Thinking about a Big Block

[73challenger_TN]

I have a lead on a 440 and I'm thinking about building it for my Challenger. If i did a pretty mild build with KB pistons, 440source stealth heads, decent sized cam .500ish?, and a dual plane intake how much of a difference would there be from my 360? I'd like to run low 12s is this possible? Is there a waterpump that I can use my SB radiator? I don't want to have to buy another one. I would get my PTC convertor redone for this motor.

[Chryco Psycho]

no issue making a 440 run in the low 12s
I highly recommend using a good forged piston , the cost difference is only $200 & the gaskets would cost that
 I can help you order a cam that will make the power you want
honestly I would spend the $$ on a 440 source stroker kit & build a 512 CI , it will cost about the same or less as rebuilding the old parts anyway
 The radiator is iffy , how big is the rad now ?
 you really need a triple core 22" minimum for a big block , 26 " better obviously

[71chally416]

It's not hard to get a 360 to do low 12's. The small block Challengers do low 11's in NHRA stock eliminator with regularity with stock heads, even the 360 Dakota trucks. What's your current combination and what does it do now?

[73challenger_TN]

I might go forged so I can run a little spray if the need ever arises. I'm not sure if I will be getting it or not its a thought. Everybody seems to think I'll mess up my car if I build a better motor for my car(big block or small block).So I also was thinking about building a nice motor and just buying a junky car to put it in. I mean my car runs pretty good now. It'll roast them pretty good! It's just never enough. I was looking at building a 408 stroker with a 360 roller block. My radiator is a aluminum northern radiator. I'm not sure what size it is. What extra gaskets would I need for KB pistons? I'm confused...

[422STROKER]

How are you going to mess up your car?  As long as it is mechanically sound you should be fine.  Subframe connectors would help too.

What is it going now in the 1/8 or 1/4?

A budget 360 done in one of the mags a few years ago ran mid 12's no spray.  Something like the Budget built Short Block series or something like that.  Gears and tires along with some revs too.

Tom

[71chally416]

There's a good buildup article on the Dynamic Convertor site. 360 '74 Challenger Rally that does mid 12's with 3.55 gears, a .441" lift Summit cam and 1.88" valve heads. Scroll down to the yellow line and the SB article.
>http://dynamicconverters.com/news.htm

[422STROKER]

Thats the article, great info in there.

Tom

[Chryco Psycho]

All I was saying is if there is a piston problem just the gasket set to tear the engine down & reassemble it would cost more then the extra cost of buying a forged piston in the first place