1972 Charger Engine build 400-500 or 440-512

[L0G4N]

Hello, I purchased a 1972 Dodge charger in October. It originally came with a 318( not with the car anymore), has a 400 in it at the moment and also has a 440 sitting in my garage.

I've been craving to have the 440 bored and stroked to 512 for sometime now, but I have heard that the 400s have a much faster revving engine which I like the idea of.

What my question is, what would be a better engine a 400 bored and stroked to 500ci or my 440 bored and stroked to 512.

This car will be used about 4.5 days a week mainly to class/work and to hang with my friends. I will occasionally use it at a drag strip near me and am wanting high 10s if possible maybe 11s.

Also which would be a cheaper build? I have heard when building a 400 the parts are more specialty.

 

[Wookie316]

I have a 400/511. I love it. Depending what intake you run you gain close to an inch that you can go up because the 440 being a taller deck height.
I can run a single plane Indy manifold and drop base air cleaner and still fit under a bulge hood. I don't think I could do that with a 440 because it is that close.
Either combo is great and Stroker kits are the same no matter which block you choose.
511 stroke is better than a 500 in a 400 because of the pin and oil control ring. The 500 uses a longer rod than the 511.
That may not matter to you though?

 

[L0G4N]

I've heard that in order to fit the 512 or 511 as your said, you have to modify the oil pan of some such thing. Also I've heard that on the 512 stroker it can wear out the engine faster. Looking for reliability

 

[Xp29h]

I'm in the process of stroking the 400 I just got. I'm going with the 470 kit most likely. My car will be street use more than anything. I haven't fully decided yet. However the 400 will fit under the hood as the 440 RB block probably would not if I were to use a higher rise intake. I personally want to keep the same hood.

I have researched parts for the 400 and there are plenty available. You do have to look. I'm not sure if I'll go to 440source.com to get my stroker kit, but they are all priced pretty equal.

Good luck!

 

[L0G4N]

So, what would the longevity of the 400 bored AND stroked to 512 be? vs the 440 bored AND stroked?

 

[Xp29h]

Good question. Both blocks really tough. I'm going to say depends on machine work and build. If done correctly with extra care and tedious work, either would be fine. However if they're slapped together by someone who isn't 100% positive about things you might get lucky or might not. More likely not. A lot of variables to truly give a definitive answer, I think.

Oh I didn't even get to good quality parts!

 

[HT413]

Check out my budget 400/451 thread. Big thing I learned from the resident experts is that the caps are the weakest link. A lot of guys recommended I use billet caps and even cross drill them for extra rigidity. Most agree the 400 block is the most rigid, but will that really make a difference, especially if you use the billet cross drilled caps? I dunno.

 

[L0G4N]

Pictures of my car. It needs some loving, but will be a great car one day!

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This is the thread that kinda worries me about doing the 400/512. They talk about the piston rock lowering reliability. Thoughts?

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopar...0-Block-512-Stroker-V-s-440-Block-512-Stroker

 

[L0G4N]

So would the piston rock be a big enough reason not to do the 400/512?

 

[Wookie316]

I think if you warm engine up to operating temp you will be fine. I have mine apart right now with 1200 miles on it and it still looks like new.
It's apart because I am doing a new top end on it. I thought I'd strip it right down and inspect things since I have all winter now.
FYI my 400/511 pulls my 4500 pound boat real hard.

Ran best of 12.88 @ 111mph.

With the bigger cam, taller gear and better breathing heads I should be mid to low 11's no problem next year.

 

[L0G4N]

So what would be the benefit from going with the 400 over the 440?

Also what kind of power do you get from your 400/511?

 

[Wookie316]

Right now 513/608 but with the head and cam swap I am hoping 640 +.
400 is an 1" lower more under hood room.

 

[L0G4N]

Right now 513/608 but with the head and cam swap I am hoping 640 +.
400 is an 1" lower more under hood room.

513 Torque 608 HP?

then 640 Torque and 400 HP?

 

[Wookie316]

513 HP 608 Ft/lbs.

 

[L0G4N]

One thing i just found is that paxton superchargers only fit on sb mopar or only the 440. So the 400 would not be able to be supercharged. Would it even be safe/beneficial to supercharge a bored and stroked 440?

 

[Wookie316]

Indy Makes a Mod Manifold that fits the 383/400 which will take a supercharger.

 

[HT413]

One thing i just found is that paxton superchargers only fit on sb mopar or only the 440. So the 400 would not be able to be supercharged. Would it even be safe/beneficial to supercharge a bored and stroked 440?

Just wondering, does this include the centrifugal super chargers that mount down low?

 

[L0G4N]

http://www.paxtonauto.com/product.php?id=266

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Wookie316 could you link me to the website for the indy mod manifold?

 

[Wookie316]

It's pretty new. Just out this year

http://www.indyheads.com/modman.html

 

[L0G4N]

I'm still new to this, so which one would I choose for the 400?