Which 440 was the best to build?

[challenger_73]

Hello all,
I don't know much about Chrysler Big Blocks. I found a 440 that I'm thinking about buying from a friend of mine. I'm in the process of getting the casting numbers off of the block. Could anyone tell me what was the best 440 to build? Years? Magnum? Super Commando? Any advice would be appreciated.

challenger_73

[Chryco Psycho]

not much to choose , the weakest blocks are the 66-67 before they added the support rib below the heads on the outside of the block , the best heads are the 67 915 casting & the steel cranks is the best to have just for ease of balancing the engine but you can always put a stroker kit in one . the later Thin wall blocks I have measured with .300+ wall thickness so that is just a myth

[Kelly B.A.]

Depending on hp output will help with core selection. If you are gona stay mostly stock,any core in GOOD SHAPE will do.I have built 2-1974 440's with 450-500hp,using cast crank,rebuit 452 heads,and yeah I beat the one in my car,not a problem so far.But my core was low miles and ran like a champ before rebuild just a stock smog 74.
From my understanding 68-75 are best,have heard about 76-78 "thin wall" and you are limited to .030 overbore,but can not comment from lack of dealing with block from this time frame.And if you are gona stay under 500hp then even the 76-78 should be fine.
I feel it all depends on what you want to do with it.

[ragtopdodge]

http://www.440source.com/blockinfo.htm