Torque Monster !

mbaird said
I know this subject has been raised before but it never gets really deep ....

I have a 78 Dodge C-Class with a 440.
What I have fantasized about is doing a stroker motor and an O.D trany for it.

How would you build it ?

What crank ? 4.15 or 4.25 ...
What Rods ? How does rod ratio play into torque and reliability ?
Bore ? I am thinking as little as possible to maintain wall thickness ..
Heads ... Stock MH heads with extra cooling passages or Aluminum ?
Pistons ? raised pistons domes to create quench using stock open chambers? Forged or Hypertechs ?
Rings ?
Coatings for heat dissipation ?
Exhaust ... headers or factory truck center dumps ? 3” dual.
Cam profile ?

Lets have a deep analysis of this .

DONT MENTION DIESELS. I KNOW THEY MAKE TORQUE .

@Wyrmrider I read your posts on Speedtalk and liked your input on a similar subject but that thread died quickly.

I will tell you about my RV engine build I am working on a 413-3. I like the heads on the 413 for center plug, cooling (sodium valves), and closed GIANT chambers. I also like them better for port velocity at part throttle with the smaller valves- ie improved mileage and throttle response at lower rpm.

Gonna have to have pistons made, but just below zero deck, original steel 413-3 head gaskets and that 413 chamber would be just below 9-1 but with squish/quench.

Depending on the year 413-3 was rated 445 @2400 or 407 @2000 torque. Combine the increase in compression, quench, and the Mike Jones RV cam - H440D64307 256°,202°@.050 .461 lift w/ 1.5 and I am estimating 500 torque peak at about 2500 rpm or so with headers, streetmaster intake, thermoquad, and good exhaust.

Class A travco, above mentioned 413, 518 trans w/ 618 internals, good converter, and 33" tire. Gear splits work well with 4.56 or 4.88 rear. I am shooting for 8-10 mpg while pulling a trailer with my dakota (or challenger) and small john boat.

In your 440, I would use the KB step pad design to get quench. Not sure if there is a stroker version though. Could have a forged one made similar, but would be more money. Just remember to set the ring gap to whatever they recommend for nitrous to give some protection for running hot.

Just my two cents, but I would not spend the money for the stroker kit or aluminum heads. Spend the money on building the trans to live and all the other stuff an old RV is going to need.

Plenty of torque on tap with the 413 or 440 with good quench and cam. I chose the 413 over 440 hoping to get better gas mileage and less likely to detonate due to the smaller piston diameter. Stroker and aluminum heads just seem like unnecessary money spend when Ma Mopar got everything right except for the compression and cam. Easy to change those. But, I have been told I am full of chit before. :)