I have a 440 truck engine (out of a winni) from 1973 - low compression from what I have read 8:1 approx - 346 casting heads (88cc)
Engine looks real good only 60,000 original miles
It will be going into a tube buggy and I am looking for good low end torque with a descent mid range power
I want some opinions on my piston and cam choice
I plan on running l2295f (Flatlander Racing - TRW Chrysler Pistons pistons which are dome pistons. From what I have read they should bump up the compression to approx 10:1. Prpoane likes compression.
I am looking at running a comp cam
21-220-4 250XE 21-220-4(Single Bolt) - Xtreme Energy
It says I can't run stock springs with that cam - could anyone recomend springs.
Any advise and opinions would be appreciated
thanks

 

Not that I am against LP for a fuel, but am wondering why?

I would use these Springs if it were me.

 

If you run a buggy ? How do you expect to fill it up when out in the dirt ? Unless you have a large tank and it's heavy...
MAKE sure to install harden valve seats or it won't last long on propane. OR
I would get some aluminum heads and 10 1/2 -11 compression for propane
I would also call Copm Cams about using propane and your cam choice..

 

Moparforum members - Propane for a buggy is common in the 4x4 world. You can run at extreme angles and don't have to worry about starving the motor for fuel. Granted fuel injection would fix this but most FI kits for these older motors are more money than a propane setup. Fuel mileage is about the same as gas and you gain ~15hp of power from propane. Also, a 40# fork truck tank filled wieghs less than a 10 gall fuel cell of gas (gallon of gas wieghts ~8# - 10 gallon cell filled = ~80#+cell - 40# fork truck tank filled = ~65# total).

bsfor - Like TVLynn mentioned, call Comp Cams for the proper cam to use and see what they say about the rest of the valvetrain. Who better to ask than the people who put all the time, money and research into building them. As for pistons and compression, those are a good starting point.

You'll probably want to work the heads some for a little better flow and see if you can up the compression to 10.5:1 too.

 

See! I was not aware of buggy use. My experience was my father in laws Ford pickup he had a 100 gal tank in the bed.

 

Hey guys thanks for the help

I got the motor torn down and everything looks great. the crank is in good shape and I think I have followed everyone's advise except I haven't got the recommended oil pump yet but I will and I was wondering? A 73 wouldn't have hardened valve seats and this thing is not a daily driver. Driven about 2 times a month. are the hardened valve seats a absolute necessity on propane? If so what does something like that cost to have a machine shop do?