Number matching motor confirmed!!!

[43tutor]

I finally confirmed the 400 for my car is truly number matching. I had been originally looking in the wrong spot and didn't find any stamping, so I thought the motor was maybe a warranty replacement motor. After some further research I discovered the numbers should be near the pan rail. Sure enough, under the grime and gunt, there it was the magic number I had been searching for, a perfect match.:headbang:

My car came with a 76 440 installed and the 400 came with the car.

Now I'm in the process of a complete under hood restoration. My original plan was to rebuild the 440 and install it back into the car. Now I'm wondering if I should rebuild the 400 and install it back into the car or just save it. The 400 turns over easily so I don't anticipate any major issues. I would do a complete tear down and bring it back to original specs. However, I would like to install a 4 barrel in place of the 2 barrel and install a dual snorkel air cleaner.

I'm looking for some feedback from the group. Build the 440 or the 400? The car will only be driven to car shows and events, less then 1000 miles a year.

 

[tallhair]

Congratulations Mopar brother i know you are pretty damn stoked and I'm happy for you. Do what suites your budget and what you want to drive and dream about. If you go with the 440 and decide to sell later down the road you have the matching motor. If you feel like building the matching motor that's cool to.

If you've got the the cash you can build the 440 like you want it, oil up the 400's cylinders etc, put it on a cheap craig's list stand, paint it up and show it off to whoever comes over. WIN WIN

 

[HT413]

Take the best heads from the two, take the 440 crank, turn it down and throw it in the 400 for a 451 stroker. You have all the pieces (just about) right in your garage.

 

[Meep-Meep]

That's always good news. When I bought my 68 RR back in 82 it had a rebuilt 383 installed and some greasy lump came with it if I wanted it. Back then I was all about parts so I took it because it was there and not so much that it was the numbers matching engine and tranny. This is one case where collecting junk if you will paid off.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I ain't a big numbers guy, but that's really cool.

 

[sublimegtx]

Great news, congrats. My favorite numbers are tq and hp

 

[Budnicks]

Take the best heads from the two, take the 440 crank, turn it down {the crankshaft counter weights radius need to be turned down to appr. 7.125", the main journals need to be turned down to B-Low Block specs also, pistons will be slightly more $$$ too, but well worth it} and throw it in the 400 for a 451 stroker. You have all the pieces (just about) right in your garage.

not a bad idea at all :iamwithstupid: .. especially if you want to have the power of the 440 {or more} in a slightly lighter/smaller package, have it look original & have the original block too, WIN WIN....

 

[440+6]

That's great, I'm happy for you, numbers matching car is only good for resale (wich is something to consider), just do what you really want.
I do like the stroker idea though.

 

[Pistol Pete]

I'd stroke the original motor. It's not like you're half filling the block or anything that's not reversible and it'll be a blast to drive.

 

[43tutor]

Thanks for replies. I like the stroker idea. I'll do some checking on kits, etc... I do want the car to appear stock but it would be nice to pack some goodies inside the 400. I do want to keep it driveable. One goal is to make sure if some young kid in a rice rocket pulls next to me, I'll open the cut-outs, and then hit the go fast pedal and make sure the old Mopar can stand tall and eat some rice for lunch.