Max lift of stock 440 valve springs?

[MoparButch]

Hey guys, I'm trying to put together a cheap bare bones 440 and right now I'm planning on a decent size cam like Hughes 2832 or Comp XE274 and getting matching springs but if budget dosnt allow I'll just get the bigest MP cam that stock springs can handle. So what is the max lift of a set of 78 440 springs? The engines not a race motor, just a nice street 440 with most duty under 5000RPM probably 5500 max. So with that in mind whats the biggest cam or lift I can get away with for a lower RPM motor? I plan on around 9.5 compression, Torker 2 intake, Edelbrock 750 carb, mild home port 452's, headers, 2200-2500 stall converter, 727 w/shift kit, and 3.23 rear(for now), all in a 68 Satellite. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks.

Butch

[Mopar_Maniac]

Butch,

To be honest with you there are way too many variables to say for sure. When dealing with used stock springs it's a crapshoot.

If you have to wait a couple of weeks to save up the extra cash for new matching springs just wait and save yourself the extra headaches of having to redo it again. You will be much happier in the long run.

I doubt that even new stock rated springs would allow you to reach into the 5-5500 rpm range. The factory designed the typical bigblock for tons of lowend torque. The typical stock bigblock runs out of its power range by about 4800 rpm.

Bite the bullet and buy the new springs designed for the cam you choose. Make sure and contact the cam manufacture and get their recommendations for your application. Be honest with them about the intended use, and with the information about your car, and you will be happy with your cam choice.

Good luck,
Mopar_Maniac

[MoparButch]

Thanks for the input, I'll just make sure I have enough to get matched springs. Thanks.

Butch

[d.friction]

As well as new spring I would reconsider the torker 2. For your aplicaction I would stay with a dual plain intake.

[MoparButch]

Yeah eventually I'll get the Performer RPM. but for now I already have a Torker 2 intake, so it will have to do. I got it cheap and couldnt pass it up.

Butch

[DartGT66]

Torker 2 should do just fine. with a 440 you can afford loosing slightly low end; You'll still have more than most others.
But the valve springs are a different thing; you need the correct springs for the cam you intend to use. As far as the cam goes, this might be a good pick for your combo. I have used it and ti thould work very well. Competition Cams #21-227-4, XE275HL, Xtreme HiLift, Hyd Flat Tappet, 275/287-231/237-.525/.525-110

[MoparButch]

Yeah I was looking at that cam too but didnt here about anyone using it, compares to some of the Hughes cams. What werw the specs of the motor you used the cam in? Yeah after all the reading I'll definately have to go with matched springs.

Butch

[DartGT66]

The CR was a little below 10:1, Heads were Edelbrock 84cc's and the pistons six pack TRW's. The intake was a M1 single plane and 1 3/4 Hedman Elite headers. The engine idled pretty smoothly and even with an Edelbrock 750 carb (I do not like them) it had agreat throttle response. Seemed to really responce between 1000 and 6000. The heads were a bit better than the ones you use, but I feel it should work just the same with your combo.

[MoparButch]

Thanks for the info, greatly apriciated!!!!


Butch