to 440 or not to 440

[PDQD100]

Just found out I can get my hands on a winnebago 440 and tranny for 300 bucks. 43000 miles been covered and still runs out good. 70 something model. I know it will need changes to varies parts to make it work in the truck. I guess im just wondering if anyone has done it and how big of a PITA was it.i assume thats about 400 pound upgrade from the slant 6 so front end will need upgrade too

[PDQD100]

so no opinions??

[DavidWymore]

DO IT!!!

[wally426ci]

Could have funky RV only stuff on it?

[DavidWymore]

Could have funky RV only stuff on it?

Only if it's a 413 I think

[bamm67d100]

I have a later 70's 440 in my truck and truthfully it's a bit of a dog. Tons of torque and bottom end power but nothing up top. I believe most or all the motorhome 440s have very low compression.

[DavidWymore]

I have a 440 that needs a rebuild and have done tons and tons of research on building low budget low comp 440s. Check this out. I think QuickD100 has build some low comp low budget 440s too.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/sho ... p?t=249866

[bamm67d100]

I have a 440 that needs a rebuild and have done tons and tons of research on building low budget low comp 440s. Check this out. I think QuickD100 has build some low comp low budget 440s too.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/sho ... p?t=249866

Great link! Thank you for posting. I have an aluminum intake and 750cfm carb I have been on the fence about slapping on.

[DavidWymore]

I have a 440 that needs a rebuild and have done tons and tons of research on building low budget low comp 440s. Check this out. I think QuickD100 has build some low comp low budget 440s too.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/sho ... p?t=249866

Great link! Thank you for posting. I have an aluminum intake and 750cfm carb I have been on the fence about slapping on.

Consider a cam too, that is the biggest factor that affects where the engine makes power in the RPM range. Get it to rev and breathe a bit instead of being a stump puller. I did some research on modern gas engines a while back, and the main improvement in mpg in Mopar engines was when they went to variable cam timing, because this allows to be efficient on the bottom and top end of the range. IIRC, advance cam timing to build cylinder pressure on your low comp bottom end.

[bamm67d100]

I have a 440 that needs a rebuild and have done tons and tons of research on building low budget low comp 440s. Check this out. I think QuickD100 has build some low comp low budget 440s too.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/sho ... p?t=249866

Great link! Thank you for posting. I have an aluminum intake and 750cfm carb I have been on the fence about slapping on.

Consider a cam too, that is the biggest factor that affects where the engine makes power in the RPM range. Get it to rev and breathe a bit instead of being a stump puller. I did some research on modern gas engines a while back, and the main improvement in mpg in Mopar engines was when they went to variable cam timing, because this allows to be efficient on the bottom and top end of the range. IIRC, advance cam timing to build cylinder pressure on your low comp bottom end.

Good info. I'm definitely going to consider it.

[jeffz]

Just found out I can get my hands on a winnebago 440 and tranny for 300 bucks. 43000 miles been covered and still runs out good. 70 something model. I know it will need changes to varies parts to make it work in the truck. I guess im just wondering if anyone has done it and how big of a PITA was it.i assume thats about 400 pound upgrade from the slant 6 so front end will need upgrade too

I was told my 440 came from a motorhome. Paid 300 for eng/trans, but was not running. It has J 44 OT on the pad by the dist.
Came with the big rods.
Wish I had kept the /6, honestly. I love driving my truck ( even slowly), and would be spending alot less on gas. But I do like the badass sounds it makes, and the sounds people make when I lift the hood for them.
You just have to decide whats best for you.

[jakas66]

The only downside of a big block in these old PU's is the weight difference front to rear. That aside, it's well worth the fun factor experience when you mash the go pedal!

[PDQD100]

I just look forward to it being noisy. Only drive it on the weekends and annoy the neighbors on the way out. its just a toy that no one else has. i see a lot of C10's and F100 but not many old Dodge truck here on the east coast.

[DavidWymore]

I just look forward to it being noisy. Only drive it on the weekends and annoy the neighbors on the way out. its just a toy that no one else has. i see a lot of C10's and F100 but not many old Dodge truck here on the east coast.

EXACTLY. Do it!

There's nothing like the roar of a big block with headers and a nice loud muffler.

[sdenty]

I have a 440 auto in my D100,swaped out the 318 3spd manual. I can tell you what you need to do it if you have questions about the swap.

[flyinbrick68]

I swapped a mid 70's 440 motor home in place of my 318 4spd. Sure puts out alot of torque but definitely low compression, when i pulled my heads to put on 516's my pistons were down .150 in the hole so around 7.8:1 with open chamber heads 8.9:1 with the 74cc closed chambers. I used a late 70's early 80's auto tranny crossmember from 1/2 dodge to get the tranny slid in. Go conservative with the cam and you'll have all the torque you could every want.

[PDQD100]

I swapped a mid 70's 440 motor home in place of my 318 4spd. Sure puts out alot of torque but definitely low compression, when i pulled my heads to put on 516's my pistons were down .150 in the hole so around 7.8:1 with open chamber heads 8.9:1 with the 74cc closed chambers. I used a late 70's early 80's auto tranny crossmember from 1/2 dodge to get the tranny slid in. Go conservative with the cam and you'll have all the torque you could every want.

Did you get a different transmission or modify the mh one?

[66patrick]

If it's a MH 413 or 361, there are significant differences in the engines. If it's a 440, it should be just like any 440 in a pickup, and no issues involved in installing it in your truck. As mentioned, if there is an e-brake on the trans tailshaft, that needs to be removed and a normal tailshaft installed in its place.

[DavidWymore]

A good driveshaft shop can get you a ujoint flange to put on the MH tail flange and put a slipyoke and stubshaft in your driveshaft. Better, stronger setup. I have the flange for when I get around to it.

If you see my FABO link above, higher RPM power can be made with a low comp engine with carb, intake, cam, and headers...you don't HAVE to go into the bottom end or heads to make 400hp+, get it it to breathe at higher RPMs and not run out of breath like an industrial/truck engine....and it will also still run on 87.

[CSS-Registry]

with the low compression just put a supercharger on it - it'll make power :)