440 build opinions

Posted By: project74

440 build opinions - 09/28/09 08:56 PM

In the planning stages of a 440 build and could use a little guidance. The specs so far.

-78 block .030
-Stock cast crank and rods
-452 heads with stock valve size, maybe upgrade to 2.14/1.81 if worthwhile, maybe a bowl blend.
-Whichever piston puts me in the 9.5:1 range
-Lunati or Comp cam in the 260/276 duration .475/.490 lift range.
-HP manifolds running through 2.5" duals with crossover.
-3.23 suregrip rear
-28" tires
-727 with 2200-2500 stall
-Car is big, around the 4000 lb mark (1970 Fury)
-Wanted to go Performer RPM for an intake but I'll have hood clearance issues. I've got a good line on a Holley Street Dominator atm. Even though it's a single plane would it still work ok with a combo like this due to it's lower profile? The regular Performer or CH4B is an option but would those move enough air and keep up with a bit of head work/valve changes?

Car will be for street and won't very often see the top side of 5500 rpm. Just want it to be able to move the way it should whether from a stop or punching it at 40mph. Many thanks in advance for any and all input.

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/28/09 08:59 PM

Should run well, sounds like a low 400's horsepower build with a good amount of torq. But I have to ask, do you have a specific 1/4 mile time in mind?

Also check with your head shop how much he'll charge you to do those 452's the way you want them and compare that to the price of a set of e-brock rpm heads or 440source stealth heads.

Posted By: project74

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/28/09 10:17 PM

Forgot to mention, carb will be a '74 TQ from a 440. May be contacting DemonSizzler about that one.

I'd love to have aluminum heads, DT, but that would blow my budget way up considering the deal I've got in the works for some minor head work. More than likely, $'s will dictate sticking with the stock valve sizes. 1/4 time wise, if I were to take her down the 1420 some day I'd be thrilled with mid to high 13's.

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/28/09 10:32 PM

Then in your case I would stick with the iron heads but invest as little into them as possible. Stock heads will get you to your et goal if compression and cam is there.

Posted By: Dougsmopars

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/28/09 10:49 PM

I like the performer intake, dual plane but lower then the RPM. Dual planes are better on a street car at lower rpm's. I'd sugest you talk with Lunarti about there 603 cam.and i'd go with 24 to 2800 on stall. Car should go good, have real good throttle responce.

Posted By: RUNCHARGER

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/29/09 08:55 AM

Get the Street Dominator intake if you have a line on a cheap one. I wouldn't buy the Performer intake, might just as well use an iron piece as the Performer.
I think I would put 2.14 and 1.81 valves in with a bowl blend IF you don't plan on upgrading the heads later. Add headers if you want a C body to go into the 13's.

Sheldon

Sheldon

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/29/09 12:54 PM

The CH4B will work fine with that combo also

Posted By: patrick

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/29/09 02:12 PM

CH4B and voodoo 60303 cam. pistons, use the KB flat tops (237's IIRC)

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/29/09 06:07 PM

Quote:

The CH4B will work fine with that combo also

I agree, for this combo the CH4B is perfect. When they did the 383 intake shootout, I think the 383 version of the ch4b actually kept up with the edelbrock rpm version of the 383 intake and I think the dp4b actually had a tiny bit more torq in the bottom end. When they tested with stock heads anyway...

Posted By: STLDuster

Re: 440 build opinions - 09/29/09 06:23 PM

Quote:

In the planning stages of a 440 build and could use a little guidance. The specs so far.

-78 block .030
-Stock cast crank and rods
-452 heads with stock valve size, maybe upgrade to 2.14/1.81 if worthwhile, maybe a bowl blend.
-Whichever piston puts me in the 9.5:1 range
-Lunati or Comp cam in the 260/276 duration .475/.490 lift range.
-HP manifolds running through 2.5" duals with crossover.
-3.23 suregrip rear
-28" tires
-727 with 2200-2500 stall
-Car is big, around the 4000 lb mark (1970 Fury)
-Wanted to go Performer RPM for an intake but I'll have hood clearance issues. I've got a good line on a Holley Street Dominator atm. Even though it's a single plane would it still work ok with a combo like this due to it's lower profile? The regular Performer or CH4B is an option but would those move enough air and keep up with a bit of head work/valve changes?

Car will be for street and won't very often see the top side of 5500 rpm. Just want it to be able to move the way it should whether from a stop or punching it at 40mph. Many thanks in advance for any and all input.

Sounds just like the 440 I built for my Duster. Except mine is still the stock bore with the original cast pistons. I like it, Drives well with a 2800 stall and 3.23s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCCYTEzRrpo

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: 440 build opinions - 10/02/09 01:04 PM

I just looked at this again , I'm working on pretty much an identical build to this engine. I'm building for quench with the 452's shooting for the same compression goal, it will be running stock HP manifolds and an Ebrock thunder 800.

The CH4B would be the better intake choice, stall doesn't really need to be a lot over stock

... 2000-2200ish , after talking with fast68plymouth his recommendation on the cam is a Comp xe268 (the big summit grind was tossed in there also). Good midrange torque, good vacuum signal, should be a zero hassle engine which is what the end user needs.