Big Block in E-Body

Author Topic: Big Block in E-Body  (Read 5090 times)

Offline loco340cuda

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Big Block in E-Body
« on: April 20, 2006 - 09:38:14 AM »
I want to get some opinions from you guys on what you think about switching from a small block to a big block.  I currently have a 340 in my Cuda and was thinking about going to a 440.  The 340 is mildly built but I really want to have some more horsepower.  I mostly drive the car on the street but it will see some strip time, and I would like the car to run in the upper 12's.  It seems like it would be much easier to do this with a big block then a small block. 

Also the thing I really want to get peoples opinions on is do you think having a 440 in the car makes it more valueable then the 340.  The car is an orginal 340 4-speed Cuda but the orginal motor and tranny are long gone, so that is why I have been thinking about the switch.  Not that I plan on selling the car, but it seems that small block cars that have been converted to big block cars seem to fetch more money.  Anyone else get this impression?

I'd love to hear what you guys think about this.
1970 Cuda 340 4-speed - now stroked to 416ci (SOLD)
2017 Mustang Shelby GT350




Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2006 - 10:00:39 AM »
You don't mention the year of your car. If it's a 72-74, then putting in the 440 is what I would do.  :burnout:

Mike

1970 Challenger - SOLD
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Offline loco340cuda

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2006 - 10:01:44 AM »
Oh, sorry it is a 70 Cuda.
1970 Cuda 340 4-speed - now stroked to 416ci (SOLD)
2017 Mustang Shelby GT350

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2006 - 10:27:06 AM »
power can be made with either engine but it is generally chaeper to get the same results with the big block , the swap is relatively easy to do   I assume you have disc brakes on the car now ?

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline 360 'CUDA

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2006 - 10:37:21 AM »
On the street the 440s low end power is killer but it really is a heavy powerplant and the handling will suffer.  That being said the main thing I would change on the car in that swap are the torsion bars to handle the extra weight (a little reinforcement with a mig around the shear panels, radiator support and cowl areas wouldn't be a bad idea either)

As far as value goes since the orginal 340 is gone the 440 should add some value in an online auction.  I don't know if the value added would be more then cost of building the 440 though and you would have to buy a new radiator, tranny or bellhousing, headers and other little stuff.

Maybe an easier way to improve power and handling is to lighten the car up a bit. A fiberglass hood, headers, aluminum intake, lightweight wheels ect and some track tuning should get you into the 12s.   Unless you already have that stuff....

Offline Robb

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2006 - 12:20:43 PM »
stroke the 440 to 500 plus!


440source.com

70 Challenger SE  (440 SIX PACK / Keisler 5 speed, R/T SE replication)       68 Sport Satellite Convertible 383 Super Commando / 727  Survivor

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Offline loco340cuda

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2006 - 01:37:30 PM »
Chyrco, yes I do have disk brakes up front.

I'm already running headers but that is about it.  I know there is some extra cost with the radiatior, bell housing, torsion bars, when I switch to the 440 but I thought it might be easier to put in a built 440 and go fast for cheaper or about the same as it would take to build my current 340 some more.  Also I was thinking that the value/appeal of the car would be better with the 440.
1970 Cuda 340 4-speed - now stroked to 416ci (SOLD)
2017 Mustang Shelby GT350

Offline wiging19

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2006 - 05:23:17 PM »
:crazy: I generally prefer the small block for handling reasons.  If you want to go fast in a straight line then the big block will get you there quicker and cheaper.  If you like to do more slalom type driving than you may want to beef up your current engine.  With today’s’ technology you see small blocks down to a 318 making 400+ horsepower.  That kind of power pushing you through the curves can be very fun.  I know the big block can do a good job too but the choice is riding like an English sports car versus pure power pushing you through the curve.  Totally different kinds of rides and both have their supporters.  I like power with a little more responsive handling.
 :burnout:

Offline rallyechall

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2006 - 05:39:35 PM »
Be smart with your 340, and you will not be disappointed. Go to http://www.hughesengines.com/, and fill your credit card. These guys can make real horsepower with your small block. They can even make that small block big if you want. They do nothing but Chrysler. No converted Chevy parts here.

kudakidd

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2006 - 12:52:12 PM »
If it's not the original drivetrain, you have nothing to lose in swapping in a 440. Go fer it!

Offline chevyconvert

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2006 - 02:29:21 PM »
 :2cents: mopars selling a 440 small block nowadays...
Best of both worlds?
Eric
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Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #11 on: April 21, 2006 - 10:21:28 PM »
It's a Cuda, If you want to go BIG-BLOCK, go hemi.  Then you have a '70 Hemi-Cuda!
I wish I had one of those..............Sigh......

If you're building an engine, Labor is the same for a 340 or 440. The 440 has so much torque!
It's so easy to spin the tires and roll out the smoke.  You'll be happier if you did.
Rob

3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

My Pace Car restoration thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0


Offline loco340cuda

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #12 on: April 22, 2006 - 12:24:52 PM »
Thanks for the feedback everyone.  :cheers:

Shelbydogg, a hemi would be my first choice, but unfortunately I'm just not in the tax bracket that can afford one of those :(

After doing some research it sounds like the 440 is the way to go.  It looks like you can find a decent one to rebuild for fairly cheap, unlike the 340's which are extremly expensive whether they are rebuilt or not.  I figure I can sell my 340 to finance some of the 440 build, so in the end it will not be too expensive.  Plus the idea of a big-block with a 4-speed just sound like music to my ears.   :burnout:
1970 Cuda 340 4-speed - now stroked to 416ci (SOLD)
2017 Mustang Shelby GT350

Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #13 on: April 22, 2006 - 05:46:57 PM »
  You'll be happier if you did.

Just remember what we told you when you see how easy it is to ROAST the tires the first time and you hear somebody screaming "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" You'll realize that IT"S YOU! Smiling from ear to ear.
Rob
Rob

3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

My Pace Car restoration thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0


Offline Plum6Pak

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Re: Big Block in E-Body
« Reply #14 on: April 22, 2006 - 05:56:14 PM »
I'm going against the grain on this one, if your Cuda came with a 340 4 speed, if you ever want to restore it, I would think original would fetch higher dollars than changing it to a 440.  :dunno: If I was looking for original, I would be looking for that car to have the 340 in it even if it isn't the numbers matching one that came in it, plus you've already got the 340.  :clueless:  Maybe I'm wrong but just my  :2cents:  :thumbsup: