The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I am building a 440. It will be bored .030, about 9.6 to 1 pistons, stock rods and crank. 274 cam, 452 castings with some flow work, 2.18 intakes. 750 carb. The machine shop is telling me that should produce about 375 - 400 horse. Does this sound about right? The tranny has been rebuilt, thought on torque converter? Thanks

Very weak cam. Slightly more duration on the intake from stock but less on the exhaust where you need it. Same with the lift. Slightly more on the intake and less on the exhaust. I can't see it making any more power than stock really even with headers. Not enough to notice anyway. What was your cam choice based on?

The extra flow will be wasted without more lift and duration.

I am not a big fan of Mopar Performance cams. I think they suck.

Use a stock converter with this combo.

Hi Dave-R,

Cam choice was based on machine shop recommendation. I am planning to use a Comp cam set, have heard the same about purple shafts. If I am looking for 400 HP or so, what cam would you suggest? Also, for a street driven car (with the right cam), would you suggest headers? I am building a 72 Challenger. Thanks

Comp cams is a lot better. I would need the complete cam spec (valve opening and closing times) to get an idea from Desktop Dyno as to what this cam will do for you. I don't see any reason to doubt your machine shops word on predicted power levels but I do question the need for bigger valves.

If i get time later I will look at some cam specs for you.

If you wish to keep the factory type iron exhaust manifolds then I think going to bigger vlaves is a waste of time and money. Don't port either. These heads just need the port bowls smoothing at this level.

400 hp is a very realistic level to aim at. I do get tired of people wanting 700hp in a car that will drive well on the street.

Thanks Dave. I am looking for something very streetable, with decent low end power, not 700 horse as you mentioned. 400 horse seemed just about right, since I really won't have it on the strip very much, if ever. I will take your advice and go with headers, any particular brand/style? Also, 2.5" exhaust seem right?

thanks for all the feedback...

Headers are a pain in the arse. If you can do without them you will be happier.

The only headers out there that are not quite as much of a pain in the backside are the TTI headers. But they are very expensive. If you have the money go for the polished ceramic coated versions. They radiate less heat into the engine bay. A 2.5 inch exhaust will be fine and not too loud.

dave-r wrote:400 hp is a very realistic level to aim at. I do get tired of people wanting 700hp in a car that will drive well on the street.

...as long as you have the cubes it will drive well on the streets Dave. Someday I have to show you...

LOL Hans. But you know it isn't that easy or cheap!

Now back to Mr MLMFLCN.
Even though I said headers are a pain they will add about 25hp to your 440 so you have to weigh the pros and cons.

I would use something like this Hughes Engines cam.

HEH 2328 BL

INT .506" lift / 223 @ 0.050 duration
EXH .524" lift / 228 @0.050 duration

This would give you about the same power curve shape as stock only with a bit more power over the whole thing.

You can even use the stock converter and 3.23:1 axle gears. It will suit your compression too.

Or you could use their next cam up;
HEH 2832 BL

INT .524" lift / 228 @ 0.050
EXH .540" lift / 232 @ 0.050

This cam moves the power up the rpm scale slightly and would work well with 3.55:1 rear gears and a 2800 stall converter.

Forgot to say that second cam would work OK with the bigger valves and mild porting you were thinking of getting.

Hello Dave R,

Here is what I think I decided on...the 284 Comp Cam, with headers. This should put the output at close to 400 horse, I think. One final question, should I upgrade to roller rockers, or would stock suffice since it is not an overly wild cam? Thanks,

I personally do not like the stock rockers as you don't always get a true 1.5:1 ratio (it is usually less) so you get less lift. Also you cannot adjust the amount of lifter pre-load.

So I would go for roller rockers. I would also get a 1.6:1 ratio as that will give you a bit more power for free.