wsutard
Well-Known Member
I figured I would make this thread to document my misadventures in building an engine for the first time. If I even get that far.
After doing some block research I went ahead a dropped some cash on a ‘76 440 long block off CL. Supposedly this thing had 50k on it when pulled and had never need touched. Just like every engine on CL! Before I purchased I confirmed it had a virgin bore and the cylinder walls looked great. Only “downside” is that it has a cast crank. Well...
Turns out this guy was also selling a ‘69 440 short block that was very dirty but also a virgin bore and a forged crank. Only downside is it’s a Maltese cross + block, which I found out means the crank was .010 under from the factory.
I think I want a forged crank in my build so I made a deal for both including a bunch of extra parts that came off both engines.
Was going to do $400 for just the 77 but made a deal for both at $600. I figured I could take the forged crank out of the 69 and sell the block for at least $200.
So now I’m sitting here thinking “what did I just do?”
I have dreams of building a pump gas 500 hp at the wheels street car. My 69 Coronet has a 340 in it now and it just doesn’t do it for me anymore.
I saw a guy on CL selling a brand new 4.15” crank. The bought of a 500 stroker is cool but he sold it before I could grab it.
So, I’m not sure what I’m going to do with these. I need to balance my want for HP with the want to not spend money.
Opinions are welcome.
Here are some picks.
After doing some block research I went ahead a dropped some cash on a ‘76 440 long block off CL. Supposedly this thing had 50k on it when pulled and had never need touched. Just like every engine on CL! Before I purchased I confirmed it had a virgin bore and the cylinder walls looked great. Only “downside” is that it has a cast crank. Well...
Turns out this guy was also selling a ‘69 440 short block that was very dirty but also a virgin bore and a forged crank. Only downside is it’s a Maltese cross + block, which I found out means the crank was .010 under from the factory.
I think I want a forged crank in my build so I made a deal for both including a bunch of extra parts that came off both engines.
Was going to do $400 for just the 77 but made a deal for both at $600. I figured I could take the forged crank out of the 69 and sell the block for at least $200.
So now I’m sitting here thinking “what did I just do?”
I have dreams of building a pump gas 500 hp at the wheels street car. My 69 Coronet has a 340 in it now and it just doesn’t do it for me anymore.
I saw a guy on CL selling a brand new 4.15” crank. The bought of a 500 stroker is cool but he sold it before I could grab it.
So, I’m not sure what I’m going to do with these. I need to balance my want for HP with the want to not spend money.
Opinions are welcome.
Here are some picks.
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