Thread: 6 cly to 440 engine swap

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Im lookin for a 440 engine running, with a transmission (727 torque flite) i also need a 8 3/4 rear end and a drive shaft to go with it, my car right now has a 6cyl and its embarrassing to drive in my 69 cuda, and what year 440 has the most power? also wahts the HP difference from a 4 bbl to a 6pack?
thanks.

You would have better luck finding the Engine and tranny seperatly. FYI, AMCs used torqueflight trannies in 1975-78 cars behind the 360s, 401s and some 6 cylinders. The 440 makes the most power in 68-71 with the 4 barrel carb. These motors are rated at 375@4600HP and 480@3200 torque. As for the 6 pack, this motor is rated at 390@4700 and 490@3200. But the 6 packs are rather coveted. You will have a lot better luck finding a good 4 barrel.

You have a couple issues to deal with doing a 440 RB big block in an A-body Cuda (1964-1969).

With the exception of the damn near hand built superstock Hemi Cuda's the largest engine from the factory in an A body Cuda was a 383 B big block. Even then, the 383 Cuda's required special mounts, single application exhaust manifolds, and an offset master cylinder mounting plate (brain is fuzzy on that last one).

The 440 is a tall deck block so you will be losing even more space between the shock towers and will most likely have to do some serious sledgehammer massaging to get it to fit.

About the only choice you have for exhaust will be fenderwell headers which will put you into needing to run skinny (like Moroso frontrunners) front tires. I have seen people do some nasty bandaid exhaust on A body big blocks by putting the skinny flat log exhaust manifolds on and using two right side manifolds. The driver side manifold gets put on backwards and the pipe comes down in front of the K member.

For your 8 3/4" rear end, go find a V-8 Dart/Duster in the junkyard for the housing. I think if you go with a 1972 or later rear end, this will also give you axles that are the 5 on 4.5" bolt circle to replace the 5 on 4" hubs you have now. It probably wouldn't hurt to grab the spindles and suspension parts also so you can put disc brakes on the front.

There is a manual disc master cylinder that is a standard application for the 70's A bodies that will give you a little more room without the power vaccuum booster.

You will be swapping the K frame for any V-8 replacement engine, or you can use the engine swap mounts with the 6 cylinder K frame, although I have never used the swap mounts so I have no idea how well they will fit.

You will probably have an easier time finding a 400 (that can be stroked into a 447) and it will be an easier swap than the 440 into an A body.

or go with a Small block...... 360s are plenty fun

Originally posted by stepside454
or go with a Small block...... 360s are plenty fun

thats more for the 72-74 cudas, 69-71 cudas are just begging for a big block. the 440's are good powerplants, 6 pacs are hard to find, but ive seen a 6 pac setup through jegs, but only one problem with 3 2bbl carbs, tuning them, you would definitly be better off with either a dual 4bbl intake or just one 4bbl carb.

oh man kindcuda if i would have joined the site earlier i could have sold u a 440 but its already gone, ill tell you if i get any more

i gotta agree with Lord Antagonism

however 'Have I got a deal for you'

I have a complete 68 383, 727 trans, 8 3/4 rear end with Suregrip, and any other drivertrain/suspension parts you want (all B-Body stuff though - some interchangeable, some not)

Tell me what your front subframe dims are (outside rail to outside rail) and I might have a complete K-member with Big Block tabs on it as well for you

The tranny is sweet, has valve body mods and snaps your head back in all three gears,
motor while it ran real strong is in need of a rebuild

lemme know if youre interested in any of it.

im an idiot - just realized i was talking to a year old thread - DOH!!!

I just saw the message you left on CHR. If you are interested in getting rid of that 383 and 727 I might just take em off your hands. Just a few questions I would want to ask you though. Check your email man.

- Cudaman -