440 -> 520 block prep + oiling system?

Outsider · Mar 19, 2021

You have a 440 to rebuild and this is your first engine build? Why not just have your machinist check it, buy the oversize pistons he recommends such a KBs, have your crank ground, rebuild your rods with ARP bolts, buy the oil pan & pick-up, headers, an intake man & carb, a some gears and a cam to match, perhaps a convertor?

It may cost more than you think. And then if there is room left to spend, spend the "big money" on some aftermarket heads? Probably more power than you will know what to do with. Just Saying; your buddy just across the boarder.

Tonz · Mar 20, 2021

Outsider said:
You have a 440 to rebuild and this is your first engine build? Why not just have your machinist check it, buy the oversize pistons he recommends such a KBs, have your crank ground, rebuild your rods with ARP bolts, buy the oil pan & pick-up, headers, an intake man & carb, a some gears and a cam to match, perhaps a convertor?

It may cost more than you think. And then if there is room left to spend, spend the "big money" on some aftermarket heads? Probably more power than you will know what to do with. Just Saying; your buddy just across the boarder.

Dont currently have a 440 engine, my belvedere has a 318 and i want to utilize its massive engine bay by upgrading, so i was gonna go to a wedge engine which led me down the rabbit hole. Shy of machining it looks like building a stroker doesnt cost much more than just building a stock 440 if i were to buy the parts for a block instead of buying an old engine and freshening it up. Idk i really want my car to give that 'i built this from scratch" kind of satisfaction. Whether its risky or not honestly ok to me, ill read an engine assembly book on these engines before attempting anything, and hey im learning, if something goes wrong i dont have whether i can eat riding on it cause i live at home, its the better time in my life to throw caution to the wind (without being stupid, like i said, really gonna read the crap outta that book! Lol)

dvw · Mar 20, 2021

I’ve run a cross ram on a 4.150 stroke 498. Used a [email protected]” solid roller cam. Made peak power at 5750. I would bet a 4.375” motor will peak at around 5300.
Doug

Outsider · Mar 20, 2021

Doug, sounds like you have been in this for a while like many here, I was just figuring if someone was trying this for the first time they might want to keep it simple for a first project. If he has a worn out 318, going to a decent 440 build will probably be over 3xs the the hp he has now.

Tonz, so you are going to need to buy a 440 core and a big block trans?

I was just thinking that if this was your first build you might want to save a few dollars on items such as a regrinding a crank vs a new one, 440 regular overbore pistons vs stroker pistons, and not balancing for a street motor with replacement like parts vs. a stroker that requires balancing.

What is your total target budget? I always figured it was better to be driving, than to be working on a big project unless you have more than one hobby car.

Tonz · Mar 21, 2021

Outsider said:
Doug, sounds like you have been in this for a while like many here, I was just figuring if someone was trying this for the first time they might want to keep it simple for a first project. If he has a worn out 318, going to a decent 440 build will probably be over 3xs the the hp he has now.

Tonz, so you are going to need to buy a 440 core and a big block trans?

I was just thinking that if this was your first build you might want to save a few dollars on items such as a regrinding a crank vs a new one, 440 regular overbore pistons vs stroker pistons, and not balancing for a street motor with replacement like parts vs. a stroker that requires balancing.

What is your total target budget? I always figured it was better to be driving, than to be working on a big project unless you have more than one hobby car.

Yeah id have to find a big block AND pushbutton compatible 727 from the early 60's, which"ll be oh so much fun.. Budget is to be determined, it depends on how much the other projects sells for.. ive got a 1974 chevy nova that i picked up for $4500, has numbers matching and running 250 and a damn near mint interior, pulling the front end off tomorrow so i can repaint that engine bay a nice gloss black and repaint that engine a brand new coat of that classic orange, hoping all said and done with some collectors plates slapped on it should sell on the happy side of 25k.. and my dad and i are splitting a 67 impala ss that we pick up in a week, the two projects combined should give me the funding to go start to finish on my belvedere and her stroker motor and give me a little extra side cash to put into this strange thing called life? Idk its not cars so i ignore it

Outsider · Mar 21, 2021

Sounds like you are young and keeping busy, that's a good thing. When it comes time, if you can't find a push button big block trans on your side north of the line, I may be able to refer you to someone, but it will be on the Yankee side.

Tonz · Mar 22, 2021

Outsider said:
Sounds like you are young and keeping busy, that's a good thing. When it comes time, if you can't find a push button big block trans on your side north of the line, I may be able to refer you to someone, but it will be on the Yankee side.

Thank you!

Jhn824 · Mar 24, 2021

Hey guys...not meaning to hi-jack this thread...but are any of you using main studs and girdle with these 500+ CI stroker combos?

Tonz · Mar 25, 2021

Jhn824 said:
Hey guys...not meaning to hi-jack this thread...but are any of you using main studs and girdle with these 500+ CI stroker combos?

Dont sweat it, i wanna know too! I was honestly just thinking some arp hardware, hadn't considered a girdle

440 -> 520 block prep + oiling system?

Outsider

Well-Known Member

Tonz

Well-Known Member

dvw

FBBO Gold Member

Outsider

Well-Known Member

Tonz

Well-Known Member

Outsider

Well-Known Member

Tonz

Well-Known Member

Jhn824

Well-Known Member

Tonz

Well-Known Member

Similar threads