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Tech Question
Lawrence Stilla, Westlake, OH, 1972, dodge, M300, 413
I have this 1972', 413 HT engine. It has low miles and a 727 trans. My question is...Is this engine worth building for horsepower? The local engine shops tell me that is a great engine, with a super crankshaft and I should build it and put in my 67' Barracuda but I don't know anything about the 413 engine. Is it worth building and putting on new heads, cam, and intake? Or should I get a 440 and start from scratch. I don't know how much the local engine builders know about this engine as they build mostly Chevys and Fords. Please help me with this decision.
Larry-
The 413 was the first Chrysler "RB" (raised-deck B-block) engine; it came out in 1959. Eventually it was replaced by increased-bore-size versions for passenger car use, with displacements of 426 and 440 cubic inches. But, for reasons of maximum durability and cooling, the H.D. truck versions stayed at 413 cubes for many years.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with this engine, but there's also no particular reason to use it. It weighs basically the same as a 440, and you're giving up 27 cubes. And, no, it can't be bored to 440 cubes - at least without weakening the cylinder walls significantly. And, as we've tried to hammer home repeatedly, having strong, straight, and round cylinder walls, that the rings can successfully seal against, will make more HP than having another few inches of displacement - every time! The maximum recommended overbore for virtually all Mopar V-8s is 0.040", but if the bores will clean up at 0.020" - stop!
Even if you decide to build a 440 instead, you can still use the rods and forged-steel crank from the 413.
It comes down to a matter of convenience and presonal choice.
Rick
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