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1972 Charger with 400 stroker

Very nice project you have there ,those seats look kinda like marshmallows I may have to switch mine out for them don't forget you'll need a k frame or a motor mount conversion kit the mounts are different from the small block to the big block and with the h.p your going for I would try and get a big block k frame but that's just me good luck keep up the good work.
 
Bb70charger500 said:
Very nice project you have there ,those seats look kinda like marshmallows I may have to switch mine out for them don't forget you'll need a k frame or a motor mount conversion kit the mounts are different from the small block to the big block and with the h.p your going for I would try and get a big block k frame but that's just me good luck keep up the good work.
Click to expand...

Not true, at least for this year. V-8 K member is the same, small block or big block. All he needs is the correct motor mount brackets for the big block, which may have come with the engine. I pulled the 440 in my car from a 74 Charger and dropped it right into my 72 to replace the 318.

This thread has really good info on engine swaps.

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?30271-So-you-want-to-swap-a-SB-for-a-BB
 
Wanted to point out on cam choice.. As previously stated, Make sure all is matched up. Keep in mind if you go hyd.. Roller, a good set if lifters will be as much but probably more than the cam itself!

I'm building one now. Before you start buying parts find a reputable place that will do the work you need. Plan the build out and make sure the parts all goes/works together correctly so you can get that hp you want.

Edit... Oh yeah I forgot. With hyd. Cam, plan on different tourque converter too! Depending on cam, stall in the 3200-3500 range. Some big rollers will require that range of stall...

If you would like any more specifics on my build, don't hesitate to shoot me a pm.
 
I would think you could grt 500 without a stroker with careful parts selection.
 
I got block back from engine builder and got block ready and got 0.30 over and other things ready, so now if wanted to put aside block for a while and start working on car what should be done to block to preserve and not rust up guys. Just spray and wrap???? Thx
 
I'd just get a quart of some cheap thick motor oil, slope it on/in it with a clean rag and put a garbage bag on it., in the stand of coarse.
 
I apologize your correct I forgot that is the spool frame witch anything can fit . I was thinking biscuit frame oh well thanks for catching that
 
Hey guys, I have a chance to get my hands on a 440 steel crank and was told that is what I want to use for my 400 block stroker, just need to get it ready for my block right. Thx
 
You have to get the main journals and weights cut down on a 440 crank to fit in a 400 block. 440 crank gets you to 451 in a 400 block.
Depending on machining costs in your area it may be more economical to just get an aftermarket crank.
Trust me. Do LOTS of research and come up with a plan before you spend a bunch of $ on parts that don't work together.
To get in the 500-600 HP range is not terribly hard to do as long as the combo is right. Cylinder heads is where you will want to put your $.
Chargers are heavy cars. Need lots of ponys to get them to roll. :D
 
Are you sure you want a stroker Motor? A built 440 would have tons of power and cost less to build and reliability will be better
 
There is nothing unreliable with a stroker as long as you don't try and max out.
 
Absolutely Super... They can be very reliable. But as stated, do the research! Make sure all parts work right together. It was a bit nerve racking when I did the research on mine. That was why I did go with the kit from 440source. It cost a little more, but I know they match up. With the correct cam and build it can certainly hit that 600 hp range! I'm not sure where I will be because I'll never have it on a Dyno! Good luck!
 
I built two of these in the '80's. These days cranks are available with strokes from 3.75 to 4.25 & well sorted out combinations. Seems like if you go any longer things get complicated. As already said, decide what you're going to do with this thing. A fairly tame combination will work well on the street. If you want to race, decide how fast & open your wallet. Keep the rpm low, & parts live, don't & you're replacing stuff all the time, this I know. Matching the cam, intake/carb & overall gear (rear ratio & tire diameter) is critical. Where you're located I presume you'll have a fair amount of open road driving so tall gears are likely so shorter duration cam is in order.

Just re-read your post on the block/bore size. Is it really .030 or .035? The .035 gives you 4.375 which is a common size.
 
Hey thx guys for all the great info, I love learning and hearing what people talk about.
First off I do want a great engine over 500 ci so that crank won't do as a 451 if not what I want. I would wait for more funds if I need to and build it right. I am sure it is a .030 but can easily get guy to redu to .035 if I need to to make it a better build, but please fill me in why and info on the difference it would make. I want to use my 400 block for sure and will also keep trying to understand what each part does. I will listen to all info guys. Thx
 
I'm in the same boat with a 400 block. Find a good engine builder/machinist first. My plan is to have the block acid dipped/cleaned, then sonic checked for cracks before any more money goes in it. Then, if it's a good block, get my builder to figure the bore size I need. Then order a 512 stroker kit from 440 Source. I think they are about $2300., that includes the crank, rods, pistons, rings, and bearings,. I think.
 
Where in Alberta are you located? I may have a home for that 440 crank if you have no intentions of using.
 
The .030 is a more common size and you bore just enough to clean things up. On a stock block you you don't go beyond the .030 if you don't need to so you can keep the cylinder walls as thick as you can.
You can have the best parts inside the block but if the cylinders go for **** then you are starting all over again wether you are sleeving the cylinder/s or getting another block.
 
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