First 440 build questions!!
 

Total newbie here. Be gentle

Ok so I am looking to build my first 440. I have on hand already a stock bore 1969 440 block with Keith black hypereutectic quench dome pistons stock rods and steel crank. Lunati #638-10230700 Voodoo hydraulic flat tappet cam .454/.454 lift, 253deg/ 285deg duration, 112deg LSA, rpm range idle-5000. Gear drive timing, performance oil and water pumps.

I would like to run a 4.25 stroke crank with 7.100 rods my question is can my stock crank be turned/ground into a 4.25 crank or do I need a new crank? Basically I would like to do the 512 stroker kit with using my stock bore kb pistons if its possible. Should I use a different cam? I'm also wanting to top it off with a set of Edelbrock performer rpm 88cc cylinder heads. Possibly fuel injection in the far far future.

The motor will be going into a 66 Plymouth fury III 2 door hardtop. Only going to be drove on cruise nights weekends and occasional trip to the track.

Any advise/input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Welcome.

No, buy new crank. I would build the 440.

his build wont be streetable

I dont think you can get to 512 that way.... Going to need to bore it.... But I agree. Safer to get a better crankshaft...

:)

512 Can be made streetable.. Dont be a "Fuddy-Dud"....lol

So where would you guys start I would like to keep the bore stock and use the Keith black hypereutectic quench dome pistons I already have. As far as that I am pretty much open to ideas. As to the 512 I know I wont be getting a 512 without the stroke and bore but I was just referring to weather or not it would be possible to use say that stroker crank and rods with my pistons.

I'm thinking not a good idea. If I was to build the big one I'd have a 10K budget and build it top notch and be looking for the 600+ HP and torque, then big drive train to handle it.

Using those pistons with a hone, new bearings and that cam would make a 350-380HP, 480 torque engine, a beautiful street cruiser.

If your exploring the stroker on a budget then Piston Compression Height is what you need to become familiar with. Changing crank and rod lengths makes for a different C.H. and those pistons may not even work. Too far down in the bore but likely sticking out (above) the block.

Do you know the C.H. of your piston?

What parts do you actually have now?

B.S..... I think your going to bust a crank.... Not sure what the pistons are. But I would go with what works... 440 Source.... Scroll down the page to the 512 and see if your anywhere near where you need to be with your parts Items.. But be careful you might be heading for spending more money than you want to going outside the box...... :) :) Just my 2 cent

http://store.440source.com/Stroker-Kits/products/3/

Are you taking the block to a machine shop first? If so make dam sure they know what their doing and. I would be right on top of their every move. I mean with Mopar 440s.
Even if you are using the same cam ,take it to them for the fit. Before doing anything make sure the CAM fits first! It's a bad deal to build the engine only to find out when you go to install the CAM it won,t fit .

The block is already together with the kb pistons voodoo cam stock rods and steel crank was that way when I got it. It is going to be tore down that's why i'm throwing around the idea of changing stuff. I think I am leaning towards a complete new rotating assembly after getting input from you guys. I talked to 440 source and they advised me the stroker crank and rods would not work with my pistons due to the pin size as well as compression height on piston.

Now you got it..... IF you can find it. My old buddy Steve Magnante.. Did a Build up 512 With Hot Rod Mag, not all to long ago... You might google it and find it..

I like you getting the rotating Asm. A lot better.... :)

Okay so if I go with the 512 kit from 440source what do you guys recommend for cam heads and intake? Would really like to run on 91 or 93 pump gas.

Here's an opinion your not going to like. I wouldn't use a 440 block rather a 400. They are a stronger block and much easier to configure. No matter which way you go a girdle will be a must. Keith black pistons are too short and have a tendency to wobble in the bores especially long ones. I have a stroker sitting on the stand in the garage made from a 400 just waiting for installation. Crank and cam were custom ground - I wouldn't use OE for this application. And, as a matter of fact, for a build which will end up being from 9 to 11 grand, I wouldn't use a single part from 440 Source. They're not highly spoken of amongst engine builders and tend to lean more to "affordable" builds rather than quality. You're going to have empty pockets doing this one - just make sure it's a good investment.

I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in ...

I have had great luck, so far with 440source! They have been great helping to make sure the build I'm doing and the parts I need to match. They haven't pushed their products on me either. They have been good talking about brands that would work. That said, I had the option of the 440 build but decided to look for a 400 block(like roots stated) I'm currently building the 440source 512 kit for the 400. I went with the hydraulic roller cam 571 lift. My compression should be in the 10:1 range or just a bit lower. The reason I say this is because my plan is to run pump gas and have a very street able car. There will have to be many other options added to make it streetable. We will see! According to 440source, it should be with that kit and keeping compression low.

Sorry to ramble a bit. But, there is a ton to Be learned with a build. Try your best, cash flow depending, to do it the best you can. If not, it may just come apart on you. Good luck! These guys here are a great wealth of info and won't steer you wrong..