buying a 440

[Matt70]

Hi guys I'm going to look at a 440 tomorrow. I was told the cam is shot and that it is "complete". He says it's out of a truck (no casting #'s yet) and it's a HP. I've read 440 Source's guide to 440's and it was very informative. Just wanted to see if anyone has any advice on problem areas to look for. He's asking $400.00.   Thanks   Matt

[Strawdawg]

If the cam is shot, the oil passages are full of debris so it will need to be torn down and cleaned out properly.  Of course all the bearings must be checked for damage by the metal bits as they passed thru the oiling system.

[Matt70]

It is going to be a build project so it will be completely torn down. I just want to make sure I get a good block to start with. Thanks,  Matt

[LAA66]

 Looking at one out of a 69 New Yorker, $400 also. Do you have link to the 440 source website? Thanks

[Matt70]

Looking at one out of a 69 New Yorker, $400 also. Do you have link to the 440 source website? Thanks

http://store.440source.com/   Great info
 Try this                 http://www.440source.com/blockinfo.htm
 

[Matt70]

Couldn't see it today, setting it up for tomorrow. I did get the casting #'s

4006630-440  so there is a chance it has the thick main saddles
2-21-77
7T440TEHP  (77 truck, 440, T? E? High performance) anybody know what T and E are?

Had my friend look, it a complete motor with PS pump alt pullies brackets etc. and he said I could pick a carb from several he has on hand. Seems like a pretty good deal for 400 bucks.

[LAA66]

http://store.440source.com/   Great info
 Try this                 http://www.440source.com/blockinfo.htm

 Thanks for the link, the numbers info is quite useful. Good luck with your recon .

  I'm going to look at my find tomorrow. Supposedly still runs w/94k., owned by an old lady that only drove it on Sundays  ....... 

[Matt70]

Sounds like you might have a good find. What are your plans for it?  Matt

[Todd Smith]

Couldn't see it today, setting it up for tomorrow. I did get the casting #'s

4006630-440  so there is a chance it has the thick main saddles
2-21-77
7T440TEHP  (77 truck, 440, T? E? High performance) anybody know what T and E are?

Had my friend look, it a complete motor with PS pump alt pullies brackets etc. and he said I could pick a carb from several he has on hand. Seems like a pretty good deal for 400 bucks.

 

The HP doesn't mean anything as far as the block is concerned. It was the internals that made it have the HP stamp.
The one thing I would do, is ask for a guarantee that it passes a sonic check. In a very reasonable amount of time. You don't need a cracked block. It's unlikely -But I've seen it many times.

GOOD LUCK

[Cooter]

A 1977, Cast Crank, low compression, cam wiped out, 440, for $400.00?
And here I'm having trouble selling a 1970 440 complete for $1000.00....Damn....I would be weary of overboring that block without first sonic checking it...


I'd leave it where it lay..Scrap metal IMO....BTW: the "T" stands for "Trenton" plant NOT "Truck"...

[Matt70]

Thanks Plumb crazy and Cooter,

Plumb crazy, yeah I know the HP does not mean anything just want to post all I knew about it. Great advice on the sonic check will do.

Cooter, I don't plan on useing the internals or the heads so low compression is not an issue. I am just looking for a good block to build. From what I have read some blocks from this casting # had the strongest main saddles? Is this not true is it just scrap metal? Sounds like you have a good deal on your 440 you are selling but I want to build it myself. I have looked around and am not finding any motors much cheaper. Thank for the advice much appreiciated guys.

[LAA66]

Sounds like you might have a good find. What are your plans for it?  Matt

 It's a good deal (possibly), $350 with the 727 and it should run. Next weekend the seller will put in a battery, add new fuel, then hopefully It starts.

 As for the final destination, a big block 440 in the Challenger has always been a desire, whether it happens depends on a couple things like how difficult it is to swap back and forth with the (fine running) 340 in it now. And $$

 Bottom line kinda frivolous.   

Jon

[Matt70]

Sounds like a great deal w/ the 727 Jon. I picked mine up today for $350. Going to take awhile to build but will be fun doing it. Later,  Matt

[LAA66]

 Great news, what are your plans for it, is it going in the Challenger? Any tips on haulin the motor back home? Did you have a stand or something?

[Matt70]

If you can pull the heads, intake and exhaust mnifolds, will be much easier to man handle. If you can't a hoist will a must. Drain the oil too if the motor tips it will leak out. We had the motor stripped down like I said before pushed the stand up to the bed of our pick up. Then we unhooked it from the stand and lifted it up in onto a tire and strapped it down.

Yes plan is to drop it into the Challenger. Right now I'm thinking stroker, just seems like the best was to go. Take it easy,  Matt