What makes a 440 a magnum?

[440 PHIXX]

440 PHIXX: Why do you think the HP is "funny"? I wouldn't say the HP is "magical", but it's stamped on my engine, which has not yet been rebuilt (it's in for rebuild now, after 178,283 miles). Actually, I never knew the stamping was there until I began disassembly to pull the engine out for the rebuild. I highlighted the stamping on the pad with chalk for a better photo.

It’s just a stamp a line worker did. I do it now and then as well. Lately I’ve been engraving. My point was, it means nothing in respect to what is inside the engine a lot of times 50 some years later.

 

[69 Charger]

It’s just a stamp a line worker did. I do it now and then as well. Lately I’ve been engraving. My point was, it means nothing in respect to what is inside the engine a lot of times 50 some years later.

As I mentioned, I am the original owner and the engine has never been out of the car until I pulled it for rebuild. Makes no sense to me that a line worker at the factory would stamp something that means nothing. All the other parts of the stamp (E = 1969, 63 = 383 HP engine, 1 22 = Built on 22 Jan 69) mean something according to the Chrysler codes, and HP for the 335 hp "high performance" version of the 383. My original question was why, if I have what is defined as a "Magnum" engine I have no special designation on the original air cleaner cover as so many others I've seen. It isn't a big deal. I was just curious.

 

[440 4 speed]

HP stamped engines had a different cam and high flow/performance exhaust manifolds.

 

[440 PHIXX]

As I mentioned, I am the original owner and the engine has never been out of the car until I pulled it for rebuild. Makes no sense to me that a line worker at the factory would stamp something that means nothing. All the other parts of the stamp (E = 1969, 63 = 383 HP engine, 1 22 = Built on 22 Jan 69) mean something according to the Chrysler codes, and HP for the 335 hp "high performance" version of the 383. My original question was why, if I have what is defined as a "Magnum" engine I have no special designation on the original air cleaner cover as so many others I've seen. It isn't a big deal. I was just curious.

I didn’t mean your case, or every case. After all these years... you can’t go by stamped letters on a pad as to what is inside the engine. I have two F440 engines, one stamped HP the other stamped HP2. The both have forged pistons, installed at a rebuild. No 383 or 440 ever came with forged pistons. They all had cast pistons.

This car sold on BAT recently.

1969 Plymouth Road Runner A12 440+6 4-Speed

The guy owned the car 11 years. So I’d think he knew a bit about it. But in the comments he says the engine is an “HP2” casting. It’s just a 440 block that got stamped HP2.

 

[440 4 speed]

I didn’t mean your case, or every case. After all these years... you can’t go by stamped letters on a pad as to what is inside the engine. I have two F440 engines, one stamped HP the other stamped HP2. The both have forged pistons, installed at a rebuild. No 383 or 440 ever came with forged pistons. They all had cast pistons.

This car sold on BAT recently.

1969 Plymouth Road Runner A12 440+6 4-Speed

The guy owned the car 11 years. So I’d think he knew a bit about it. But in the comments he says the engine is an “HP2” casting. It’s just a 440 block that got stamped HP2.View attachment 1339315

Isn’t HP2 the second shift?

 

[Dave6T4]

I ordered the car with the 383 engine, 4-speed, and without A/C (installed later). I don't remember if I specified the high-performance version. The dealer order form just says "383 4 bbl". I have the Carter AVS carb, and the engine was always orange.

Definitely a 335 horse Magnum. It would have the better cam and a windage tray between oil pan and block.

 

[440 4 speed]

As I mentioned, I am the original owner and the engine has never been out of the car until I pulled it for rebuild. Makes no sense to me that a line worker at the factory would stamp something that means nothing. All the other parts of the stamp (E = 1969, 63 = 383 HP engine, 1 22 = Built on 22 Jan 69) mean something according to the Chrysler codes, and HP for the 335 hp "high performance" version of the 383. My original question was why, if I have what is defined as a "Magnum" engine I have no special designation on the original air cleaner cover as so many others I've seen. It isn't a big deal. I was just curious.

Could it possibly be that Coronet’s had magnum pie tins and Chargers didn’t or maybe never got installed? Maybe got lost on the way.

 

[440 PHIXX]

Isn’t HP2 the second shift?

Yes.

 

[Big Bad Dad]

My 67 Coronet R/T has the original engine that had never been apart until I tore into it in 1987 or so. It does not have the windage tray that is mentioned. I assume those must have started in 68 or 69. As for the 440 Magnum emblems, the R/Ts did not have them in 67, but they came on Chargers. However, I like the look of them, so I added them to my car. Most people don't know they are not original...(Present company excepted! LOL)