Is a 413 a good block to start with?

[jordan]

I am looking to build a 500 + hp big block with big torque for the street.  I have a complete and running 440 in my cuda.  Looking at the parts I want to replace, the only thing I need to keep is the block.  Would I be better off selling a complete motor from air cleaner to oil pan, than parting it out vs. just buying a new block and starting there?  My friend has a 413 motor home motor that he will give me.  Is this an acceptable block to start with if I plan on doing a stroker with aluminum heads and a six pack?  Is it a RB motor?  Is there anything else I need to know about it that I havent asked?  Thanks for your opinions.     

[Moparal]

It's an rb block but a bore of 4.18 I think.  You are going to try to bore it to 4.375    That's quite a bit in my opinion and you may rick cylinder wall stability and over heating issues from the walls being thin.  Not recomended

[Cooter]

While the 413 was a good engine, and it is an "RB" block, like mentioned above, it just doesn't have the bore to be able to accept huge valve aluminum heads...

To try and bore one out ot the popular 440 bore, would be junking the block...you'd be better off IMO, building the 440 you have...

Pistons for the 413 are high as hell too, because? you guessed it, NObody fools with 'em...

[purple1]

My friend has a 413 motor home motor that he will give me.     

Take it for parts. Most of them motorhome engines have forged cranks. 

[jordan]

Thanks for the info and opinions.  My buddy thinks his 413 is a 440 casting with smaller bores, but with thicker cylinder walls.  I have no idea.  I may just stay away from it.
     I did just find a 440 block near my area with a casting of 4006630-440-7.  The little research I did makes me think its from a motorhome also.  Does anybody know what it really is?  Would this be a good block to start with for a stroker motor?  If it is a motorhome motor, what difference is there between that and a car motor? 

[1970 RT Challenger 1970]

Is the 440 that is in your Cuda Toast?

[Cooter]

Contrary to your "Buddy's" opinion, saying a 413 is nothing but a 440 block with thicker?! Cyl. is like saying a 361 is nothing but a 400 With 1/4" smaller and thicker?! Cylinders....No way it can be bored out that far...


Yes, that 440 Motorhome block will work fine for a stroker...The MAIN difference in the RV and pass. car 440 engines (Other than the obvious 6-pack and Magnum engines), would be the heavy duty cooling passages in the block that look like figure 8's......Or they are sometimes called "Peanut" passages...

[jordan]

Is the 440 that is in your Cuda Toast?

My engine is perfectly fine.  Runs out real nice for a stock type rebuild.  I am planning on a XV level 1 brakes and suspension rebuild this next spring, so I want a monster motor to go with it.  My goal is 500+ hp and even more torque.  If I change the crank, conrods, pistons, heads and intake, what sense does it make to take apart my 3k mi motor in it now?  All I really need out of it is a block, so I am beginning my search now.  I found one nearby for $150.  I plan on selling my current running motor from air cleaner to oil pan, including the HP manifolds after this driving season ends.