440 Super Commando

[jforest1]

Thumbing through the MOPAR catalog and saw this:

440ci Super Commando (PN P5153523) good for 500-525HP & 535#.

Anybody running this in a '73 Cuda or is it not possible/easy (is this something I should be drooling over for the next few years and saving my pennies)? 


JF

[jforest1]

I've heard of many folks putting a 440 into their 1973 340 'cuda, so I have to assume there are kits for it.  Would this not apply to the 440 Super Commando?

JF

[72cudamaan]

No kit. Different motor mounts and it bolts right in. Now, you will need a different trans, radiator,and other misc. pieces, but it bolts in.

[HP2]

P5153523 is the small block 440. There have been some issues in head availability for them, so they may not be immediately available. When they are, bolting them in to any engine bay is no big deal. They use standard 318/340 mounts and brackets. After that, keeping clutches, u-joints, and tires under the car may be another story.

[jforest1]

Have very little engine work experience, so let me know if these are dumb questions or valid concerns:

1.  Wouldn't I be concerned about exhaust manifold/pipe alignment as well?
2.  '' '' AC compressor/AC lines alignment?
3.  Transmission (previously mentioned), can an A-727 handle 530 ft/lbs of torque?
4.  Fan.  What are the cooling profiles of aluminum versus cast iron?  Would I need more cooling or less?
5.  I'm assuming I'd need new carbs, yes?

JF

[jforest1]

Just trying to learn here.  Any thoughts?

JF

[HP2]

Exhaust manifolds for small block are all similar, although this many cubic inches was never meant to breath through a stock iron manifold. You'll need headers, and probably the new 1 7/8" tti units as they are the only ones big enough for this engine. That also means a 2.45-3" exhaust out to the end, so unless you already have this big a set up, new exhaust. Anything less will reduce the engine's efficiency.

A/C, if we're talking the original style, maybe not. I don't know. The OEM units are stinking huge. Newer Sankyo style would be no problem witha  new style mount. Much small erand more efficient than the original monster.

Cooling, you'll need more. Your pushing more cubic inches making much more power. That requires more cooling. Bigger or better radiator, shrouded fan. Depending on which fan set up you have now, maybe a new one of those. Thermostatic clutch fan with 8 blades is fine, a fixed pitch 4 blade, no way.

This mill can use a 800+ cfm carb no problem, depending on what rpm range you intend to use it in. More RPM, more carb. What do you have now?

[72cudamaan]

       Add a properly built trans to handle the increased power.  I would guess that you could easily add another 2 grand for all the extras needed to do the swap.

[jforest1]

Figured.  So selling my recently rebuilt cast iron 340 and recently rebuilt A-727 would probably take care of the extras, eh?

JF

[mopar12372]

why would you sell your 727 ? just replace the stock flex plate . add new torque converter / crank bolts (arp) . use bigger u joints and replace the straps with girdles or get the u-bolt style yolk for the 83/4. i really dont see a problem.  a rb 440 puts put alot of torque to the ground .  a 3 row big block radiator with a viscus fan set up will cool that with out a problem.