standard bore 440 questions.

Posted By: viperblue72

standard bore 440 questions. - 07/14/11 10:22 PM

Been wanting to build a low deck engine but I also have a 440 with 40k miles on it. It seems I could save a lot of money using this block. I am wanting at least 550 horsepower. Would it be ok to get some standard bore pistons, good rods, balance job, and build this engine up? Or would the pistons likely be too loose? Any other issues to worry about?

Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: standard bore 440 questions. - 07/14/11 10:35 PM

Quote:

Been wanting to build a low deck engine but I also have a 440 with 40k miles on it. It seems I could save a lot of money using this block. I am wanting at least 550 horsepower. Would it be ok to get some standard bore pistons, good rods, balance job, and build this engine up? Or would the pistons likely be too loose? Any other issues to worry about?

How much ring ridge and cylinder wall taper? How much compression do you want? I have built a lot of pump gas standard stroke 440 that made over 500 HP on pump gas with 906 iron heads

565 needed bigger valves, bigger cam, bigger carb, more compression and better intake manifold. My 512 low deck pump gas stroker made 600+ on the second pull, same heads, 9.25 to 1 ratio compression and CA pump gas with a six pak intake and carbs, solid roller cam

Maybe a stroker kit is the best way to get there

HP and speed cost money, how fast can you afford to go? Is it better to save money now and get more HP later

Are you going to be at Woodburns Mopar race 7-23,7-24 2011? If so, please stop me and say hello

Posted By: greendart408

Re: standard bore 440 questions. - 07/14/11 10:47 PM

Should have kept your small block you had. Sorry couldn't resist.

Posted By: viperblue72

Re: standard bore 440 questions. - 07/14/11 11:15 PM

Ya what ever came of my old shortblock anyways? Well now that I don't have an engine I think it'll be more cost effective to go big block. Those sb strokers definitely run good though.

Posted By: greendart408

Re: standard bore 440 questions. - 07/15/11 12:27 AM

Quote:

Ya what ever came of my old shortblock anyways? Well now that I don't have an engine I think it'll be more cost effective to go big block. Those sb strokers definitely run good though.

Parts of it minus the camshaft went 126 in my uncles street duster with dirt tires. Its just sitting on his shop floor at the moment.

Posted By: AAR-B4

Re: standard bore 440 questions. - 07/15/11 01:57 AM

Quote:

Been wanting to build a low deck engine but I also have a 440 with 40k miles on it. It seems I could save a lot of money using this block. I am wanting at least 550 horsepower. Would it be ok to get some standard bore pistons, good rods, balance job, and build this engine up? Or would the pistons likely be too loose? Any other issues to worry about?

The short answer to your question is no.
A performance engine needs round bores, on size and square to the crank.

Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: standard bore 440 questions. - 07/15/11 02:26 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Been wanting to build a low deck engine but I also have a 440 with 40k miles on it. It seems I could save a lot of money using this block. I am wanting at least 550 horsepower. Would it be ok to get some standard bore pistons, good rods, balance job, and build this engine up? Or would the pistons likely be too loose? Any other issues to worry about?

The short answer to your question is no.
A performance engine needs round bores, on size and square to the crank.

the old blocks had less nickle in them
and would have a decent ring ridge... so a bore and
pistons are pretty much a must

Posted By: viperblue72

Re: standard bore 440 questions. - 07/15/11 03:13 AM

Cab yes I will be there and ill stop and say hi. Your car looks good with the stripes. As for the standard bore 440. I haven't measured the taper but I do know I couldn't snag my finger nail on it. I will probably still throw some pistons in this and a 528 cam and run it for a while. But I will continue to build a 470 on the side.
Greendart your uncles duster is haulin some azz. Must be a blast with the 4 speed.

Posted By: 451Mopar

Re: standard bore 440 questions. - 07/15/11 06:20 AM

If your rebuilding the engine and buying new pistons anyway, why not just go 0.030" over bore?
I just had my 440 machined, and to bore/hone with torque plates was $190 which is not too much to ensure the bores are better than new (round, correct piston clearance, min of taper, and correct hone cross hatch.) The cost difference is actually less than the $190 because you would still need to hone the block even if you went with stock sized pistons.

My Total machine shop bill was $543, This is how it broke down:
Boil block (and water pump, valve covers, etc) = $95.
Line Hone the main bearing caps with my ARP studs = $140.
Bore/Hone with torque plates $190.
Deck block to Zero deck the pistons (0.017" cut) = $118.