440 rods

[carbuff56]

I have an engine that I picked up at an auction and was wondering if the conecting rods are of any value. On the ID pad of the block it is 5 T 440 E HP.
The numbers on the rods are1851535.
All the pistons are stuck from the cylinders being rusty and I will have to drive all of them out. Is it going to be worth my trouble to salvage these rods?
The block is busted from lack of antifreeze and the cast crank is in good condition but should be reworked.

[carbuff56]

I have an engine that I picked up at an auction and was wondering if the conecting rods are of any value. On the ID pad of the block it is 5 T 440 E HP.
The numbers on the rods are1851535.
All the pistons are stuck from the cylinders being rusty and I will have to drive all of them out. Is it going to be worth my trouble to salvage these rods?
The block is busted from lack of antifreeze and the cast crank is in good condition but should be reworked.

[6 packin]

The rods should be ok for a rebuild. But there not worth much in trading value. $50 used would be a big price. There is not much differance in rods over the years not counting the 6 pack rod. I was thinking the e ment a 70 year model but could be wrong. If it is this would not be a cast crank unless previously rebuilt and switched. Its a shame the block is cracked them HP's dont grow on tree's.

[AndyF]

5T440E HP is a 1975 440 with a cast crank and the HP optional parts. HP blocks are identical to non-HP blocks so no big loss there. Difference was cam and carb and some other goodies.

Those rods should be the standard LY rods that were invented back when dirt was new. They'll work fine for any stock type rebuild but since you can buy brand new rods for $500, it really isn't wise to sink a lot of bucks into them.

[DartGT66]

The '535' rods are regular RB LY rods. They are good production rods that can take some abuse. They are lighter than most aftermarket rods and can do just fine rebuilt with qulity bolts, balanced & polished in a street oriented engine. They have been used for years in many applications with not a lot of problems. Great for a 400 based stroker build up with light pistons. They are common, and not worth a million, but regardless I would save them.

[carbuff56]

Thanks for the responses.
I paid $5 for a pickup truck load of engines, some complete and some just the short blocks. I couldn't pass up the 440, but it looks as if it will go to the scrap yard. Oh well, at least I got the windage tray out of the oil pan. I can hang it on the wall of my garage for a conversation piece.

I have been reading this forum for several days and I am impressed with the knowledge you share here.
I have been having a problem with the six barrel set up on my GTX so I will be posting another thread soon.

Thanks again

[carbuff56]

Sorry for the double post.

Ya, I will set this block in the barn until I get a collection of scrap to make my trip worth while to the metal dealer. In the meantime any loose parts I can get off it will go in a box until one of my buddies need something or I get ambitious and advertise them on e-bay.

Thanks for the response

[ehostler]

If the blocks are good, you could probably get more for them on ebay, then you can as scrap.