• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

440 vs 5.7 vs 6.4

6290988

Well-Known Member
Local time
4:48 AM
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
170
Reaction score
66
Location
Raleigh, NC
So if I still have my 69 Satellite around Jan/Feb I plan on pulling the tired 383 and was planning on dropping in a 440.

The more I read these threads the more I'm tempted to do the 5.7 or 6.4 swap.

Cost seem to be somewhat close. Crate 440 vs 5.7 or 6.4 used/reman seem to be close in cost....5.7 seems to be the cheaper of the three.

5.7 and 6.4 I'll need wire harness, fuel setup, other random parts and the kit to mate it to the 727 trans.

440 should be pretty straightforward since I have a big block already in there.

What made you guys decide?

IMG_2620.JPG
 
What's wrong with using a 440?
Old mopars are suppose to be brutes!


Nothing wrong with it. Just wondering why people choose a gen 3 over a 440. I like the modern motor a lot also so if costs are similar it's an option I may consider.
 
I'm scratching my head, how can the costs be close ? You have an A 12 clone, the biggest drawback is that it's a 383, not a 440 6 barrel.
 
Stick with the 440. I really can't see going new school.The cost for the engine may be the same,,, BUT then you have the K frame mods.tranny, exhaust, engine management,fuel tank mods, and all the things that add up that you weren't aware of.(Plus I'm a big fan of old school. Not that that has anything to do with it..)
 
Also my car is a small
I'm scratching my head, how can the costs be close ? You have an A 12 clone, the biggest drawback is that it's a 383, not a 440 6 barrel.

I like the fun factor of the modern motor. I like the idea of easy install with the 440. Even if I go 440 I'm not messing with a 6 barrel.
 
I hear you about multiple carbs. I got a cross ram Hemi and thinking of going to a single 4 bbl.
Getting back to your car,How about checking if someone will trade you a late model Challenger or Charger ? I've been considering this.(Just thinking out loud.)
 
I have a 06 Srt I've been debating trading or selling... but if you keep the car go 440, gen 3 swap is cool but not as cool as a big block 440 IMO

IMG_0015.JPG
 
I hear you about multiple carbs. I got a cross ram Hemi and thinking of going to a single 4 bbl.
Getting back to your car,How about checking if someone will trade you a late model Challenger or Charger ? I've been considering this.(Just thinking out loud.)

Not a fan of late model cars, just their power plants. I was originally posting in this forum just to see why the guys that did the swap did it.
 
I say do what makes you happy. If your in it for a financial return the traditional RB would be the way to go.
If however you never plan on selling the car a modern driveline might suit you. 20 mpg, 6 spd, ac? Once you got over the cost of the install maintenance and parts would be cheap and easily obtained from any parts house.
I've seen SRTs that have been totaled or broadsided w/ 50k going for $5-6k. Take what you need and part out the rest...a good interior could get you $1500-2500 back...
 
Last edited:
IMO, isn't an awful lot going into put a 5.7 or 6.4 into a vintage car? The electronics seem overwhelming.
 
The new Hemi mills can be fitted with a carburetor and a stand alone ignition setup fro an easy installation. You lose a little in terms of MPG but the power is close to that of the EFI.
The advantages of the newer engines are numerous. They make great power while running very smooth. They burn clean even on cheap 87 octane, get double the fuel economy and run a LONG time. I have 291,000 miles on my 2007 Ram truck!
 
for what it's worth, I'm putting a gen 3 w/ a stick (I haven't finalized which tranny I'm going to use.. right now I'm stuck between A833 or NV3500) in an 80's D150, if it goes smooth I plan on putting a similar motor in my Charger
 
for what it's worth, I'm putting a gen 3 w/ a stick (I haven't finalized which tranny I'm going to use.. right now I'm stuck between A833 or NV3500) in an 80's D150, if it goes smooth I plan on putting a similar motor in my Charger


What were your reasons for going with a gen 3?
 
IMG_0787.JPG
I'm headed down the same road with a 6.1 swap in my 67 satellite. My reasons were, fuel injection, weight, horse power and better fuel economy than a big block.

I am building the car to be driven long distance and this was the best option to me. It is fairly expensive though but still think it will be worth it, I hope!! Lol
 
What were your reasons for going with a gen 3?

I had a short list of things I wanted:

1.) Fuel Injection
2.) I wanted favorable gearing that would be usable both in city and highway
3.) had to be CHEAP (I got the truck for free... I'm going to do paint and body myself, so I can get decent at welding and paint prep... literally the only cost I plan on is the drivetrain and whatever I pluck a set of buckets out of)

so basically it led me to 2 paths:
big block w/ ODA833 or gen 3 hemi with either a 5 speed or the same ODA833. Wouldn't matter either way, I have bellhousings for each application... but I figure by the time I do a rebuild and machine work on one of the big blocks I already have, get a set of heads redone, etc, I'll have the same or more than what I'd have in a boneyard 5.7. So I made up a spreadsheet on just about every commonly used trans that can be bolted to a 5.7, made a formula for RPM at 60 mph, with whatever sized tire I wanted, listed what the trans came in, and listed the expected price. I ended up finding that an NV3500 with a 28" tire is about perfect for what I'm wanting, and it can be sourced locally to me for around $350... the only downside is a lot of folks say it won't last behind a 5.7. I figure I'm not going to be doing drag strip launches with this truck, so I'll throw it together and if it breaks, it breaks... and I'll just move on up the ladder.
 
Last edited:
I had a short list of things I wanted:

1.) Fuel Injection
2.) I wanted favorable gearing that would be usable both in city and highway
3.) had to be CHEAP (I got the truck for free... I'm going to do paint and body myself, so I can get decent at welding and paint prep... literally the only cost I plan on is the drivetrain and whatever I pluck a set of buckets out of)

so basically it led me to 2 paths:
big block w/ ODA833 or gen 3 hemi with either a 5 speed or the same ODA833. Wouldn't matter either way, I have bellhousings for each application... but I figure by the time I do a rebuild and machine work on one of the big blocks I already have, get a set of heads redone, etc, I'll have the same or more than what I'd have in a boneyard 5.7. So I made up a spreadsheet on just about every commonly used trans that can be bolted to a 5.7, made a formula for RPM at 60 mph, with whatever sized tire I wanted, listed what the trans came in, and listed the expected price. I ended up finding that an NV3500 with a 28" tire is about perfect for what I'm wanting, and it can be sourced locally to me for around $350... the only downside is a lot of folks say it won't last behind a 5.7. I figure I'm not going to be doing drag strip launches with this truck, so I'll throw it together and if it breaks, it breaks... and I'll just move on up the ladder.
If had the $ and energy, I`d go w/ the late model hemi, but if going to the trouble-expense, it would be the biggest one I COULD GET-6.4 .
 
I'm thinking start old school, then new school it. See what an old school big block can do with a healthy dose of new school technology. My plan for my '70 Satellite is to start with either a magnum 408 or 450-489 stroked 383 (either way I'm looking at a new tranny for OD) then work my way up to multiport injection with timing control and modern hydraulic roller.
 
Been down one path with the 440 stroked to 505" with EFI, serpentine belt conversion, 134A A/C conversion, 130+ Amp alternator, electric fans, overdrive transmission and such.
Now working with a 6.1L Hemi and NAG trans pull-out that I got for a good price. It has the EFI, serpentine belts, new style alternator, 134a A/C, and overdrive.
On the 440, I blew through the budget. Just converting the 440 to port EFI cost more than the entire 6.1L/NAG combination pull-out.
For the new Hemi engine wiring, there are several options , from re-programmed stock computer to complete Holley or FAST aftermarket ECU and harnesses.
As mentioned, you could even go old school carb, but why?
The transmission is another story. Not too much aftermarket support for swap/conversions and what is out there is expensive.
The other issue with the hemi, is fitment. Most people doing these swaps are doing the pro-touring style, so they just swap in an aftermarket K-Member with rack and pinion steering and big disc brakes from reilly motorsports or Magnum Force racing. This is fairly pricey, around $5K plus $800 to almost $2K for brakes, depending on size and options. I believe you can modify the stock K-member and oil pan to make the engine fit?
The new hemi is also drive-by-wire throttle, so you need an electronic accelerator pedal, or change the throttle body to a mechanical cable operated one (and adjust the electronics for it. The NAG also needs the factory style shifter with the electronics.
You can use almost any transmission with an adaptor, I just wanted to use the NAG auto that came with the engine (all from a 2008 Magnum R/T.)
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top