Super Dak
I am currently rebuilding a '78 440 RB and need some info. The engine is going into a '91 Dakota, extended cab, short box. I was hoping you could help me decide what to do with the build. The engine just got bored .030-inch oversize, and the crank reground 10/10. I was planning on installing a set of 9:1 TRW pistons and using a basic rebuild kit.
When it comes to heads, cam, and intake, I'm lost. Would the stock heads be sufficient, if rebuilt? I was thinking of ordering a set of Aeromax 906 heads with 88cc open chambers. When it comes to the cam, I was thinking of a Comp Cams kit, with 224/230 duration at .050-inch and .477/.480-inch. lift, (PN 21-223-4). For an intake, I was thinking of an Edelbrock Torker II and a 750-800-cfm carb. I will be running an 831/44 rearend with 3.55 gears and a 727 tranny, not too sure about the torque stall yet.The truck is going to be a street runner with the odd long-distance ride, not a drag machine.Matthew Crumb Via e-mail
I like the idea of the 440 swap. What it sounds like you are building is a mild 440, which will give plenty of go in a Dak. First, on your piston choice, I presume you mean the SpeedPro 2266 pistons. These are too far in the hole to be very useful, even in a mild performance build. Go with the SpeedPro 2355 pistons, which are the Six Pack replacements. These will give a compression ratio of about 9.5:1 without any decking or milling, while the 2266 will give more like 8.5:1.
As far as heads, any of the '68-and-up heads will give similar performance, so your choices are wide open here. The later '71-and-up heads are a little easier to port for good flow, while the earlier heads can ultimately flow more, but require much more work to get there. In stock form, the flow between any of these heads from 1968 to 1978 is so close you really won't notice any difference. Your cam choice is a good one for your goals. I wouldn't use that intake though. A Performer RPM would make more power everywhere, and idle and drive better. The carb size is also right on the money. For a converter, I would just use a rebuilt factory 11-inch high-stall unit. These are dirt cheap and work great. Sounds like the ideal setup to me.