Simple 440 build?

[bb71challenger]

I know this probably sounds desperate and it is kinda. I want to know what you guys think of doing a simple rebuild on a 68 440 for my 71 challenger. My desperate idea is to get the block machined and then buy a kit to rebuild the 440 and then as time and money allows I can make a stroker with my 400. Do you think I could get reliable service for a few years of street driving out of a rebuild with stock rods (new rod bolts for sure and resized rods if I have to), forged pistons and no balancing? New cam of course and I have a nice set of 906 heads with 2.14/1.88 valves. I am getting really low on funds but I would love to drive out on the new paint job with a new bullet also. Some suggestions please.

[Moparal]

Well what you just listed could be a simple 500 hp 446 or 452 out of that 440  ( .030 or .060) You making a 451 out of the 400?  Add a cam, carb and good intake to that 440. The rods hold that hp when built right.

[bb71challenger]

I am thinking of doing around a 500 or so with the 400 block. I dont know if it matters but I have heard the early 400 blocks are a better build choice than the later ones and mine is a 72. I plan on a close to .5 lift with dual plane rpm intake on the 440. My main concern is with the rods, by the time I have them resized and new bolts I could almost get a set of aftermarket rods. I am wondering if I am spinning the chamber playing russian roulette if I put new rod bolts on the stockers and go. The more money I save the better but I dont want to throw good money away by being too tight about a build on a nice 68 440 ribbed HP(375hp) block. BTW, I cannot even hang a fingernail on the steel crank that came out of the 440 so it should clean up really easy.

[72hemi]

The orignial rods should be just fine. My brother has a 440 in his challenger that we just put rings and bearings in with a intake and carb and I know how hard he is on cars and his is still holding together after I think 3 years now.

[moper]

I wouldnt use forged pistons if you dont plan to balance it. It puts things out of balance in the worst way possible. You can run an engine "overbalanced" pretty easy. That's when the counterweights are heavier than the reciprocating parts (pistons and small end of rods). If you really want to save $$, and the parts are servicable, maybe just ring and bearing the 440. Otherwise, do it right on a budget, and you'll have something to sell when you're ready to swap in the bigger one.