Main Caps:

[Dart 440]

We'll be getting together with my machinist and collect parts to start build of my 493 stroker. Looking to go with Mancini Stroker Kit. Have Stage 6 Heads.

Anyone use 440 Source Aluminum Main Caps?? Price is right, Any Comments??
Thanks,

 

[66fs]

I'd use your original caps. I only know one guy who ran Aluminum main caps in a 440 and I was not impressed with the longevity of that motor. He was making a lot of power and it was in a heavy car. Just my impression. If I was going to all the expense of messing with main caps I'd go high strength steel, cross bolted like 426 Hemis.

 

[bOb shingler]

get ahold of earthmover, he has my steel cross bolted mega block caps and bolts.

 

[kenny b]

5 years on Source aluminum caps and girdle. 512 stoker kit. No problems so far and I don't think there will be in the future.

Kenny B

 

[bOb shingler]

I talked to earthmover yesterday and he said he still has them and to get in touch with him.

 

[moper]

In the right application, the caps are the sacrificial members... If you're making big power (like REAL big - 750+) then the block is not going to live too long without some help. Steel caps transfer all the force to the main webbing, which is the weakest spot on the Mopar big blocks. Aluminum caps absorb and dampen those harmonics extending the life of the rest oft he engine. Aluminum rods could also be used in place of caps, but at those levels either you do what you can, or you get a better block. If you're looking at the typical stroker - factory steel caps are fine, but use studs to keep them stable. In my opinion, "needing" a girdle means you really need a better block.

 

[Dart 440]

Cant see putting additional holes into block skirt for cross bolted mains., mucho dinero for added machine work, very few shops get it done correctly. Skirt and main webs weak point on RB motor. Aluminum caps dampen the forces that the crank exerts on the bottom end. Less pounding on the main webs.

Looking around 700+ ponies, Aluminum caps and ARP studs are for me. Just needed advice on the 440 Source pieces. I know BRK and Program engineering make them as well.

Any reviews on quality appreciated.

Thanks, Dart 440

 

[moper]

Gotcha. I have not personally used them - I have used Program before... But I'd say they're fine. The finish machining doesn't have to be great as they get fit to the block anyway.

 

[440dartsport]

It sounds like you have your mind made up with the aluminum main caps but In my opinion they are not needed. I am making over 760 hp with a 500" RB with stock main caps. I'm running a Hughes girdle and that is all. It has been spun to 7200 rpm many many times and even as high as 7600 rpm with no issues yet..

 

[famous bob]

it sounds like you have your mind made up with the aluminum main caps but in my opinion they are not needed. I am making over 760 hp with a 500" rb with stock main caps. I'm running a hughes girdle and that is all. It has been spun to 7200 rpm many many times and even as high as 7600 rpm with no issues yet..

new a guy that had a 440 stroker, (big h.p.), he had to go to alum. Main caps to keep it together. He didn`t run a girdle tho. The girdle will work better on the mopar big blocks than any other engine, highly recommended for big h.p. Check hughs website.