440 build, need advice with the little details

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Dguyski

Dguyski

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Owosso, mi
Hey guys, I've decided to rip into my 440 and make it what i want. I have decided on having my 452 heads worked a bit to save a big chunk of money as opposed to buying a set of Indy heads, and i have a weiand hi-ram intake currently running a pair of Holley 600 carbs. I will be switching to Fitech throttle bodies when i am finished with the engine build. My question is regarding rocker arms, as i am planning on running a good set of 1.6 ratio roller rockers. My cam i have picked out is a howards hydraulic roller cam with .600"/.600" 296/300, 243/[email protected]" with a 108 lobe separation angle. Would i need offset rocker arms to run that cam? And should i stick with the stock 1.5 ratio with that? Also, the pistons i am looking at are speed pro forged 0.060" over with 2.029 compression height with a 12cc dome, they claim a 10.4:1 compression ratio with 88cc heads. Does this sound right? And would i need to have valve reliefs machined into the pistons to run them with that cam? I don't know my deck clearance without removing the heads, but it's a stock 1978 short block if that helps. I really appreciate everyone's input, this has been the best forum I've been on when it comes to advice with my Barracuda!
 
452 heads heads do not use offset rockers, no matter what cam. and with 452 heads (maybe unless they are super well ported) 1.5 rockers will be great with that big cam. I like comp cams pro magnums. compression ratio will be about 10.4:1 with .038" head gaskets. those pistons have valve reliefs-maybe enough for that cam-maybe not-you need to check-another reason to stick with 1.5 rockers
 
Thank you guys! Hopefully this setup will work well on the street, i am trying to keep compression where i can use 93 octane fuel and not build it too hot for the cast crank. I've read that the factory bottom end can survive 600hp, and while that would be awesome i don't want to push the limits because i don't plan on racing it much, if at all but i want that nasty loping idle and that heavenly sound a built 440 makes at higher rpm. Again, i appreciate everything I've learned from you all
 
440 source heads come to mind. For what machining stock heads would cost you would be better off checking the 440 source website. I had a set on my 500 cubic inch race engine for years until I went to Victor heads. Just my 2 cents.
 
You will have to have a piston with deep valve reliefs for that combo. If you can post the piston part number we might be able to tell better. Run the 1.5s. Ther hydraulic roller is going to use weaker springs anyway, no reason to make them work even harder.
 
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