Need some tips on a 440 build

[mach3107]

 

I pulled the 383 out of my dad's 70 super bee because it started knocking. It also had 315hp and 365tq fresh from the builder. We were very disappointed.

Now we are trying to make some power with a 440. It's out of a stock 1978 dodge 1 ton that we've had since new. Ran great when pulled. Cast crank. Going to use the 383 head as long as they look good(they were gone through a year ago). I'll get the numbers off the head tomorrow but the receipt says open chamber,2.14 intake and 1.74 exhaust. 750 vacuum Holley. And stock exhaust manifolds(left casting #2951865-2 , right #22899879)

Question??? What intake should I use? Any cam suggestions? What compression ratio?
What are the best stock exhaust manifolds to use? Can we expect +400hp?

the car is an auto, running 89 octane
let me know if more info is needed

[Chryco Psycho]

it depends what you want the engine to do
 the Holley Street Dom intake is amoung the best intakes to use as it is low profile but works very well anywhere in the power band
 cam selection is a lot more difficult , I need a lot of specific to recommend the best cam fit for you
 the best exhaust would be the max wedge , the best realistic are the 68-71 HP manifolds

[mach3107]

I was kinda expecting that about the cam.

The car will see the drag strip a couple times a year but mainly a strong street machine.

How do I identify the 68-71 HP manifolds?

[Chryco Psycho]

I would have to go dig up the part #s , there are 2 different #s for both sides that will fit
 what kind of cam do you want ? solid or hyd

[moper]

I think a re-gasket would be a good idea. Stick a windage tray in it while you're there and swap in the larger Summit brand hydraulic cam. The exh manifolds are fine but the intake I'd use an earlier factory dual plane or an RPM. The issue with the cam is the factory nylon gear timing set is junk. I dont think you'll hit 400hp, but it will be close. Also note, your 383 uses  a nuetral balance torque convertor or flywheel. The cast crank 440 cannot. You could knock the weight off the convertor and weld it in the exact same spot on the 383 converotr, or get the MP weight pkg and follw the directions. The truck convertor will be a very low stall speed.

[mach3107]

Want to go with a hydraulic cam. Engine guy said the short block looked ok but going to need to bore it. Not sure how much yet.

[mach3107]

how about these intakes?

Holley #510-300-14
BB-Chrysler Intake Manifold
1500-6500 RPM
Single plane
Height: 4.13" front/5.25" rear
Port size: 2.14" tall/1.12" wide
Universal mounting flange
EGR and choke provisions
209.99


Edelbrock 7193 - Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake Manifolds
Basic Operating RPM Range  1,500-6,500
Intake Material  Aluminum
EGR  No
Quantity  Sold individually.
$209.95

Is the best way to get power out of this combo to work the 915 heads?
What's the highest compression ratio I can run on 89 octane?

Is that the one you were thinking of Chryco Psycho?
Do I want the single plane?

thanks for all the help so far

[Chryco Psycho]

both are great intakes , personally I prefer the Street dom 300-14 intakes they sit a bit lower & give up nothing for power

[mach3107]

Need your advice. Is my motor guy leading me in circles?      

This is what I actually have at the moment:

- 1978 440, cast crank, going to be bored no more then 30 over
- pistons 9:1
- set of 452 heads that were completely gone through (intake 2.14, ex 1.74)
- 750 Holley

no intake and no cam picked yet (going to go with a hydraulic cam)
have stock 383 car exhaust manifolds but considering shorty headers

Motor guy says with stock exhaust manifolds we should stick with a very mild(weak) cam and probably a cast intake because the exhaust is so restrictive.
But if we go with shorty headers we can run a more aggressive cam and an after market intake to match it.

Do the shortys really cause that much of a restriction that limits the cam and intake?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Shorty headers are a step above stock exhaust manifolds. The good is they fit in easily, and let you have access to the starter if need be. The not so good is the tubes aren't as large as full blown headers would have, so you would still be limiting yourself. Also the longer tubes with full blown headers help. So I guess you need to decide how far above stock you want to go with this engine. With shortie headers and a mild cam, or full blown headers with a bigger cam, aftermarket intake, and a bigger carb than a 750.   

[Chryco Psycho]

header science is cool , the longer the tube the more the exiting exhaust helps to pull in the new air fuel mix , so with longer headers you can take advantage of more cam over lap , with short headers you need less overlap & with manifolds even less , , I would be looking at a Lunati VooDoo cam grind on a 112* cl with manifolds or short headers & a 110 CL with full lenght headers to maximize the effect of the cam & exhaust 

[moper]

Is this a set of exhaust manifolds from a Super Bee? The kind on the driver's side that swoops up and then back?

[mach3107]

the ex manifolds are off the 1965 block that we got with the super bee. Don't now the year of the 452 head. The drivers side does swoop up fairly high though.

[HP2]

Ask your engine guy how he arrived at the 9:1 compression ratio. I ask because there are a lot of pistons advertised as x ratio, but when installed in a block .020 in the hole, with a .035 gasket, and the very large open chamber mopar heads, they can actually be quite a bit less. Simiarly, cam choice needs to be involved in the compression choice because the exhaust lobe phasing and duration will impact your compression.

Compression makes horsepower and torque. Have him concentrate on building as much cylinder pressure as reasonable with your chosen gas, and you will be happy with the results. Get wrapped up in cam specs and you can mistakenly think you are going to have more motor than you will end up with, kinda like your 383.

[mach3107]

He said 9:1 to avoid detonation.

Forgive me for my lack of correct terminology.

Going with a Keith black piston. He said it has a quench dome (raised center) to work with the open chamber heads.
I think I wrote the cam specs done correctly.
268 280 duration
477 480 lift
110 degrees separation
@.050 224 250 duration

again, sorry if I'm throwing the numbers around out of order