Posted By: Joemoy29
68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/27/11 12:18 AM
Hello I am thinking about a new transplant. I can get a 68 383 Hp block 30 over with slight cam. Or a 77 440 number is 400 663-440-2 I don't want to do a crazy build but looking for some insight as to which one would be a better starting point. Going in a 70 challenger.
Thanks Joe
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/27/11 12:35 AM
Are you going to rebuild the 440? Those stock 70's low compression pistons really suck. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
Posted By: Ramrod39
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/27/11 12:35 AM
There is no replacement for displacement.....
Posted By: sthemi
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/27/11 12:48 AM
nothing wrong with the 77 440. Not going to make a ton of power without pistons and a decent cam.but it will run on any unleaded swill you can pump in.
the 68 383 is a great motor, makes good power and likes RPMs, needs Premium fuel only, unless the comp is lowered...
I would go on conditon of the donor motor combined with the amount of time and money you want to spend on freshing..
Posted By: SomeCarGuy
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/27/11 04:15 AM
An OEM 383 is a nice package. I'd bet that it has some real crappy pistons in it since it has been punched. In other words, I'm pretty sure it will not be all that great.
The 77 440 will have crappy pistons OEM. If you are going to build, grab that one and do it right.
Posted By: quickd100
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/27/11 11:23 AM
I used a '77 hp short block, 516 heads cut to 65cc's,steel shim head gasket, a 509 cam, 1-3/4" headers, M1 single plane, 850 holley, TA 10" convertor, and 4.56 suregrip in my old truck. It ran
12.20@106 with a 1.60 60ft time. Use the 440. Dave
Posted By: Mr.Yuck
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/27/11 12:22 PM
440 should be better platform. As mentioned you can get a little more compresion out of it by shaving the heads some and using a steel shim gasket. FWIW my old coronet had a maybe 9:1 (more like 8.8:1) 440, stock 906's Summit 488 cam, RPM intake, 750DP, el-cheapo headers and 3.91's car ran 12.90 all day long in good weather. 13.0's in the heat. Nothing fancy.
Posted By: dogdays
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/27/11 03:46 PM
Build the biggest shortblock you can afford. In your case it sounds like the 440.
R.
Posted By: carhunter
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 07/31/11 06:21 PM
I built a 77 440 motor 906 heads made it a 6-pack.about 450hp. put it in roadrunner ran awesome.good luck.
Posted By: Pale_Roader
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 08/02/11 11:40 AM
I have the same car same year and am also just looking to get mine running. I have an available 75 or 76 440 pulled out ov a runner, but i would MUCH rather find and use a 68-69 4-bbl 383 (one with stock pistons though). I like the smaller engines, dont need a 440 to go fast, the 383's are just generally stouter, i like revs over low-end torque and probably the main reason that 440 will continue to sit there, alongside my non-running Challenger until i find a nice low-deck... The lowdecks are just easier to work around. I have never had a big block Mopar that wasn't high-maintenance... and there is just more room in the engine compartment with a 383. Weight savings is a big deal for me too... even if its (on average) only 20lbs. I also like the doing more with less idea.
Posted By: DPelletier
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 08/04/11 05:30 PM
I won't disagree with the bulk of that except to say that the "68 - '70 body engine compartment must be bigger, 'cause I haven't had any space issues. And yes, you must have really bad luck because Mopar wedges certainly aren't known for being high maintenance engines.
A 451 low deck stroker (or similar) is a great engine; a buddy has one in his '68 Charger with a 6 pack setup on it and it runs great. The only downside is equivalent performance to a 440 with increased build cost but if I had an original 383 car, that's the way I would go too.
![](/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beer.gif)
Dave
Posted By: joedust451
Re: 68 383 hp or 77 440 - 08/06/11 12:15 AM
Id say pic the engine that has the best platform & overall condition for the price, There is no sence installing thin gaskets on the 440 because all those BBs came factory with the steel shim gaskets, You can mill the heads, but with a piston .180" in the hole won't do you much just cutting off .030", even .050" BTDT, If the 383 was rebuilt useing factory style pistons then definitly go for it, you never know, Don't ever think a 383 won't kick a 440s ass, because i've seen it done many times, & as for the 383s derability sheezz, they are by far the strongest BB mopar ever built, They are rugged & tough & will run like hell, A friend of mine had a 74 duster with a .060" 383, 12.5.1 compression, .590 cam, Victor intake, 850dp, 4.56 gears & 5200 stall, He ran that car in brackets "every" weekend for 10 yrs. & only re-ring it twice & fresh bearings, won tons of cash, kicked ass on many 440s, At 3700ft Alt, car ran 10.9s, in dallas it ran 10.4s, In bay town it ran 10.teens & it twisted the driveshaft right out of the car, he shifted right at 7000 on stock rods with good bolts, yes stock rods. I'd take an HP 383 anyday over a smogged out 440.