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About 440 engine

Types of 440 engines

A 440 engine is a Chrysler B engine. It has a 7.2 L (7200 cc) displacement. The 440 engine has a V8 configuration. It was used in many Chrysler cars in the 1960s and 1970s. The 440 engine is also known as the Chrysler 440. It's one of the most popular big block engines made by Chrysler. There are several types of 440 engines. They include:

  • 440 Super Commando: The 440 Super Commando has a 440 cubic inch (7.2 L) V8 engine. It uses a 4-barrel carburetor. The carburetor helps to improve engine performance. The 440 Super Commando can be found in the Plymouth GTX and the Road Runner models made in 1966.
  • 440 Four-Barrel: The 440 four-barrel engines were used in many Chrysler cars. They were used as standard equipment or optional engine upgrades. Some of the cars that used the 440 four-barrel engine include the Chrysler Newport, New Yorker, and the Imperial models made in 1966.
  • 440 Six-Barrel: The 440 six-barrel engines have a 6 carburetor setup. They all have a 3x2-barrel carburetor configuration. The 440 six barrels were used in the Chrysler 300 letter series and high-performance Chrysler vehicles. They were first used in the 1965 Chrysler 300L model.

Specifications and Maintenance of 440 Engine

Specifications of 440 Engine

The 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) V8 engines from Chrysler were known as the ""Chrysler Big Block V8 Hemi 440,"" ""Chrysler Big Block V8 440,"" or just the ""440 engine.""). The 440 engine was a part of the Chrysler B-series 383 and 400 family of engines. This family was used in Chrysler C-body and M-body cars, as well as imported by some Chrysler subsidiaries, such as Dodge and Plymouth. The 440 engine was introduced in 1966 and mainly used for Chrysler 1966 C-body models.

  • Configuration: V8
  • Displacement: 440 cubic inches (7.2 liters)
  • Bore: 4.34 inches (110.2 mm)
  • Stroke: 3.75 inches (95.3 mm)
  • Compression Ratio: 10.1:1 to 10.5:1 (Hemi); 9.1:1 to 9.5:1 (Non-Hemi)
  • Power Output: 350-390 hp (261-291 kW) (Hemi); 400-500 hp (298-373 kW) (Non-Hemi)
  • Torque: 490-520 lb-ft (664-707 N-m) (Hemi); 420-460 lb-ft (569-624 N-m) (Non-Hemi)

Maintenance of 440 Engine

The following are some key maintenance tips for the 440 engine.

  • Regular Oil Changes: Engine oil and filter should be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles (or 5,000-8,000 km) to keep the oil clean. This helps to lubricate the moving parts and protect them from wear. Besides, it prevents the build-up of sludge and debris in the engine, thus ensuring optimal performance.
  • Air Filter Replacement: The air filter should be checked monthly and replaced every 12,000-15,000 miles (or 20,000-24,000 km). A clean air filter ensures that clean air is filtered into the engine. This optimizes combustion and enhances engine performance. Besides, a clean air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine, thus prolonging its life span.
  • Regular Spark Plug Inspection: Spark plugs should be inspected every 30,000 miles (or 48,000 km). They should be replaced immediately when worn out or damaged. This ensures that the spark plugs provide a strong spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
  • Regular Cooling System Maintenance: The coolant level should be checked every month. The hoses and belts should be inspected every 30,000 miles (or 48,000 km) and replaced when worn out. This prevents overheating and ensures that the coolant is circulated throughout the engine.
  • Regular Fuel System Cleaning: A fuel system cleaner should be added to the gas tank every 10,000 miles (or 16,000 km). This cleans the fuel injectors and improves fuel efficiency. Besides, the fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000-50,000 miles (or 48,000-80,000 km) to ensure that clean fuel is supplied to the engine.
  • Regular Emission Control System Inspection: Emission components such as the catalytic converter and the EGR valve should be inspected every 50,000 miles (or 80,000 km). They should be replaced immediately when damaged or worn out. This ensures that emissions are reduced to meet environmental regulations.
  • Regular Engine Performance Testing: Engine performance should be tested using an OBD-II scanner every 50,000 miles (or 80,000 km). This helps to check that the engine is running smoothly.

How to Choose 440 Engine

There are several factors to consider when choosing a 440 engine, and they include the following.

  • Consider the Vehicle

    The vehicle's make, model, and year of production should be considered before choosing a 440 engine. This is to ensure that the engine will be compatible with the vehicle's design and its ability to handle the increased power and torque.

  • Intended Use

    The purpose of the vehicle should be considered. For instance, if the vehicle is meant for racing, a high-performance 440 engine that offers more horsepower and torque should be chosen. But if the vehicle is meant for off-road purposes, a 440 engine that offers more low-end torque should be chosen.

  • Budget

    The budget should be considered, as 440 engines will come at different prices depending on the features and specifications. Other costs such as installation, maintenance, and fuel should be factored in when choosing a 440 engine.

  • Future Upgrades

    Future upgrades should be considered; for example, if the user plans to upgrade the engine in the future, a 440 engine that can be upgraded easily should be chosen.

  • Brand Reputation

    Brand reputation should be considered when choosing a 440 engine. It is advisable to choose a brand that is well known for producing quality and reliable engines.

How to DIY and Replace 440 Engine

Rebuilding a 440 big block Mopar engine can be a complex and detail-oriented process, but it can be done if the proper steps are followed. Here are the steps for a DIY 440 engine rebuild:

  • Disassembly

    The first step is disassembling the engine. Take apart the valve covers, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, carburetor, ignition components, accessories, and engine block. As the components get disassembled, it is important to keep track of their position and clean them to ease the reassembly process.

  • Inspection

    After disassembly, inspect all the engine components to check for wear and damage. The components to inspect include the cylinder heads, engine block, piston rings, valves, camshaft, and crankshaft. The worn-out or damaged components should be replaced.

  • Cleaning

    All the engine parts should be cleaned thoroughly before reassembly. This should be done to get rid of any residues, carbon deposits, and dirt.

  • Machine work

    Once cleaning is done, the engine block can be sent to a machine shop to have the cylinders honed and the deck machined. The cylinder heads can also be machined to improve their performance. This is an optional step that can be done based on the engine's condition.

  • Reassembly

    once the disassembly, inspection, cleaning, and machine work are done, the engine can be reassembled. The reassembly should be done in the opposite order of disassembly. All the components should be assembled with new gaskets and torque specifications.

  • Timing and ignition

    After reassembly, the timing and ignition system should be set. This can be done by following the manufacturer's specifications. The ignition system components should be installed and connected.

  • Fluids

    Before starting the engine, the required fluids should be filled. These include engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. The oil and coolant levels should be checked to ensure they are at the required levels.

  • Starting and breaking in

    once the above steps are completed, the engine can be started and allowed to run for a few minutes. This is an important step because it ensures all the components are working properly. After starting the engine, it should be broken down by running it through different RPMs.

Q&A

Q1. What is a 440 engine?

A1. A 440 engine refers to an automotive engine that generates 440 cubic inches of displacement. It is commonly known as the Chrysler 440. The Chrysler 440 is a V8 engine that was manufactured by Chrysler from 1966 to 1978.

Q2. Is the 440 big-block engine still used today?

A2. Yes, the 440 big-block engine is still used today, especially in classic and vintage cars. Enthusiasts and collectors often restore and maintain vehicles that originally came with the 440 engine.

Q3. What are some common problems associated with the 440 engine?

A3. Some common issues that users may experience with the 440 engine include valve seat recession, cooling system inadequacies, and ignition system problems. Proper maintenance and using high-quality replacement parts can mitigate these issues.

Q4. What is the 440 HEMI engine?

A4. The 440 HEMI engine is a variant of the 440 engine that uses the HEMI cylinder head design. The HEMI head design was introduced in the 426 HEMI engine. It features a semi-spherical combustion chamber that improves airflow and increases engine efficiency.