Jersey Devil
Well-Known Member
You said, you wanted to replace your " worn out" 318... is the block bad? An old casting like that should have thicker walls. Seen a few 318s bored for 4" pistons...which makes things cheaper/ easier to find.
Worn out is wrong word.You said, you wanted to replace your " worn out" 318... is the block bad? An old casting like that should have thicker walls. Seen a few 318s bored for 4" pistons...which makes things cheaper/ easier to find.
If I knew how expensive machine work was... and I didn't have parts already, I would have went with a Big block. When it's all said and done my 390ci magnum small block will be ONLY about $1,000 less than a 520hp/550tq 440 crate engine.Worn out is wrong word.
Engine was bored and rebuilt but the cooling jackets were improperly cleaned. Example, Core plug above starter rotted thru after 10 years and 29K miles. Example, coolant filed with sealant.
Lots of little things done wrong.
Don't confidence in this motor.
Gas mileage is poor.
Cylinder walls look OK.
I just don't want to invest money into a 318 when I really want a big block.
If the car has to be off the road a few months, I don't give a damn.
I'm going to scrap the magnum idea. Thanks everyone for their input! Ben
And that’s a great idea! 383 or 400 is the best solution! I love my 340’s but to me it makes no sense to put that much money into an engine to wish you had done it differently
440 is at Ballos Machine shop as of last Tuesday.If I knew how expensive machine work was... and I didn't have parts already, I would have went with a Big block. When it's all said and done my 390ci magnum small block will be ONLY about $1,000 less than a 520hp/550tq 440 crate engine.
I'd pay the $1,000, just for the amount iof options available, that aren't for the magnum SB.Magnum builds are basically all the same.

Street motor. Dropped off a week ago.Good luck with the 440.
Do you have your build plans set? How wild are you planning?
NICE, Since you dropped of the heads... getting them ported? from what I found stock would be the limiting factor. Seen good flow numbers from ported 915 posted on here.Street motor. Dropped off a week ago.
1966 B440 Block, 915 heads, and stock forged steel crank are at machine shop.
Awaiting clean up, magnaflux, and measurements.
Roller Cam is planned. Maybe 9.7:1 compression.
YES to porting. Have not heard from machine shop on magnaflux.NICE, Since you dropped of the heads... getting them ported? from what I found stock would be the limiting factor. Seen good flow numbers from ported 915 posted on here.
915 head porting/flow numbers
My Mopar Big Block Performance book has builds in it. Ported stock heads with 2.14 int/ 1.81" exh. Valves on a 440 with the old 509 mopar camshaft pushes an A body into the 11s. And high 400s<500hp range. I would use a newer cam and make more HP WITH More TQ.YES to porting. Have not heard from machine shop on magnaflux.
Machine shop is supposed to get back with me tomorrow.My Mopar Big Block Performance book has builds in it. Ported stock heads with 2.14 int/ 1.81" exh. Valves on a 440 with the old 509 mopar camshaft pushes an A body into the 11s. And high 400s<500hp range. I would use a newer cam and make more HP WITH More TQ.
How much does it cost to have the heads done, porting / bigger valves?? I never had heads done, but wonder if it's easier/cheaper ( in the long run) to get aluminum aftermarket heads. I like the idea of loosing 50lbs+ off the front end.
$650 for port/bowl blendMy Mopar Big Block Performance book has builds in it. Ported stock heads with 2.14 int/ 1.81" exh. Valves on a 440 with the old 509 mopar camshaft pushes an A body into the 11s. And high 400s<500hp range. I would use a newer cam and make more HP WITH More TQ.
How much does it cost to have the heads done, porting / bigger valves?? I never had heads done, but wonder if it's easier/cheaper ( in the long run) to get aluminum aftermarket heads. I like the idea of loosing 50lbs+ off the front end.
I never had stock heads ported/rebuilt...but I think machine shops are out of control. I can only see spending that on a # numbers matching 440 6-pack or hemi.$650 for port/bowl blend
$200 for valve guides
$200 for seats to expand exhaust valve size
$220 to buy new valves/keepers/retainers
Then springs
Probably $1500 to do a pair of stock non HP 915 big block heads