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Tech Question
Howard Willey, Newcastle, CA, 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 383
Richard, I just bought a standard bore 440 engine that has a Maltese Cross on it. The numbers 10 & 1 are also stamped on it. I would like to build this engine close to stock for truck or C-body duty. Is there anything special I need to do to the mains when doing a rebuild? By the way the engine was cast 6/29/65, have you seen any earlier cast dates for 440's? Thanks Howard
Howard-
If it isn't stamped "M" or "R", you'll need to mike it up to see which journals are U/S (might also be stamped on the front counterweight). There's supposed to be an "X" for 0.010" U/S journals, but this isn't carved in stone. 0.001" U/S bearings can be had, so, if the crank measures and looks OK, you might get away without a cut.
That is the earliest 440 block I have seen. The '66 blocks were a bit weaker than the later ones, but, if there's no cracks 45 years later, I'd say it has passed the test of time!
I'm sure you're aware that the heads on that engine were pretty lousy. If you don't wanna shell out for aluminum, find a clean pair of 452s or 346s and bolt 'em on. Assuming stock pistons, these will drop the CR by a point or so for pump-gas compatibility, add hardened seats, and probably pick up 10-20 HP even with the lower compression.
Rick
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