What about 440s

[DYNO360]

The debate goes on between 340s and 360s, but what about the powerful 440 if the rules allow you to run the big block? I have seen a couple 440 cars at some southern dirt tracks, and they were in the hunt. Does anyone have any history with big block Mopars on circle tracks?

[cageman]

440's have a tendancy to make so much power that it will just spin the tires with ease, The thing with a small block is that it is a managable power that can be smooth a dependable, with a big block the power comes on so soon that it will spin like coming out of the corner, you had better be pointed straight or watch out, thats when the small blocks go by, but watch out at the end of the straight because the big block is still coming on.
Another disadvantage is the front weight this motor gives you. that means that you now have less rear weight and less traction and more motor, it is a handfull.
My dad ran 440's for many years and he even got featured in Circle Track magazine for his many wins in a Dodge with a 440. I asked him about building a 383 for circle track use and he said that a 360 would be a far better choice. So I said to him well you did good with big blocks and he said that was when the small block wasnt a proven power source and he needed power, He also had 10 inch wide tires too and I can only run eights.

[jelsr]

The 440 can make a formidable performer in the "hobby/bomber" class if you don't get carried away with cam and compression. Like Cageman said, you are spotting the SB 90lbs. With MP 284/484 and big Ford 2BBL it will pull hard from 2k to 6k with minimal tire slip on 7" X 86-87" rubber. My brother has won 5 track championships with a 440 in Dart/Duster cars. Also bear in mind these were on 1/2 mile tracks where Mother Mopar could hike up her skirts and take those long strides.

[sanborn]

I believe the big blocks you are referring to are actually 400 blocks (The Bruces and Harpers). They are big block fanatics.

The biggest problem is engine weight and track rules. Many tracks penalize the big block Mopars by adding 400 lbs. to car weight(at the same time allowing SB GM to use 400 blocks w/o weight penality). The 400 block is about 35 lighter than the 440.

The big block Mopar is one of the easiest engines to build. They are tough, don't run hot(usually) and produce very good power. You don't need to turn much RPM(6000) so they tend to stay together.

The big block is very fast on longer, sweeping turn tracks(Baxter, Golden Mountain) or high banked(Thunder Hill). They can be very touchy to drive on short, slick, stop n go tracks.

[FURY 66]

I started out with the 440 in the begiining of the season,as most know I blew it up due the engine builder.It had awesome power when I could drive it. Those first few races were tough due to a dog leg,I think there was to much nose weight ,cause that rear end would come around quick in the middle of the turn.When I did come off clean the chevy on my side would quickly drop behind me,only to get under me in the next turn,because of the push I was having.I did manage to stop spinning out after about 3 races,and had the car handling much better,it just takes time,but the motor went after 7 races (ran hot),had it about 1/2 second behind the chevy's.I would do it again if I had the money,but now I just run small blocks. MIKE

[daren44]

When I started racing in the bomber class, I raced a 400, because that's what was in the old car when I bought it. It was pretty strong with zero modifications compared to 350's and 351's that had a noticeable lope (legal, yeah right). I handed the car down to me cousin this year (i moved up a class) and the motor blew up on him about halfway through the season. He went back with a 360 (availability) and was probably faster with the 360, because of handling. But we were racing on a short 3/8 mile paved track, with a stock 2 barrel limitation. This coming year he will be racing at a much longer 4/10 mile track with sweeping turns and any production 4 barrel is allowed. I'm thinking that on a bigger track with a 4 barrel allowed the 400 may be the way to go again. A 4 barrel allows it to breathe, where a 2 barrel may have limited it. I may try it again.

[jelsr]

daren44,
383 or 400 would work very well. The only difference is .090 overbore. They are not the tire roaster the 440 can be. If you are having reliability problems with a BB you're probably uncovering the sump in the corners. Normally they are extremely durable. Run a windage tray and 1 quart over full. Smokey said "the closer to stock you have to run, the more displacement counts."

[daren44]

Thanks. I realize a 440 would be a better choice, but I'm limited to what came as an option on the car. A 400 was as big as they put in a Cordoba. Of course, I don't think the tech guy has seen too many Mopar's, so he probably can't tell a 440 from a 318, much less a 440 from a 400. This is supposed to be a completely stock class (yeah right) so cubes do count I think.

[David D]

C'mon Daren, you know that everyone in that new bomber class is going to be 100% legal, I know I intend to be!