slowram
New Member
Hey all, long time listener first time caller here.
I recently picked up a '77 440 motor and a 727 both out of a motor home. Seller said it had around 60k miles on it. It's a strong runner, cranks evenly, no abnormal noises etc, and I have yet to find any sign of internal damage. Poked my bore scope in all 8 cylinders and they all look beautiful, however I see it's got the low compression pistons in it. Doing some reading around here and other forums, it looks like the overall lack of compression is going to be my limiting factor. I'd like to tune this engine up a little (new carb, intake, headers, etc) But I'm not sure how far in I should go.
This engine/tranny combo is going in my '87 D150. Originally had a 360/727 but It was a complete dog, well over 250k bone stock and was starting to make some scary noises lol. I'm not trying to make crazy power or anything with the 440. Just trying to revamp this motor and have a cool sporty little truck to cruise in (Yes, I know it's not a B body but this forum seems much more active than the others I've been on haha).
What I'd like to know is if I'm wasting my time tuning up this "dump truck motor?" Are the "bolt on" upgrades going to be worthwhile without doing something to bump up my compression? I've also had a buddy suggest putting a different cam in it (such as a comp 969-4565 which is advertised to work with lower compression ratios and get a little more torque out of it) but I'd like to get opinions from some of you guys that have worked on a bunch of these engines. Like I said I'm just looking for something sporty for cruising that can spin the tires here and there.
Thanks for any suggestions! I look forward to sharing the build here.
I recently picked up a '77 440 motor and a 727 both out of a motor home. Seller said it had around 60k miles on it. It's a strong runner, cranks evenly, no abnormal noises etc, and I have yet to find any sign of internal damage. Poked my bore scope in all 8 cylinders and they all look beautiful, however I see it's got the low compression pistons in it. Doing some reading around here and other forums, it looks like the overall lack of compression is going to be my limiting factor. I'd like to tune this engine up a little (new carb, intake, headers, etc) But I'm not sure how far in I should go.
This engine/tranny combo is going in my '87 D150. Originally had a 360/727 but It was a complete dog, well over 250k bone stock and was starting to make some scary noises lol. I'm not trying to make crazy power or anything with the 440. Just trying to revamp this motor and have a cool sporty little truck to cruise in (Yes, I know it's not a B body but this forum seems much more active than the others I've been on haha).
What I'd like to know is if I'm wasting my time tuning up this "dump truck motor?" Are the "bolt on" upgrades going to be worthwhile without doing something to bump up my compression? I've also had a buddy suggest putting a different cam in it (such as a comp 969-4565 which is advertised to work with lower compression ratios and get a little more torque out of it) but I'd like to get opinions from some of you guys that have worked on a bunch of these engines. Like I said I'm just looking for something sporty for cruising that can spin the tires here and there.
Thanks for any suggestions! I look forward to sharing the build here.
