Its finally slipped my mind...

What year did they start using cast cranks rather than forged? Someone local has a 73 440 from an imperial. Just wondering which it is. (He doesn't know).

'73 was the first year for the cast crank in the 440. HP engines were supposed to get forged cranks but standard performance could get either cast or forged at random. There are always exceptions.

Ok. I'll just have to pick it up and see. Its a complete engine for 200. Shouldn't be able to go wring with that.

For 2 hundred, you could flip it for a fast 50-100 w/o breaking a sweat.

73's were all forged in 440's; cast crank started in 1974, but forged still used in some applications.
-dulcich

Nothing wrong with a cast 440 crank either. These aren't chevy 350's, the 440 cast cranks are still pretty strong.

Not to stir the pot, but I haven't seen a factory 73 440 with a cast crank, though I can't say I've seen them all. The DC manuals have always listed 74 as the first year for the cast crank. I know the cast crank is noted in the 1974 factory service manual, but don't have a 1973 handy.
-dulcich

I don't think the factory publishes TSB's just to exercise their printing equipment.

Used to work at a parts wholesalers where we would buy whole motors and disassemble them for resale to rebuild shops and I don't ever remember seeing a 1973 cast crank 440. Infact quite a few 74's were forged as well.

I too have seen forged 74's, and cast 73's.

NEVER talk in absolutes, when talking about mopar builds.

Lot's of absolute myths about cranks, like.... all 273's were forged, all 400's were cast, all 383's were forged, all 72's 340's were forged, and the list goes on..... none of them true

The references are excellent guidlines, that are correct MOST of the time. Only a look at the motor will tell you for sure.