The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I'd like to get some recommendations about a good engine combination that is very streetable (pump gas, slightly aggressive idle). My car currently has the original 383 in it, but was considering replacing it with a 440 or possibly a 440 stroker kit (500 c.i) available from either PAW or 440 source. Does anyone have experience with PAW? I've heard good things about 440 source, but I need pretty much the complete engine including the block so I'm not sure if this falls within my budget of $5-$6K.

What would be a good combination for a mostly street driven car with light strip use. My goal is to have a car that idles well with enough vacuum for power brakes, stays below 6000 rpm and would be capable of 1/4 mile times in the high 12's, low 13's. If I choose a 500 kit with a 9.5:1 c.r. and mild cam, what would be a good starting point for the carb, intake, cam and heads? Current driveline is a stock A-727 (don't know what the stall rating is) with 3.91:1 suregrip.

Aluminum heads are a bit pricey for my budget so I'm probably going to stick with a rebuilt cast iron head with the hardened seats. I'm thinking an Edelbrock performer intake with matching cam and an Edelbrock 750 AVS or Performer. I probably will also put headers on. The 440 will probably be more than adequate and perhaps the 500 is overkill. Pricewise, it's not much different. I'm looking to use mostly off the shelf parts, nothing that is custom. Suspension will also need some work. Sorry for the long post, but this will be my first engine rebuild so any advice is much appreciated.

The heads are your big limitation here. I don't think you will go much faster than high 13s with stock heads.

You have to decide exactly how fast you want to go.

Then tell me the weight of your car plus gas plus you.

I can then tell you how much HP you need and you can work around that.

Dave,

My car is a stock Challenger (3600-3700 lbs w/big block?). I weigh about 240 lb. I'd like the car to be around 450-475 hp with excellent low/mid range torque. I might consider an Aluminum head like the Stealth model offered by 440 Source.

Thanks,
Chris

A 440 Challenger is usually around 3800lbs but for accurate results you need to weigh the car with you in it on a scale.

But lets say 4050lbs total weight for arguments sake. (you are a big boy!)

To get in the high 12s you will need around 380hp at the rear wheels. That equates to around 450hp at the engine.

To make that power you will need to fit bigger valves to the heads and do a little port bowl work. You should manage with just minor work on the stock port runners if they are 906 or 452 heads. Something you could do yourself with guidence and the right tools.

But those Stealth heads will work well right out of the box. Probably the best option.

With a 6000rpm shift point you might be better going for the stroker option. The bigger capacity lowers the peak shift point. But i think you could do this with the stock stroke either.

3.91 gears will work well around that rpm.

For a cam you want something with about 0.50 - 0.55 valve lift and around the 235 degrees duration @ 50thou tappet lift. Use adjustable roller tipped rockers.

If you keep the stock stroke crank go for a hi-rise 4bbl dual plane intake but if you stroke it go for a single plane intake.

I will PM you a dyno tool to use to play about with the various options.

Thanks for the program. that should be helpful.