440 to stroke or not to stroke??

[1969Fish]

I have been reading numerous forums after buyin my first rebuild project. I know it's gonna be a 440 car, however, when readin these forums a lot of guys say there is no reason not to stroke it. Most use the kits from 440source and Mancini.

The reason they say there is no reason not to is because when you goto buy decent pistons, rods and such for your 440cui your not far from the price of just throwing in a stroker kit and have way more cubes and equally more power.

I've been around mopars and drag racing all my life but this is the first time that I am putting one together for myself so I'm just curious of your alls thoughts on it.

Thanx!

 

[dartcuda1]

First what do you want to do.There are many combos out there and many starting points.If you want things to go right you need a combination.It,s not just stroke a n engine and go.You have to give more info on what you want to build. Mark

 

[1969Fish]

It's gonna be a street/strip car. Just wanting to get the best setup and power for the money. I'm not wanting to look back and say I wished I had done something different.

It's a 69 cuda fastback it will be mini tubbed and leaning towards caltracs to help with traction. Would really like to be in the mid 11s somewhere. Does that help any?

 

[oldkimmer]

................A stock stroke 440 will get mid 11s no problem..............kim.....

 

[dodge freak]

I'm so old I recall when the common thinking was the 440 was a good engine but had too much stroke to really rev

But those were all street cars, not drag cars

If you were drag racing it, then I would say more CI might be a good thing. Not all agree since it cost more to build and still safety rev to 7,500-8,000 rpm

Laugh about gas mileage but 9--11 mpg is still better then 7-8 mpg, over 10% better. I would not stroke the engine unless it was for mostly drag racing. 440 is still a big engine, get a great set of heads and the right cam and gear it right, it be a fun fun ride

 

[1969Fish]

K. Thanx for the input, like I said I'm just looking at my options and tryin to learn the most before I dive in head first!