Author Topic: Cam and torque converter suggestions for street driven 440 Six Pack engine  (Read 2701 times)

Offline KillerBee

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Have been talking to an engine builder about getting a 440 Six Pack engine built for the wife's 1971 R/T Challenger.

The engine I plan on using is currently running/driving in another car but is smoking and blowing oil out the exhaust.
I'm planning on having the engine completely gone through.

I need to keep in mind this is for the wife to drive so the priority is a good running engine with excellent street manners instead of maximum performance. Having high lift/duration and big lumpy idle is not needed.



This is also the 1st automatic transmission car I've tinkered with in quite awhile, I have a fresh rebuilt 727 but no torque converter yet so I would like to determine a good cam and converter combination.

These are the parts I have to work with:

Engine is a stock bore 1966 440 with original 516 heads.
Plan is to go through the shortblock doing whatever overbore is needed, going with forged pistons keeping compression around 9.5 to 10-1 to be able to run pump gas.
Checking crank, new ARP rod bolts, bearings etc.

The 516 heads were gone through 10 plus years ago with bigger exhaust valves installed.
I'm sure they'll need gone through again.

Current cam is the MP .528 solid which is fairly new and ran good with the 4 speed and manual brakes but the engine has low vacuum either from the cam or the engine being tired or both.

Trans is a fresh rebuilt 727.

I'll start with the 3.73 Sure Grip currently in the 8 3/4 rear but I also have a 3.23 equipped third member if needed.

Six Pack setup is stock.

Will be using 1 7/8" headers, full 2 1/2" exhaust.

So I think my biggest decision is I think I want to try a milder hydraulic cam.
I would be willing to give up a top end performance for better low and mid range and better street drivability.
I read some post hear about modern split designs from Engle, Lunati and/or Comp Cams.
With the modern cam grinds and split durations I think I can do better than old school stock 440 Six Pack cam profiles.

Thanks for any suggestions and advice.


« Last Edit: May 10, 2015 - 10:23:47 PM by KillerBee »




Offline cudabob496

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along with folks here, I would talk with cam manufacturers
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline Chryco Psycho

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  • 70 Challenger R/T SE 70 tube Chassis Cuda now sold
Lunati VooDoo series
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lun-10230701lk basic RV cam or any converter
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lun-10230702lk or this one would work well with basically stock converter 1600 - 1800 stall
I would choose the second one personally

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline KillerBee

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Lunati VooDoo series
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lun-10230701lk basic RV cam or any converter
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lun-10230702lk or this one would work well with basically stock converter 1600 - 1800 stall
I would choose the second one personally


I like the 10230702LK Lunati cam.

I might give them a call.

Offline Strawdawg

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I like the 10230702LK Lunati cam.

I might give them a call.

that is an excellent cam for your needs :)

Offline cudabob496

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I would use a roller cam
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000