Do i need a girdle.

[aussiewannabee69]

Hey guys as the title suggests just trying to figure out if I need a girdle.
69 coronet
440 stroked to 500
6 pack induction

Not after massive HP but want a torquey ride. Am just about to start the engine build soon so I want to do it right.
If i need a girdle I will build around that.

Street car with a lot heavy footed starts.

Cheers.

 

[ruffcut]

It's alays been my understanding, a 440 block is capable of handling about 600 HP. If you think you'll be above that, maybe a girdle. You can also ceramic fill the lower portion of the water jacket for more rigidity.

 

[Green72]

No you don't

 

[RemCharger]

400cfm heads, .750 roller, 7600rpms,,, ya I'd think about a girdle.
Putzing around with a mild cam a stock port heads with the 6 pack choke point intake at 5500-6000.... wouldn't think about it.

 

[kiwigtx]

I'm just glad this was nothing to do with an addiction to pies.

 

[Dave6T4]

Send us a picture of yourself, and then we will decide. LOL

 

[ruffcut]

 

[SeabeckRedneck]

If your wife ever asks you that, quickly and confidently say "No, what are you talking about?". Then quickly change the subject or fake a heart attack or stroke...

 

[aussiewannabee69]

So it turns out during my recent interstate move ive somehow misplaced my main caps. I will now need to get new main caps and get it machined to suit. im just gonna get billet main caps and use a girdle. I just know in the future I will want to put a blower on it or do something silly.

 

[426s martin]

Recently built a 500 stroker with 440 source kit, their stock heads roller hydraulic cam com cam 24-601-11---morel lifters 1.5 rockers 10 to 1 compression stock 6 pack set up ---636 Tq 545 Hp--- Just to let you know what that will get you. No girdle

 

[Rebelrouser]

I usually don't install a girdle at that HP level. 650HP is the line I use. But it would not really hurt but you already have the engine together, you should really check the line bore after installing the girdle. I look at it like this factory engineers designed this block for what 400HP, so what percentage are over building the block? number 2 main cap is usually where they break. I have done aftermarket main caps, with a girdle and concrete in the block, at the 700HP and above they will break you are just delaying when it happens. And then again, I have guys running 750PH and have used the same block for years.

 

[aussiewannabee69]

Recently built a 500 stroker with 440 source kit, their stock heads roller hydraulic cam com cam 24-601-11---morel lifters 1.5 rockers 10 to 1 compression stock 6 pack set up ---636 Tq 545 Hp--- Just to let you know what that will get you. No girdle



View attachment 2047562

View attachment 2047563

Oh sweet, mine will be nearly the same set up but i will be running trick flow 240s though.

 

[aussiewannabee69]

I usually don't install a girdle at that HP level. 650HP is the line I use. But it would not really hurt but you already have the engine together, you should really check the line bore after installing the girdle. I look at it like this factory engineers designed this block for what 400HP, so what percentage are over building the block? number 2 main cap is usually where they break. I have done aftermarket main caps, with a girdle and concrete in the block, at the 700HP and above they will break you are just delaying when it happens. And then again, I have guys running 750PH and have used the same block for years.

Yeah well I think the same. Cant hurt. And while its apart and going to the machinist anyway I may aswell get it done.

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

You absolutely don't need a girdle on what you're dealing with, but if you decide to buy one I would recommend a BRC Products girdle.

Caps and Girdle System

I have one of them on another engine of mine. Very nice product.

Tom

 

[aussiewannabee69]

I agree that I definitely dont need one now, what im saying is since I have to get it machined for new main caps I may as well future proof it by doing the girdle. I know I wont be able to keep the same set up for ever.
Ok sweet I will check them out. Cheers

You absolutely don't need a girdle on what you're dealing with, but if you decide to buy one I would recommend a BRC Products girdle.

Caps and Girdle System

I have one of them on another engine of mine. Very nice product.

View attachment 2047639

Tom

 

[451Mopar]

I have the BCR aluminum main caps and 1/2" thick girdle on my 400 engine stroked 4.15" (around 499 cid), but running CNC Victor MW heads around 400 CFM, with a 0.726" lift solid roller cam, 12.4:1 compression, and 6,500+ RPM.

I don't think a girdle is needed on a 600 hp or under engine build, but the 1/4" 440 Source version makes a nice windage tray spacer when using the molded plastic 4.15" windage tray on a 4.25" stroker engine, and the kit comes with all the main stud and girdle/oil pan hardware.

 

[426s martin]

iOh sweet, mine will be nearly the same set up but i will be running trick flow 240s though.

builder said trick flows would add about 20 to 30 HP----- mine are stock 440 source --- no porting or manifold matching.

 

[aussiewannabee69]

builder said trick flows would add about 20 to 30 HP----- mine are stock 440 source --- no porting or manifold matching.

Ok cool, thanks for the heads up.just looking forward to getting to get it together now