Hello,

I recently purchased a 1974 Barracuda. It has a 440 in it. Because 440s were not an option for Barracudas in 1974, I know that this motor is not original to my car. I spoke with the previous owner and asked him about the motor's history. All he could tell me is that it is a 440, V8, 4 barrel from 1970. He purchased the Barracuda in 1990, and at that time, the 440 was already in it. He does not know what model of car the 440 originally came out in.

I recently purchased a few parts for the motor, and I always get asked what model of car the 440 is from. My question is this: is a stock 1970 V8 440 with a four barrel the same regardless of the model of car it came out in? For example, is a stock V8 440 with a four barrel the same regardless of whether it came out in a Barracuda, Charger, Challenger, etc.?

Thanks in advance,

Casey

 

There was an HP and a standard version of the 440 even as late as 1974.
The difference was exhaust manifolds, a windage tray and the latter ones got left over Hemi rods. Im not sure about camshaft or carbs, all I’ve ever used are the crank, rods and block and I never used the Hemi rods there just to heavy.

 

I appreciate your help!

The reason I asked the question is because I needed a an alternator belt and a power steering belt. I went to Auto Zone and told them I needed those belts for a 1970 Barracuda with a 440. Both belts ended up not fitting. It made me wonder if maybe the 440 came from something other than a Barracuda. Since the 440 should be the same regardless of the model of car that it was in, maybe Auto Zone got me the wrong belts.

 

Casey -

Might depend if the ENGINE came with AC or not or if the original owner made any modifications to the brackets. (Been there, done that.)
If you plan on doing any "upgrades" to the motor, the first thing I be concerned about is the compression ratio.
Expecting a 10:1 and actually having an 8:1 might change a few things.

Archer

 

I’m not sure what year it started but there is one extra boss in the block for the brackets on the latter 440s so brackets do matter. Try removing the belts and take them with you so they can be measured and replaced accordingly.

 

The camshaft was a bit bigger in the 1970 magnum engine. I believe the cam specs were 268/284 duration with 450/458 lift. A non-magnum motor was 350 HP and the magnum was 375 hp. The 375 hp had the extras like windage tray, low restriction air cleaner, larger cfm carburetor and manifold. The 350 HP was no slouch. It was built well and performed almost equally as well as the magnum. Either engine was a win win in 1970. I believe in 1974 they eliminated the forged cranks which under heavy use were prone to failing. Police interceptors experienced cranks snapping with the cheaper crank. I'd be happy with what you have!!