Strength of cast crank 440

[TrxR]

What will a cast crank 440 hold for HP ?? I want to build a 440 for my 87 dakota that I want to run mid to low 12's would a cast crank hold??

PS what is the stroke of a stock 440

[Meep972]

I'm not sure how much that cast iron crank can take, but if you plan to make it powerful enough to run 12's, I'd get a forged steel crank from a '62 and up 413, and some 440's had 'em.

[charger_dan]

Properly prepped, a 440 cast crank will take 575-600 horsepower.
Wouldn't run giggle juice, though.

If you can step up to an OEM or aftermarket forged steel unit, I'd do so.

If you do stay with the cast crank, make sure you utilize a
harmonic balancer specifically designed for a cast 440 crank
(which is externally balanced).

[dave571]

The answer to your stroke question is 3.75"

I think charger dan is right about how much it will take, but you're for sure pushing it over 500 hp.

Steel cranks aren't that hard to find, and are reasonably priced.

Shop around the swap meet's, you'll find one.

[gsmopar]

Cast cranks are a pain when it comes to finding a fluid dampener, stall converter, flex plate, etc.... Go Steel!

[cuda66273]

Or a good machine shop can convert your externally balanced motor over to internal balance...we do it all the time....no big deal.

[charger_dan]

Originally posted by cuda66273
Or a good machine shop can convert your externally balanced motor over to internal balance...we do it all the time....no big deal.

Just curious - wouldn't this be a cost prohibitive modification (Mallory metal),
compared to just locating an OEM steel crank?

What, in your opinion, are the max HP levels for each crank type (big block)
In other words, how much more HP can you run with a steel crank compared
to a cast crank on a big block?

[gsmopar]

and at what point does the block itself, rods, bolts, etc... become the limiting factor? This is tooo much. I need a asprine.

[charger_dan]

Originally posted by gsmopar
and at what point does the block itself, rods, bolts, etc... become the limiting factor? This is tooo much. I need a asprine.

I've read in a couple of places that an OEM 440 block (again, with proper prep)
will reliably handle up to 600 horses. Beyond that, you need either a better
block (new Mopar), or convert to Pro-Gram billet main caps (or something similar).

As for OEM connecting rods, I'd like to know that one myself.

[TrxR]

I found a 440 out of a 74 motorhome with extremely low miles and i know this is a cast crank. I was wondering what you guys thought of using this block and trying to find a steel crank for it?? The reason Im asking is that I can get the whole motor for $300 Canadian. Would this combo handle enough HP and torque to get my Dakota into the low-mid 12's reliably ?? This will also be street driven alot. One more question is there any companies that sell new 440 steel cranks other than the ones made overseas??

[dirty dan]

Originally posted by TrxR
I found a 440 out of a 74 motorhome with extremely low miles and i know this is a cast crank. I was wondering what you guys thought of using this block and trying to find a steel crank for it?? The reason Im asking is that I can get the whole motor for $300 Canadian. Would this combo handle enough HP and torque to get my Dakota into the low-mid 12's reliably ?? This will also be street driven alot. One more question is there any companies that sell new 440 steel cranks other than the ones made overseas??

Go a head with the stock cast crank.
It is more then strong enough to do what you plan.
If as you say the engine as very low milage.
I would drop the oil pan and replace or dis assemble and clean the oil pickup tube and reassemble.
This is an important step as regaurdless of mileage the valve seals brakeup and glog the pick up tube.

[GON_RACIN]

.509 cam install

[AndyF]

I'd think a 440 cast crank would last a long time in a 12 second car, probably forever.

If you rebuild the engine use lighter weight pistons and that cast crank should be set for a long time. In fact, if you use light enough pistons then you can balance the motor internally. Then you can use the dampner and flex plate from a forged crank motor.

[Just some welder]

Originally Posted by AndyF

I'd think a 440 cast crank would last a long time in a 12 second car, probably forever.

If you rebuild the engine use lighter weight pistons and that cast crank should be set for a long time. In fact, if you use light enough pistons then you can balance the motor internally. Then you can use the dampner and flex plate from a forged crank motor.

I'm rebuilding a 440 out of a 78' Van that has a cast crank also. I've been told by the local machine shop that specializes in Mopars, that they are good for up to 500HP. That's plenty for my street beast. As I am a newbie to Mopars, could you explain for me what the benefit of having a cast crank balanced internally would be?? I was quoted $400 for the Balance but he ne'er mentioned what kind. I'm guessing external. thanks.

Joe Welder