fitting a 440

matty · Post by **matty** » Mon May 01, 2006 3:37 am

Anyone got any info on fitting a big block?
I need more power and the 318 just does not make the grade, so has anyone done it and what were the problems that they came across?
What rear axle did they use?

Any info would be great.

batmobile · Post by **batmobile** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:54 pm

ur thinking about a BB w/ these gas prices!? try a cam, intake, carb if 318 is still a solid short block. i have a 'weak' chev 305 & with those it runs pretty good. had a friend in the car w/ me when i left a porche in my wake (and smoke- rings leak a little)

. that's w/ the stock heads. i spent like $150 on engine mods and $200 on the holley 600 carb. w/ a 200-4r overdrive it delivers 17 mpg highway. not too bad considering it's a land yaught. --j

Dick Koch · Post by **Dick Koch** » Mon May 01, 2006 7:41 pm

Hi Matty - I had a 4 bbl. AFB Carb. on my 318 Poly that was giving me similar problems. I rebuilt it twice to no avail so I replaced it with a New Carter 600 cfm Carb. with electric choke (the AFB is 450 cfm) Edelbrock will work as well. My engine runs so smooth now I really have to listen hard to hear it. If I'm not mistaken the 318 poly has solid lifters??. Anyway it is very strong with excellent excelleration, I got it to a 100 MPH and chickened out but it was still pulling very strong. I had a similar problem with hesitation as you, there are three positions to adjust the accelerator pump. try each position and see if it helps along with setting your points and timing the engine. I highly recommend you go with the Pertronix ignition. I only hear good things about the system, even our Site Guru Dan Morton just installed it in his car. You can ask him. I plan on installing them in my car next week. If you have a 2 bbl. carb. get a 4 bbl. manifold, install a dual exhaust system and you will not regret it. Good Luck.
Dick.

Post by **Faulkner** » Mon May 01, 2006 8:40 pm

Dick Koch wrote:... I highly recommend you go with the Pertronix ignition. I only hear good things about the system, even our Site Guru Dan Morton just installed it in his car. You can ask him. I plan on installing them in my car next week...

Well, truth be told, I didn't install it...

But, I had it installed!

And the engine purrs like a kitten.

Doesn't hurt, that the engine was rebuilt at the same time!

But I'm really glad I got the Petronix. The d*mn thing just works, and I'm tired of fooling with points. I mean, really, why bother?

Dan

matty · Post by **matty** » Tue May 02, 2006 1:22 am

Well i know fuel is is expensive that said there is no substitute for the grin factor, i like drag racing and am used to cutting a 12 second quater

so i really want to fit a big block and sure grip or a restroked smallblock.
Here in the uk you dont see a lot of 50s stuff roaring up the quater mile, i tink it will be cool to see this car really moving what do you think?

batmobile · Post by **batmobile** » Tue May 02, 2006 5:45 pm

i think it's cool, but ur working with a pretty heavy car. the only think i would hate to see if it was damaged, but other than that, i say go for it! btw, i had to adjust the accel pump on my new holley to get desired performance. just 450 cfm? that's pretty small, that's the 2 brl, right? --j

sportfury1959 · Post by **sportfury1959** » Tue May 02, 2006 8:06 pm

Matty,

The 440 RB is the biggest Mopar block available, but it is possible to install it in the 1959 Plymouth. The engines are interchangeable with minor changes, but you also need the bell housing for the BB and stronger Torsion Bars.
If you have done this you’ll probably realise that you need a Sure Grip differential to get all that torque on the street.
If you want to go for sure contact Mike (safetymike), he is the specialist in RB engines.

Stefan

Besides: Welcome to the Poor Boys! (European Boys who have to pay twice)

matty · Post by **matty** » Wed May 03, 2006 1:16 am

Well thats great news, ive got my beedy eyes on a big block, who is this stefan, how can i contact him and which torsion bars will do the job?

I am struggling to find any decent info on this swap on the net, anyone know were i can get some more info?

safetymike1977 · Post by **safetymike1977** » Sat May 06, 2006 10:44 am

You have a pm...

Hey... One of you guys should tell Dan to put some of my newer pics of my engine that I have posted over on FL...

matty · Post by **matty** » Sun May 07, 2006 2:04 am

Cool, canwe have some more picks please

Matthew Keij · Post by **Matthew Keij** » Sun May 07, 2006 3:33 am

You can see more (and bigger) pics here http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forum ... 31&start=1

matty · Post by **matty** » Tue May 09, 2006 2:02 pm

Seen em!

Could do with some more detail so i can see whats what, but very nice photos all the same!

safetymike1977 · Post by **safetymike1977** » Tue May 09, 2006 9:57 pm

What do you want pics of?

matty · Post by **matty** » Wed May 10, 2006 2:45 pm

Some detailed picks of problem areas if there are any?

safetymike1977 · Post by **safetymike1977** » Thu May 11, 2006 10:25 pm

1. if you use a stock later model mount..... The engine is really far forward.
2. if you set the engine back where it probably should be, you have to cut the heater box to fit the valve covers... I chose option one.

Engine mounts.... You have to make them....

Driveshaft will need made.....

Pick your exhaust manifolds wisely... I tried to use my 77 ones first... that wasn't happening.... Had to use the 65 ones.

'59 Plymouth Forum

fitting a 440

fitting a 440

BB

what?

big block swap issues.

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fitting a 440

fitting a 440

BB

what?

big block swap issues.