I am getting ready to build a Ramcharger.
I must add, I am not sure what engine is currently in it, wont be able to verify till truck is delivered next week.

I think I am going to upgrade the engine to either a 360 or 440.
Could you all please give the pros and cons of the two engines? It would be in a 78 Ramcharger with a Manual trans.
My understanding is the 440 runs hotter, and do not like to be RRRREVED to high.

Thank you for your input..


Later....

Depends on a lot of things, budget being most important. If you have a LA (273-318-340-360) in it and if you want to change to a (R)B (383-400-440) you'll be needing a different bell-housing.

If i had the choice and money i'd go the stroked 400 route (451), but i don't, so i have to get by with a measly 318 plus some mods. I'm more than pleased with its performance. It delivers showers of mud with 4.10 diffs and 36'' tires, and gets me up anything muddy. (In sand it likes to dig itself in, and we hardly have any rocks here) The only real problems with mine are the D44 front axles, wheelbearings and u-joints.

hard to say with only the info you gave but since i'm really bored and thers nothing goin on:

440 pros:
+more torque
+more weight on the front for hillclimbs
+you can say "i got a 440":D
+you'll be very good at changing axleshafts

440 cons:
-100# heavier
-harder to cool
-less room in the engine compartment
-worse mileage
-more broken parts
-less donor parts in wrecking yards
-expense of converting if you dont already have a big block

360 pros:
+good enough torque
+better mileage
+more forgiving on axleshafts and drivetrain components
+lighter
+more room to work
+rear distributor (less water and mud intake)
+use big block cooling components and never worry about cooling

360 cons:
-expense of swap if you already have a big block
-less torque than the 440 for pulling around big tires
-you cant say "i have a 440":flipoff2:

if you have a small block in it already stay with the 360 idea. if it comes with a big block, run with the 440. just easy on the gas pedal, and who said they dont like to be rev'd?;)

I'd build a 360 stroker, then you'll have around 408 ci, depending on the bore.

Then you can say "I've got a stroker" :D

:D

Originally posted by IH Scout II

My understanding is the 440 runs hotter, and do not like to be RRRREVED to high.

Thank you for your input..


Later....

Not true! I have a 440* powered speed boat. Just before I rebuilt the motor I set out to she just what she could handle. I ran her a 5200 rpms for 45 minutes. I had to pull back the throttle because I was running out of gas! The crank & cylinder walls all looked great when I torn it down for a hop up

It was a standard 1972 Chrysler Marine steel crank 440 rated a 330 hp with over a 1000 hrs on the meter.

I say go with the 440 if you can. There is an issue finding a 4-speed bellhousing if you don't have one. I believe the old 60's Dodge trucks with a wide block 318 will have the bellhousing. I have heard they are hard to find. The grunt of the 440 will break axle shafts ect... If you want to abuse it, you will need a Dana 60 front end. Mine revs fine, but spits the belts just over 6 grand. :D I try to keep it under 5,000. Good Luck,

wide block 318 is small block pattern if i'm not mistaken.;)

I just heard that is where the bellhousing comes from, I don't know for sure. My bellhousing came with my Power Wagon when I bought it 14 years ago. Oh yeah, Mine NEVER overheats. I think it is the stock 4 core radiator. Some tubes are pinched off after the fan got into it one time. I use a flex fan. No heating problems whatsoever.