IT'S ALIVE.....ALIVE!
Finally finished all of the install of the 440 in my 70 Challenger. Here's what we have so far...
1977 440 (77000 miles from motorhome), with original tq carb (rebuilt),
727 TCI Streetfighter with B&M Torque Converter
26" radiator (Year One) Adapted to 22" opening (homemade bracket)
Aluminum water pump and valve covers (Mopar Performance)
Aluminum intake, cam and lifters (Edelbrock)
Aluminum Fuel Pump (Carter)
Tri Y Headers (Shumacher)
New oil pan and pickup.
New ECU, cap, rotor, plugs wires, voltage reg.
We did not do a bottom end rebuild, just cam and lifters.
We filled all appropriate fluids and started our break in. After 5 minutes the oil idiot light was still on. We stopped the motor, and pulled the sending unit. We turned the motor over and witnessed oil coming from the sending unit hole, so we replaced the unit with a new one. We verified that the idiot light wasn't shorted to ground, causing light to stay on. It goes on when you ground it, and off when you don't. The next day, we started again and ran again for 5 min, light still on. We had a small drip from the passenger side bank valve cover (we pourerd the oil in the driver's side), so we assume we have some pressure. after 5 min of running, the oil filter is still cold, however, the headers are starting to get red hot. Anti freeze is getting hot in the heater core lines, but thermostat hasn't opened yet (Upper hose still cold). Not wanting to ruin a perfectly good motor, we shut off again. Since the oil filter is still cold, I'm assuming I don't have a complete loop. The only problem I can foresee is a bad oil pump, (and from reading I hear you recommend melling), or possibly the oil pickup is too close to the pan, not giving enough volume. (I read it should be just barely touching the pan... is this correct?) Is the sending unit from a 77 compatible with an idiot light from a 70? (yes I"m grasping!) Should I ignore the light and continue the break in? Any help will be greatly appreciated. OH YEAH, IT SOUNDS SWEEEET OPEN HEADER! :JACK AND COKE:VICTORY CIGAR:
Thanks in advance...You guys rock!
e