My 69 Dart Project

Next up, about a year prior to picking up the 69, I had purchased a builder 440 from a guy who was clearing out his Dads old shop. I believe I paid $400 and he offered to give me a 383 as well just to get rid of it. Unfortunately I did not have to room for it. Remember him being a super cool guy though.

I tore it down, dropped it off at Gunn Automotive Machine in Denver, CO. If I remember right the details are:
Block shot peened
Bored .030 over
Cam and crank tunnels align honed
New cam bearings installed
Bronze distributor bushing installed
Balanced
Decks were flat
Factory connecting rods installed to new pistons 9.2:1 compression ratio (wish I had gone higher now)
New freeze plugs installed

I originally based the build on a Hughes “Whiplash” flat tappet cam which was for low compression engines. After reading so many posts about flat tappet cams I said screw that and purchased a Howard’s Hydraulic roller cam, lifter, timing set.

I got the block painted with KBS brush on paint (which I’ll never brush a block again), got the rotating assembly installed. Then it was time to pull the plug for a bit and get ready for our move!

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