I need your opinion!

[drobertson]

I'm finally restoring my 73 Charger, and I can't decide what engine to build/buy.

It's originally a 318/727 car, and I know for sure I'm converting it to a 4 speed.

I do have a 440 block, but it's already .040 over, and I'm not too sure about using it. If I built the 440, I'd get a steel crank, some aftermarket rods, some 10:1 forged pistons, edelbrock rpm heads, rpm intake, fitech efi, some sort of performance camshaft, and tti headers leading into 2.5" dual tti exhaust w/ an h pipe.

Another option, which would be easier, is to buy a 408 stroker from blueprint. That way it's a drop in deal, without the headache of conversion mounts, water pump outlets, transmissions or bellhousings, and I could keep all my usual small block brackets for the A/C compressor and what not.

I guess what I'm asking is: would a 408 stroker be plenty to move a 73 Charger? does anybody here have experience with blueprints 408? Or should I build my 440? Thanks. - David.

 

[rumblefish360]

Yes, it would be enough cubes and the build behind it makes or breaks it so I went to a web site that built a small block stroker with a Hyd. roller cam with an intake duration of 228@.050. Which is small, very streetable, doesn't require a ton of converter and being a Hyd. roller cam, no valve lash settings to readjust. But a roller cam is expensive. Also at the same time, the return is good.
Check out the dyno numbers from this small cam'd 10-1 engine.
Click here; http://www.hughesengines.com/TechArticles/15restocruiser416stroker504hp.php

Talk to MRL about doing you a stroker engine. He is all Mopar all the time. Click here; http://m.mrlperformance.com/?url=http://www.mrlperformance.com/#2732

P.S. Use ether TTI headers and exhaust or Hooker Super Comp headers at 1-3/4 tube size. Excellent fit!!!!

 

[polywideblock]

my 340 roadrunner moves out just fine , I'd say go with the 408 and use the money saved to upgrade suspension etc

 

['73bird]

There are plenty of articles on building a very nice 440 on a low budget. So it might cost you less to build a 440 than to buy the other engine.

 

[rumblefish360]

True, possible. At least it is just the proper mounts and wire lengthening.
No worries on the driveshaft!

 

[drobertson]

True, possible. At least it is just the proper mounts and wire lengthening.
No worries on the driveshaft!

the 440 is really tempting because it just looks awesome. I think I'm going to build the 440.

 

[oldbee]

The 408 sounds pretty good for easy install; but, it still isn't a BB!!! My youngest has a 'Stang with a 410 SB but my 440 .030over is a 446. And we both know who has a BB..lol

 

[polywideblock]

don't forget the weight difference between a sb and a bb especially if you like to carve up the corners