Misc. 440 questions.

So i've been robbing parts from my 383 and i had a couple of questions regarding the 440.


1. Do any head bolts require sealant? I've been dunking them in ATF before i spin some down just to test fit but I've heard from unreliable sources that a few head bolts thread into water passages.

Not that I know of.

2. I want to use the points distributor from the 383 while i refresh the wiring in the car. the distributor drive shaft is about an inch too short. Can it be modified to function on the 440 somehow? If not has anyone had any experience with Proform brand distributors?

You need the RB (Raised Block...413, 426W or 440) distributor shaft. You can put a 440 dizzy in a 383 (with adapter), but not the other way.

3. Finally i bought a C body HP (not sure if it really is a legitimate HP) manifold. Has anyone had any experience getting an RV passenger manifold to fit in an A body? I don't care about performance right now so much as having a running engine.

I personally haven't tried. I did a set of old log-style ones to fit way back in time.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

1. Do any head bolts require sealant? I've been dunking them in ATF before i spin some down just to test fit but I've heard from unreliable sources that a few head bolts thread into water passages.

Not that I know of.

2. I want to use the points distributor from the 383 while i refresh the wiring in the car. the distributor drive shaft is about an inch too short. Can it be modified to function on the 440 somehow? If not has anyone had any experience with Proform brand distributors?

You need the RB (Raised Block...413, 426W or 440) distributor shaft. You can put a 440 dizzy in a 383 (with adapter), but not the other way. Check with @halifaxhops ...he may have a cheap RB dizzy you can buy.

3. Finally i bought a C body HP (not sure if it really is a legitimate HP) manifold. Has anyone had any experience getting an RV passenger manifold to fit in an A body? I don't care about performance right now so much as having a running engine.

I personally haven't tried. I did get a set of old log-style ones to fit way back in time.