What makes a 440 a magnum?

[Joseph Giamanco]

This is a dumb question but what makes an engine a Magnum. I have a 66 Charger with a 440 engine. I wanted to change out the decals from 383 to 440 but the only ones I found say 440 Magnum. Are all 440 Magnums? If not how do I know if mine is?

 

[Beekeeper]

The HP engines in the dodge were Magnum and Plymouth was Commando

 

[RemCharger]

A magnum was the high output version. Different cam, exh manifolds, carb, valve springs etc.
What does the stamping pad show right beside the dist hold down clamp.
Looks like an older RB

 

[Dave6T4]

Heads were also different on '67 Magnum, with better ports and bigger exhaust valves. Starting in 1968, to 1971, all big blocks got same "906" heads. Also Magnum motors got an oil windage tray. Engine i.d. pad would be stamped HP.

 

[Joseph Giamanco]

Mine is not a HP motor, so it is not a Magnum. Hmmm, I wonder if I can snap off the word Magnum from my $100 emblems!!!!!
Thanks everyone, I assumed it was not a Magnum but now I am sure.

 

[GTX JOHN]

There is no difference in the shortblock at all.
The real major difference for 68 to 71 was the cam and
valve springs which most guys replace anyway.
You can leave the emblems in place!

 

[440 PHIXX]

In 1970 they added the heavy rods and external balance.

 

[gtx6970]

If you like the looks of the emblem,
Put them on and move on with life.

 

[66Satellite47]

In 1970 they added the heavy rods and external balance.

I'm not sure which motors got the "Six Pak" rods. Don't think it was all the HP motors. But not sure.

 

[66Satellite47]

There is no difference in the shortblock at all.
The real major difference for 68 to 71 was the cam and
valve springs which most guys replace anyway.
You can leave the emblems in place!

And the exhaust manifolds.

 

[440 PHIXX]

I'm not sure which motors got the "Six Pak" rods. Don't think it was all the HP motors. But not sure.

I’ve looked at quite a few 1970 440 4bbl cars “U” code, and they all had the same damper as my ‘70 ‘Cuda and Charger. They are both V code.

 

[YY1]

If you are talking about the emblems that go on the fender-

"Four Barrel" was used instead of "Magnum" on 66 and 67 cars.

1970 used the same basic emblem but used "Magnum" instead of four barrel.

Let's see your emblem.

 

[yella71]

There is no difference in the shortblock at all.
The real major difference for 68 to 71 was the cam and
valve springs which most guys replace anyway.
You can leave the emblems in place!

magnum engines have different pistons also for more compression than std engines

 

[RemCharger]

If you are talking about the emblems that go on the fender-

"Four Barrel" was used instead of "Magnum" on 66 and 67 cars.

1970 used the same basic emblem but used "Magnum" instead of four barrel.

Let's see your emblem.

67 Chargers said magnum.

 

[YY1]

Did they?

Hmm.

but "only" the 440?

I bet the R/T did to, then.

 

[440Coronet500]

I'm not sure which motors got the "Six Pak" rods. Don't think it was all the HP motors. But not sure.

I believe in 70 the 440 6 pack came with the heavy con rods and external balance. 440'

 

[66Satellite47]

I believe in 70 the 440 6 pack came with the heavy con rods and external balance. 440'

Yes I believe they did. But not all HP motors were Six Paks.

 

[Dave6T4]

Did they?

Hmm.

but "only" the 440?

I bet the R/T did to, then.

The R/T never came with 440 signs because the 440 engine was standard equipment. Chrysler had a general policy of putting engine call outs only on optional engines. Thus, R/T's and GTX's got 426 HEMI signs when this optional motor was specified. The 440 Magnum engine was optional on 1967 Charger's only, so had the engine call out. 440 Magnum was standard engine on 1968 Charger R/T, so no engine sign. It has always struck me as strange that Dodge did not market the R/T package on the 1967 Charger whenever the 440 Magnum was ordered. The 440 was not factory available in 1966 Charger or any other 1966 B-body.

 

[YY1]

70 Super bee had 383 Magnum badges, but that was the standard engine.

 

[Dave6T4]

70 Super bee had 383 Magnum badges, but that was the standard engine.

That is why I said, a general policy. There is usually the odd exception.