• 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.

Motorhome 440

Habib

Well-Known Member
Local time
4:15 PM
Joined
May 17, 2014
Messages
1,586
Reaction score
1,091
Location
Milton PA
I have the chance to buy a low miles motorhome 440. I know it's low compression. But my question is, I have a BB 4 speed I'd like to use for it. But cast Cranks weren't drilled for pilot bushings. What would be my best thing to do. Find a forged crank and flywheel for it? Or Have the crank drilled for a pilot bushing?
 
I think the BEST thing to do if you were rebuilding the engine to add horsepower would be to install a cast crank. If you are using the engine as is or rebuilding stock you can use these parts from Brewers....

http://www.brewersperformance.com/proddetail.php?prod=PB5300

http://www.brewersperformance.com/proddetail.php?prod=FW211N
Hmm ok. That's a good option. I work with a Class A Machinist, so I was even thinking about having him drill the crank with his Lathe.
 
I think the BEST thing to do if you were rebuilding the engine to add horsepower would be to install a cast crank. If you are using the engine as is or rebuilding stock you can use these parts from Brewers....

http://www.brewersperformance.com/proddetail.php?prod=PB5300

http://www.brewersperformance.com/proddetail.php?prod=FW211N
Some of those old RV engines had forged cranks but I would not bet on it. If it has a cast crank in it there isn't a real big issue using it. Don't expect 700hp out of it. You can get a Hughes Performance cam Its specifically made for low compression engines. The pistons will be well below deck and the compression ratio was somewhere between 7.5 and 8.5 they were not made for performance. They were made for grunt. I would not say that he needs to install a cast crank? Why would you go backwards.. If you mean performance wise a forged crank would be the way to go. If you get to the crank and you can see 440 embossed into a counterweight its a cast crank. Also there is a slight chance that it may have 6 pack rods.
 
I guess the real question is what are your expectations? Are you rebuilding it? What are your horse power goals?
 
I guess the real question is what are your expectations? Are you rebuilding it? What are your horse power goals?
i was going to try to leave it as is. Has about 50k on it. Of course needs a Car oil pan. I'm not looking for a monster Engine or anything right now. Just Something with decent power and I can use my 4 speed with. I would be content if I got 400 HP. The guy I might buy it from said Find some Closed chamber heads for it, bump compression up a bit. And go from there. More budget friendly would be best for now.
 
Many of the motor home 440's had the forged cranks well into the '70's. The crank can be drilled for the pilot bushing. Some 440 cranks are actually drilled for the pilot bushing but didn't have it installed.
 
i was going to try to leave it as is. Has about 50k on it. Of course needs a Car oil pan. I'm not looking for a monster Engine or anything right now. Just Something with decent power and I can use my 4 speed with. I would be content if I got 400 HP. The guy I might buy it from said Find some Closed chamber heads for it, bump compression up a bit. And go from there. More budget friendly would be best for now.
It may be drilled even with the cast crank.
Some are.
My 2 cents on the low comp. Motor home engine.
I am running one in my 67. With a 727 and 11inch chrysler converter .
I installed a comp cam and lifters with crane springs. It's a 474 lift aprox 224 duration at.50 , 110 center , I dont have the card in front of me.
Tri y headers , eddy performer dual plane , 800 thermo quad.
Pertronix ignition in a rebuilt dist.
Bottom end is all chrysler 1976 close to 40,000 on it cyl were nice with no ridge, pulled a rod and main cap , they looked great. Replaced the caps and didn't look back.
452 heads had good seats and guides so I did a light lap job on the valves and swapped the springs and seals.
Not sure of the hp or torque but it will roast the tires with the 3.23 sure grip and run 120mph.
I can buy fuel for it anyplace and no ping.
I love it. Great engine for low cost.
 
I ran a healthy big block with cast crank and 4 speed for years. Didn't drag race the car but did run it hard without issues. The guy I sold the car to drives it harder than I did snd still hasn't hurt it. I would sweat a cast crank for the use you describe.
 
Get it. Nothing wrong with the MH 440's. It will likely have heavy rods, a sewer drain type water pump housing ( that's a good thing), a double row timing chain & a forged crank. Swap out the rods for LY lighter weight ones, slap on a set of nice heads, have the basic machine work done to it, maybe punched out to .030 or .040 over, a dual plane intake and a 750-800 CFM carb, slip a Comp cam in there w/ lifters and burn rubber everywhere u go...

This was originally a MH 440...

20210630_102445.jpg
 
I have the chance to buy a low miles motorhome 440. I know it's low compression. But my question is, I have a BB 4 speed I'd like to use for it. But cast Cranks weren't drilled for pilot bushings. What would be my best thing to do. Find a forged crank and flywheel for it? Or Have the crank drilled for a pilot bushing?
May I ask what year ? I am working on a 1972 440 from a motorhome into a charger and was amazed when I took it apart 906 heads forged internals 6pack rods 11.3 to one compression so might be a good thing.
 
I have the chance to buy a low miles motorhome 440. I know it's low compression. But my question is, I have a BB 4 speed I'd like to use for it. But cast Cranks weren't drilled for pilot bushings. What would be my best thing to do. Find a forged crank and flywheel for it? Or Have the crank drilled for a pilot bushing?
I once bought and movie motor and it had the wrong crank flange to use with a car transmission. I would suggest checking on that first. It did have six pack rods though.
 
I once bought and movie motor and it had the wrong crank flange to use with a car transmission. I would suggest checking on that first
Luckily mine were the matched set dont if the 833 will work but I want to find out. May be an option in the future.
 
Get it. Nothing wrong with the MH 440's. It will likely have heavy rods, a sewer drain type water pump housing ( that's a good thing), a double row timing chain & a forged crank. Swap out the rods for LY lighter weight ones, slap on a set of nice heads, have the basic machine work done to it, maybe punched out to .030 or .040 over, a dual plane intake and a 750-800 CFM carb, slip a Comp cam in there w/ lifters and burn rubber everywhere u go...

This was originally a MH 440...

View attachment 1143111
Very nice btw
 
May I ask what year ? I am working on a 1972 440 from a motorhome into a charger and was amazed when I took it apart 906 heads forged internals 6pack rods 11.3 to one compression so might be a good thing.
1978 I believe he said.

UTG just made this video. Maybe this is a Sign lol

 
1978 I believe he said.

UTG just made this video. Maybe this is a Sign lol


Not saying wrong or right just saying when I ran the numbers this is what I have and its a 440 dont know if some messed with it along its 50 years to me Lol.
 
I once bought and movie motor and it had the wrong crank flange to use with a car transmission. I would suggest checking on that first. It did have six pack rods though.
Now for some good gas to make these old motors run.
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top