Trying to learn about 440

[blown motor]

What makes a 440 a Magnum 440? How can I tell it from a non-magnum? I'm looking at a car in which the 440 is not original. I don't know enough about how engines were built for different applications and don't want to end up with something that is not well suited for a muscle car. The seller just said it came out of a Chrysler but didn't say what, I have to quiz him some more on that. Can somebody help me out here?

[arcticmopar]

If your just looking for a block to build a stroker from then not much. The magnums had better,comp. cams, springs and such for more power but the block,heads didnt change from Magnum to non Magnums. The heads did change over the years with the late 50s-early 60's not being as popular.

[cudabob496]

I think the term Magnum became prevalent in the late 70's, to describe a series
of Dodge small blocks.

[brads70]

I think the term Magnum became prevalent in the late 70's, to describe a series
of Dodge small blocks.

I think Dodge used the name Magnum and Plymouth used commando.  A 440 core motor is usually about 400-500 around here? Paid 250 for my 400 complete but scrapped everything except the block

[72cudamaan]

I think the term Magnum became prevalent in the late 70's, to describe a series
of Dodge small blocks.

Except for all the big blocks that were called magnums in the late 60's and early 70's

[Moparal]

Look for a big cast rectangle on the right side of the distributor  It will be on top in front of the intake valley pan rail, it will have some numbers and letter on it. Right it down as you see them and post it here.  a letter will be a b c d e f g h   c is 67 d is 68 e is 69 f is 70 g is 71 h is 72  If it was an hp engine, then it would have like


f440 

              HP
         

[blown motor]

Saw the car yesterday but we couldn't get it running so I backed away. On the way home we stopped at a restoration shop and they had a Challenger in there with a 440 and I saw what I think is the pad you are referring to. There was nothing stamped in it. I aked the guys at the shop about it and nobody had heard of such a thing. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

On the way home we stopped at a restoration shop and they had a Challenger in there with a 440 and I saw what I think is the pad you are referring to. There was nothing stamped in it. I aked the guys at the shop about it and nobody had heard of such a thing. 

It's just to the right of the distributor hold down clamp. But paint maybe concealing the stamping. 

I know that doesn't help, but I can no longer see the stamping after I used POR-15 paint on my block.

[Chryco Psycho]

Magnums had better compression ,cams, valve springs , timing chain,  intake , exhaust manifolds as stated above nothing that you would use anyway .
 The performance engines were known as Magnum in Dodge , Super Commando in Plymouth & TNT in Chrysler
 Any 440 with the thin 1" thick Damper is a steel crank , after 72 most were cast with a 2" thick damper . This is not an issue if you plan to stroke it .
Early blocks did not have the extra casting rib on the outside at head bolt depth , I used one of these block in my Duster & raced it for 9 years shifting at 7200 rpm with no issues but it si better to use the ones with the rib .
With the cost of stroker kits & new parts the block is about the only part used anymore .