations. For what would normally be considered a truck cam then yes 100% agree, but an off road sand dune racer or mud racer you will be spinning the engine a lot higher. Low RPM torque is not in your best interest here. Now rock climbing, pulling a trailer or general dirt trail driving is a different story. With all the gear available in a 4WD vehicle the extra RPMs are very useable. As for the converter I know a stock 11" converter from a HP BB car works fine with the MP 284 cam. I have a Comp Nostalgia Plus cam in my Power Wagon with a 360 right now and love it but it is a 4 speed and has 4.10 gears.
"Come get your wife"
'92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion. '74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Front and rear disc and hydroboost conversion. 2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.
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Re: 440 Ramcharger build question
[Re: Guitar Jones]
#2768528
04/26/20 07:47 PM
04/26/20 07:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,525 Michigan
MarkZ
Worthy
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Worthy
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,525
Michigan
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I don't know that I agree with the above recommendations. For what would normally be considered a truck cam then yes 100% agree, but an off road sand dune racer or mud racer you will be spinning the engine a lot higher. Low RPM torque is not in your best interest here. Now rock climbing, pulling a trailer or general dirt trail driving is a different story. With all the gear available in a 4WD vehicle the extra RPMs are very useable. As for the converter I know a stock 11" converter from a HP BB car works fine with the MP 284 cam. He did say weekend driver/sand truck. I guess it depends on which way he is leaning more towards. Wouldn't those two cams that he already has be complete dogs on the street? I'm assuming with it being a 4x4 he'll be running some pretty tall tires to boot. Is a factory converter and 3.9 gears going to be enough? I'd think in a street car, but not something like this. Besides, what about compression? If that is a late 70's 440 what is the compression at, 7.5:1? Even with closed chambered heads you're at maybe, 8.5:1? That's still a full point under the recommended compression. Instead of something as docile as the Summit cam, split the difference between that and what he has available?
1987 Fifth Avenue - 512/518/D60
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Re: 440 Ramcharger build question
[Re: MarkZ]
#2768530
04/26/20 07:53 PM
04/26/20 07:53 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,047 in a cattle trailer down by th...
Guitar Jones
Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
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Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,047
in a cattle trailer down by th...
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People get hung up on the compression when choosing cams. To me the operating range is far more important than the suggested compression ratio. A 440 is going to make torque no matter what. He's not looking for a stop light racer. In 1st gear in 4 wheel low the gearing is what, 7:1 or something? Plenty of gear to get that beast rolling even with 3.55 differential gears and 35" tires.
Last edited by Guitar Jones; 04/26/20 07:56 PM.
"Come get your wife"
'92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion. '74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Front and rear disc and hydroboost conversion. 2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.
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