Chrysler 440 - 505 Stroker RB Big Block, Part 2 - Machine Processes

In this video I go over machining processes on the engine block and how they are done. I did forget to mention that the crankshaft centerline is referenced to the camshaft centerline when finding the perfect 90 degrees to deck the block and bore the cylinders.

[@robertkeville6230]

Excellent video. Well thought out and relevant.

[@Phil454LSX]

Thank you. When I re-watch it there are a few things I wish I had mentioned, but all in all, I'm happy with it. I should write a script before I start the recording, 😂. Stay tuned, there are more to come on this one and a 1000+ horse 1995 LT1 for a Camaro.

[@edsmachine93]

I just subscribed to your channel Phil. Take care, Ed.

[@Phil454LSX]

Very cool, Thank You. I was an engine machinist for a long time, then spent time teaching it before getting out of it altogether, professionally. Wish I still had access to a full shop to machine my own parts. I have some of the smaller machines that are practical to own, but nothing like your stuff.

[@edsmachine93]

@@Phil454LSX That's awesome Phil. Where are you located? Are you retired?

[@Phil454LSX]

​@@edsmachine93Unfortunately still working and will be for a long time yet, but since abandoning the automotive industry, I do much better. Located in SE PA.

[@MrHayabusa1299]

You should be an automotive instructor 😁

[@Phil454LSX]

You're a funny guy !!!

[@edsmachine93]

What kind of caps are they. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.

[@Phil454LSX]

They came from Billet Speed Works, which, I think used to be Program Engineering. I remember reading or hearing somewhere that the owner of Program retired and an employee of theirs bought the business and renamed it to BSW.

[@edsmachine93]

@@Phil454LSX Thanks Phil, I appreciate it. I had already looked it up on line. Take care, Ed.

[@edsmachine93]

I'm in Northwest, Arkansas.

[@Phil454LSX]

​@@edsmachine93 The 440 is set to leave on Monday for decking and boring. Depending on how time frames fall, I might be making a video on filling a 1995 LT1 Chevy block to the water pump in hopes of making 1200 turbo boosted horse out of it. The block took 1000 horse in its last build form. As I tell him, it's a grenade, the pin is pulled, we're just waiting for the timer to run out ...

[@edsmachine93]

@@Phil454LSX The LT1 sounds like a very interesting project. It will be nice to see how the 440 comes out Phil.

[@Jpaydirt]

what did your cylinder wall thickness come out at

[@Phil454LSX]

@Jpaydirt Ha, I've been waiting for this question. I have a sonic tester, but I didn't bother to check it. Here's why ... #1- I didn't have multiple 440 blocks to pick from, we were lucky to have found this one. #2- I bought my sonic tester for another job after half of this machine work was already in progress. It was magnafluxed before we started at the owner's insistence. Don't get me started on the magnaflux scam to make money. #3- It came from a running motor home and should be OK, it's only at .030 over bore, not .060. The majority are fine. #4- When these blocks fail under high power, it is usually the main webbing, not the cylinders and I filled the bottom of the coolant jackets to offer a little more support to both. #5- I can always sleeve a cylinder if it would crack down the road, but I am not counting on having to do it. Should I have sonic tested it before we started? Yes. But, then we'd be looking for another block that may not be much better ... so, after weighing the above options, I didn't do it and decided some things are better left alone. A cracked cylinder can be fixed if needed, it would suck, but it's not the end of the engine.

[@Jpaydirt]

@@Phil454LSX Oh, I wasn't thinking about cracking...........but they might over time I guess , I was wondering more about budging under high HP and firing pressure going past the rings, but if it's making good power you have a good block

[@Phil454LSX]

@Jpaydirt Good points. It's a factory block, it's going to move a bit, they all will. Some more than others. If you want to correct that, you need an aftermarket block or fill it a lot higher than I did. I filled this one up to the bottom of the core plugs. You could always go higher for better stability, but you risk cooling capacity on the street, especially on hot days. How much is too much for the street? I don't know, but when it's a paying job, I try to play it safe as I don't want it coming back with cooling issues that I can't fix once it is filled. I probably could've went higher but would've had to put core plugs in and make cleaning it a chore. As far as ring seal goes, I am using Total Seal's gas ported piston rings which will help with seal and minimize blow by on the compression stroke and it was torque plate honed. On another note, I built a 1995 factory block LT1 small block Chevy many years ago that made over 1000 horse on a 300+ nitrous shot and it saw some hard drag use. When taking it apart for a refresh, the block was still in very good condition. I chalk that one up to luck.

[@Phil454LSX]

@Jpaydirt It's not finished yet, but with the exception of moving the cylinder bores to their correct locations, it is a blueprinted machined block. Will things move around under power and heat? Probably. How much? I don't know, but it will stay together. I think you might be over thinking things, there's a lot you COULD do, but consider your budget at the same time ...