I'm planning to rebuild a 440 engine to install in my 70 Challenger. The 440 was in a 78 Dodge pick-up an was cast in 1977. The only identification stamped on the engine is on the upper ID pad. The lower pad is totally blank. The upper pad shows:8T440 E in the top line. The bottom line shows: 7 19 , then what looks like a poorly stamped maltese cross, then an X. The cross and X are in approximately 3/16" size characters.
My service manual describes the cross and X as indicating under-size journals, either crank mains or rods. It further states that the cross and x , when present are in 3/8" characters and that the #3 crank counter weight will be marked showing what journals are undersized. I measured both rod and crank journals and they are: Crank @ 2.750, all the same size and the rod journals @ 2.375, all the same. The guy that bought the engine new says that it has never been overhauled. What is the pad telling me? Please help! PK
