440 Longevity in Imperials?
 

Good evening all,

My name's Anthony and I currently drive a 12 year-old Chrysler 300 LX with the 2.7 liter V6. It has about 114k miles on it. Once it goes in a few years, I am thinking about getting myself a classic 1966-1968 imperial crown/lebaron 4-door as they are my favorite cars and use it as my main ride. I would do as much of the maintenance on it myself (if I can). My question is, what is the longevity of the 440 engine in terms of how many miles it can rack up in stock form in the Imperial? I've heard of people who had about 150k+ or even occasionally 200k+ before needing a rebuild. How would I need to maintain it if need be? Thanks.

It really depends on how well it was maintained by previous owners. Could probably down load manual with regular maintenance schedule.

Honestly, it’s just like any other engine and if taken care of, should last a great while. These 440s regularly went 200k, even 300k+ in motor homes, so there’s no reason to believe it wouldn't fare just as well in a passenger car. And, by the way, nice choice and year!

Do it. You won't be disappoint. :D

Thanks,
I'm curious as to how they could do this as most cars (so I've heard) died by 80k-110k miles back in the 60s. Is this engines unusual longevity due to its size (7.2 liter equivalent)? I know I've seen several imperials online for sale either with the 413 or 440 with over 100k on them but NEVER any with over 150k miles. Or is it just unsellable then?

That would definitely be helpful, considering I've searched online without finding anything of the sort. I checked Imperialclub.com for it too. Thanks.

yeah, that's because nobody keeps up with the maintenance, and then they push the engines hard. at least, that's what i seem to see. ;)

It has been my experience that the bodys rusted to death before the 440s gave up. Or they stopped running because of the stock timing chain set and were just parked because of age. I once bought a running low mileage 440 powered Dodge for a $100 because the owner was tired of the gas mileage.

yeah, trust, you can get waaaaaaaaaaaaay over 100-150k with a 440 that is treated nicely.