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Post by akbillybow on Nov 10, 2008 19:44:07 GMT -5
I have heard of a couple of people that put a 440 BB from an Rv into their cars. I am considering a 440 swap into my SB 72 Charger, and wondering if all RV 440's are the same, if all will work, or if only some will fit?
Anything I need to look for or look out for when searching RV's for a 440 to fit into my car?
Thanks for the help,
AkBillyBow
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Post by hotrodder on Nov 10, 2008 20:24:01 GMT -5
The mount locations are all the same on all 440s. You may have to get a new oil pan (can't remember for sure) and will probably want a different set of exhaust manifolds or maybe even headers.... Fitment wise, you'll have to do some upgrades on the brakes for the extra weight, along with suspension work, and if you don't change the K frame, then you'll have to get a conversion kit from somewhere like Schumacher ( www.engine-swaps.com/ )....... Also don't forget about the cooling, the big blocks used a little bit bigger radiator (the 26" core)..... Hope this helps.... Don't forget about the tranny too.... Sb vs Bb have different bell housings....
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brock
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Post by brock on Nov 10, 2008 20:30:31 GMT -5
Might have to go with a Charger set of brackets for altenator, steering pump etc.
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Post by dogbert22 on Nov 11, 2008 7:55:00 GMT -5
If you're dropping a big block into a '71-72 you don't need to swap K-frames/play the Schumacher mount game. For the '73-74's you do but not the earlier 3d gens. Put a set of headers on it to solve the exhaust manifold thing. You will probably need to change the oil pan to clear the suspension, but they're pretty cheap. Cooling, however, will be an issue. Your SB radiator will probably not be up to the task unless you live way North somewhere. The RV 440's benefit from a cam change, but the good news is that they're usually built with the 452 heads and low enough compression to run on unleaded street gas without any problems. I think RV 440's are a great source for engines if not too tired from hauling around a big ol' motor home. Power steering/alternator bracket may/may not work depending on what it came out of. Concerning brakes, if you've got front power discs I think you'll be fine. Finally, some of the RV 440 heads had small spark plugs with extra cooling passages cast around them which can't hurt, imho.
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Post by akbillybow on Nov 11, 2008 14:37:04 GMT -5
Excellent help...thank you. My radiator is toast anyway, so I will need to replace it. I do live in Alaska, so the ambient temps are not a big concern. Just need to worry about the internal heat that is generated.
I am not too concerned yet, with things like alternator brackets, etc. I just wanted to be sure it would fit, and didn't want to put tons of time and money into an RV engine, only to find it doesn't fit when I go to install it. Wanted to be sure if/when I pick up a 440, I can just get it and run with it...without any worries of it not fitting. I will address the smaller issues when they arise.
I thought that I would still need the BB engine mounts...isn't this correct? Any suggestions to the suspension upgrades that I will need or that you know works well?
One more thing, will I need to shorten the drive shaft if a 440 and 727 tranny are installed? I have a 318 in a base Charger, not an SE model. I am not sure of the tranny right now, but can look it up when I get home. I am sure it will need to be pulled and a 727 installed if I got BB.
Thanks again for all the help. I am sure I will have plenty more questions!!
AkBillyBow
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Post by 71greengo on Nov 11, 2008 17:38:28 GMT -5
From everything I have read 440 RV motors are dogs...they need higher compression/cam/head work to get any performance from them...you would be far better off with a stock 360 engine less hassle bolt right in and probably more performance....and will get better fuel mileage....just my opinion, but please search the internet as I have read many articles from there Good luck!
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Post by dogbert22 on Nov 12, 2008 18:06:49 GMT -5
As far as 71Greengo says about hot 360's the Zen Master said "we'll see..." I've got one on an engine stand going into a '73 B5 blue as an "experiment" sometime in the new year. But, back to RV 440's. Yes you'll need the rv motor mounts, and they may or may not bolt right in (depending on the particular flavor RV its coming out of). The good news is that even if you do you won't have to pay $170 for Schumacher mounts to "adapt" since there's nothing to adapt to. As far as suspension upgrades, you might consider a bit stiffer torsion bars. The big blocks are heavier and SB stock bars are thinner. I don't remember about the driveshaft whether or not it needs shortening or not, but with luck it'll bolt right up. All ;72 up 440's (I believe) had the same (low) compression ratios so a hotter cam and headers will wake things up a bit before you go trying to raise the CR with new pistons and whatnot...
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Post by 71greengo on Nov 12, 2008 21:44:36 GMT -5
Well...I didnt say 360's were hot... Although I had one in my 74 charger out of a wagon that was pretty good..but no where as good as the 69 340 in my 72 duster What I did say is that you may be very disapointed after going thru all that work/money dropping in an RV engine without rebuilding it...almost every motorhome engine I have seen lived a pretty tough life...lugging around a heavy vehicle, and some are actually 413 engines and not 440's as they did not do a full bore on them to keep the cylinder walls thicker, and the heads were junk....If you are planing a rebuild then it may be a great core...but me in my opinon would never drop one straight in if you are thinking it will give you great performance...I have seen guys do it and then couldnt understand why it was such a dog that got 12 miles to the gallon.... You have to define your goals from this swap...do you want a 440 just because?....or do you want performance?..... Dont get me wrong RV motors have plenty of torque, but any stock 5.0 litre mustang will blow your doors off..I know for a fact as I have one!...
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Post by dogbert22 on Nov 15, 2008 22:56:12 GMT -5
with 71greengo here about dropping an RV engine in "as is". Assuming that you can find one that hasn't been worked too hard and don't have to tear into the bottom end (pistons/bearings/rings) I would work on the cam/breathing side of things. An Eddy performer dual/plane intake, rebuilt Holley, steel headers, and a flat tappet Comp cam will get things going in the right direction. I assume that the heads will at least have some work done to make sure that "upstairs" is ok. 452 castings have fully induction-hardened valve seats and will work to get rolling for about $100/pair used. Finally, buy the $10 performance distributor advance springs. There are many ways to skin a cat, so these are just suggestions...
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Post by akbillybow on Nov 18, 2008 22:30:41 GMT -5
I was looking to find an RV 440, just for the block. I want to rebuild it "from the ground up" and then drop it into the Charger. So I am assuming that all the 440 blocks are the same, correct??
Thanks...AkBillyBow
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