Sabre_3
Member
Hello Everyone,
It's Been a while since I've posted updates on my Motorhome 440 Big Block.
Since I am a complete novice with a passion for MOPAR; l'm gonna need all the guidance and advice I can get.
Here are My Goals:
1. Build a "happy" reliable B-Body cruiser to drive around: "Happy" B-Body,440 Big-Block, A833 Manual Trans and 8-3/4 rear end with street-able gears
2. Apply my technical knowledge, attention to detail and resources to restore a B-Body MOPAR. I have my eye on a few (See attached pictures): this one particularly: 1968 Coronet 500.
3. Acquire necessary equipment, materials and knowledge base over time to achieve Goal#1 (above).
Here's where we set:
1. Brief Recap of Current Status:
- Power Plant Acquisition - 10/19/19: bought, at risk, a salvaged motorhome 440 from a local Craigslist add (see pictures below). She was rough, locked up and had her initial issues; however, with patience and a lot of research - we got her to make full 360 degree rotations without destroying anything.
- Machine Shop Prep - after purchasing reference literature like "How to Rebuild Big-Block MOPAR Engines" - By Don Taylor, "How to Rebuild the Big-Block MOPAR" - By Arvid Svendson and " How to Build Max-Performance Big-Blocks" - By Andy Finkbeiner and reading through these books numerous times; I felt confident enough to begin the methodical teardown, inventory and catalog of my pre-owned 440 Big-Block. It took me about a year to inventory, catalog, understand, research and assess my $190 investment.
-Pre Machine Shop Assessment - Got Lucky! Low Mileage 1978 440 with "good potential" (tons of photos - I selected the highlights).
2. Off to the Machine Shop - it took me almost 3 years to get to this point, but nonetheless, we're here! Scope of Work: general and overall block assessment by a highly recommend local machine shop, magnaflux, align hone, deck mill, cylinder overbore (unfortunately - cylinder rust in cyls 2 & 7) New cam bearings, crank bearings, pistons (unfortunately), rotating assembly balance...etc.
3. Now we wait....- while the block and rotating assembly is in the machine shop, I am in the process of acquiring missing parts and components. Purchased a Holly used "re-buildable" 750 CFM 4160 Carb, Points Distributor, rocker arms and rockers... Etc. B-Body car is on the radar screen. I'm saving for that purchase in the future!
I'll do my best to keep everyone posted on this ride with meaningful information and pictures.
Guidance and advice to achieve my goals (above) are welcome!
Thank you all,
Semper Fi,
Sabre_3
It's Been a while since I've posted updates on my Motorhome 440 Big Block.
Since I am a complete novice with a passion for MOPAR; l'm gonna need all the guidance and advice I can get.
Here are My Goals:
1. Build a "happy" reliable B-Body cruiser to drive around: "Happy" B-Body,440 Big-Block, A833 Manual Trans and 8-3/4 rear end with street-able gears
2. Apply my technical knowledge, attention to detail and resources to restore a B-Body MOPAR. I have my eye on a few (See attached pictures): this one particularly: 1968 Coronet 500.
3. Acquire necessary equipment, materials and knowledge base over time to achieve Goal#1 (above).
Here's where we set:
1. Brief Recap of Current Status:
- Power Plant Acquisition - 10/19/19: bought, at risk, a salvaged motorhome 440 from a local Craigslist add (see pictures below). She was rough, locked up and had her initial issues; however, with patience and a lot of research - we got her to make full 360 degree rotations without destroying anything.
- Machine Shop Prep - after purchasing reference literature like "How to Rebuild Big-Block MOPAR Engines" - By Don Taylor, "How to Rebuild the Big-Block MOPAR" - By Arvid Svendson and " How to Build Max-Performance Big-Blocks" - By Andy Finkbeiner and reading through these books numerous times; I felt confident enough to begin the methodical teardown, inventory and catalog of my pre-owned 440 Big-Block. It took me about a year to inventory, catalog, understand, research and assess my $190 investment.
-Pre Machine Shop Assessment - Got Lucky! Low Mileage 1978 440 with "good potential" (tons of photos - I selected the highlights).
2. Off to the Machine Shop - it took me almost 3 years to get to this point, but nonetheless, we're here! Scope of Work: general and overall block assessment by a highly recommend local machine shop, magnaflux, align hone, deck mill, cylinder overbore (unfortunately - cylinder rust in cyls 2 & 7) New cam bearings, crank bearings, pistons (unfortunately), rotating assembly balance...etc.
3. Now we wait....- while the block and rotating assembly is in the machine shop, I am in the process of acquiring missing parts and components. Purchased a Holly used "re-buildable" 750 CFM 4160 Carb, Points Distributor, rocker arms and rockers... Etc. B-Body car is on the radar screen. I'm saving for that purchase in the future!
I'll do my best to keep everyone posted on this ride with meaningful information and pictures.
Guidance and advice to achieve my goals (above) are welcome!
Thank you all,
Semper Fi,
Sabre_3
