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First Timer...

Sabre_3

Member
Local time
11:00 AM
Joined
Feb 14, 2020
Messages
12
Reaction score
14
Location
Illinois
Hello Everyone,

This is my first first forum post ever...so here it goes! I have been reading and researching For B Bodies only for a while now and decided to become a member because of all the very informative, helpful, and good stuff that is helping me with my new-ish hobby: building my dream car - a B Body Charger!

I have (0) experience building cars, engines, transmissions, rear-ends, suspension, electrical and fabrication. However, I'm a handy fella with a technical background, an adequate amount of skillset, a fair amount of patience and a quick study. The biggest engine I have ever re-built was a single-cylinder Kohler 241 single cylinder garden tractor engine. So I have a lot to learn!

The Goal: To leverage my research, skillset and resources and acquire a my dream Car (1968-1970 Charger) with my dream engine (RB-440: have this in my shop!! Good story there) and transmission (4-Speed: A833) and build a street-able cruiser that is reliable, sounds great and...if needed...can really get-up-and-go!

I will need all the advice I can get because of my lack of experience. Nonetheless, I have wanted a Charger since I saw my first Dukes of Hazzard episode, my best friends in High School and I all pooled our money together an bought a 1973 Charger in the 1990s (good story on that one), and have worked to acquire resources to support this endeavor.

Thank you all in advance for any guidance, direction and advice!
 
Welcome from Alabama, there is a lot to learn here.
 
Welcome from Michigan....gonna need pics because we get......
 
Welcome from Indiana, good luck with your coming project.
 
Welcome from NY.
Just remember: "Dreams are expensive"
Keep us posted.
 
welcome to FBBO from NorCal Sierras
 
Welcome from North Carolina.

:xscuseless:


Completely Agree!

So here we go - I do not have the car yet, but she's out there waiting on me! I acquired this 440 (Casting #3698830*440*6)
Engine_Assy_110119_AJW.jpg


She was cast on 07/02/1979 on Day Shift approximately 11:00 AM if I am reading the casting information correctly. I purchased this through a craigslist add for approximately $200. I spoke with the seller several time looking for a specific casting numbers (i.e. 1975 - End of Production). This one fit the bill. The seller stated the engine was salvaged from a motor home that was running before it was removed. She sat in a barn for decades and apparently served as a donor engine for the seller's demo derby hobby. Note the lack of exhaust manifolds and spark plugs - more on that later!


20200214_144139.jpg


Here she is on the stand with the intake manifold, cooling pump assy, valley pan and 902 heads off of her. She had pistons #1,#2 & #8 rusted to the cylinder walls. After some research, lots of various lubricants and patience, gently eased her lose so she could make full 360 degree rotations once again! My assessment was since the spark plugs were scavenged from the engine, moisture was allowed to infiltrate, thus rusting the cylinders. Nonetheless she's free!

I used my calipers and established her bore's are all 4.320" (She's Factree - Big Vice Grip Garage Fan!!) and possibly a low mileage engine since I could still see crosshatch in her cylinders and there were no witness marks that I could feel with the "ol Mark-1" fingernail at the tops of her cylinders. All positive discoveries so far! I'm hoping my luck holds out with this $200 purchase!

All of my books, guides, and research to this point has guided me to methodically document and organize the disassembly process. As a result, as soon as a part comes off, i take pictures, put fasteners in baggies with labels, and catalog & box the assembly with ample amounts of WD-40 applied. Below is a picture of the 902 open chamber heads (Castng #3769902) I am currently working on.

20200214_144036.jpg


My intent is "CC-ing" the combustion chambers so I can begin to calculate my Combustion Ratio - my Goal is 10.0 to 1 on pump gas. I hope my 902's can get me there, but I'm not too sure! I have a lot to learn since I'm a first timer. More on that with later threads!

Currently, I am in the engine design process and trying to figure out how to get to my power goals: 2500 - 4200 RPM 550 Ft-lbs Torque & 3400-5500 RMP rougly 500 HP at the wheels.

One of my close friends that has engine and car building experience recommended I start the design at the rear tire (still working here), then differential (8-3/4 or Dana 60), then gearing (possibly 3.55 for cruising/streetablity), then transmission (4-Speed A833 possibly with overdrive),then engine. This changed my thought process quite a bit since i was primarily focused on the engine.

Anyway, I love the challenge and thank you all for welcoming me to the community!
 
Completely Agree!

So here we go - I do not have the car yet, but she's out there waiting on me! I acquired this 440 (Casting #3698830*440*6)View attachment 909386

She was cast on 07/02/1979 on Day Shift approximately 11:00 AM if I am reading the casting information correctly. I purchased this through a craigslist add for approximately $200. I spoke with the seller several time looking for a specific casting numbers (i.e. 1975 - End of Production). This one fit the bill. The seller stated the engine was salvaged from a motor home that was running before it was removed. She sat in a barn for decades and apparently served as a donor engine for the seller's demo derby hobby. Note the lack of exhaust manifolds and spark plugs - more on that later!


View attachment 909398

Here she is on the stand with the intake manifold, cooling pump assy, valley pan and 902 heads off of her. She had pistons #1,#2 & #8 rusted to the cylinder walls. After some research, lots of various lubricants and patience, gently eased her lose so she could make full 360 degree rotations once again! My assessment was since the spark plugs were scavenged from the engine, moisture was allowed to infiltrate, thus rusting the cylinders. Nonetheless she's free!

I used my calipers and established her bore's are all 4.320" (She's Factree - Big Vice Grip Garage Fan!!) and possibly a low mileage engine since I could still see crosshatch in her cylinders and there were no witness marks that I could feel with the "ol Mark-1" fingernail at the tops of her cylinders. All positive discoveries so far! I'm hoping my luck holds out with this $200 purchase!

All of my books, guides, and research to this point has guided me to methodically document and organize the disassembly process. As a result, as soon as a part comes off, i take pictures, put fasteners in baggies with labels, and catalog & box the assembly with ample amounts of WD-40 applied. Below is a picture of the 902 open chamber heads (Castng #3769902) I am currently working on.

View attachment 909400

My intent is "CC-ing" the combustion chambers so I can begin to calculate my Combustion Ratio - my Goal is 10.0 to 1 on pump gas. I hope my 902's can get me there, but I'm not too sure! I have a lot to learn since I'm a first timer. More on that with later threads!

Currently, I am in the engine design process and trying to figure out how to get to my power goals: 2500 - 4200 RPM 550 Ft-lbs Torque & 3400-5500 RMP rougly 500 HP at the wheels.

One of my close friends that has engine and car building experience recommended I start the design at the rear tire (still working here), then differential (8-3/4 or Dana 60), then gearing (possibly 3.55 for cruising/streetablity), then transmission (4-Speed A833 possibly with overdrive),then engine. This changed my thought process quite a bit since i was primarily focused on the engine.

Anyway, I love the challenge and thank you all for welcoming me to the community!

A 440 is a great place to start. You will be very happy with the finished product.

20190606_140410.jpg
 
welcome to the site from s carolina
 
Welcome from the show me state, Missouri!!! I like the way you think.
 
Hey,,welcome, from Boston
 
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