Dyno 440 Engine Build Part 1: Introduction and Crankshaft Installed

What’s the most universal Mopar big block engine? It would likely be the 440. This is the introduction and crankshaft installation of a 68 HP 440 Big block engine that’s destined for a 1969 Dodge Charger RT/SE. This build combines the neat of old school and new school, by using the Stock forged crankshaft, and connecting rods, Icon forged flat top pistons, combined with Trickflow aluminum heads and Erson Hydraulic Roller camshaft.
Not only that, but the engine has been blueprinted, balanced, align honed, bored, and finish honed by ‪@edsmachine93‬ .
For JustMoparjoe shirts and more, visit: www.etsy.com/s...

[@edsmachine93]

Very nice and sanitary work Joe. Nice control with the installation of the crankshaft in the block. And thanks for the shout out. I certainly will be following along. Have a great weekend.

[@mikestackhouse9001]

Ed, you are a Master at your craft. A beautiful block and crank.

[@edsmachine93]

@@mikestackhouse9001 Thank you Mike. That's very kind of you. I appreciate it. Have a great weekend.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Ed! See you soon

[@JimsFastbackGarage]

I am glad you installed that rear seal flush with the block. I tried clocking one, and it failed miserably. I will never do that again. The build is going great Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. I never tried any other way. 👍🏼

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Balance and Blue printing the way to go Joe .👍🏻💯🇦🇺⛽️.

[@JustMoparJoe]

You know it! Makes a big block run like a sewing machine 🫡

[@mopar4465]

Just what I need to get me through my next chemo session.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Prayers for a speedy healing!

[@edsmachine93]

Good morning Joe. Good morning everyone.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Alright Mopar Ed

[@edsmachine93]

@@JustMoparJoe Nice One Joe!👍

[@johnelliott7375]

I have to say that today's people who are getting in these ancient places and practices to make the big power and street able reliability of adjusting and maintaining the motor of yesterday's yesteryear will never happen again for the ease of electronics and push button gadgets. Not many left that had done it or still are able to do it and enjoy it without being or getting frustrated or angry about the time and work of doing one getting it done correctly so you can do as you said of a true old school build. I have to say the world of hot rodding has gotten easier most of the time today. Great evening to you and I will enjoy your work now.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe always welcome and most people who have built and raced engines don't remember when there were no roller cams and if you wanted that big power and daily driver they would have to get under the hood and adjust everything. I enjoyed racing back in the day, but I think I will have to go a little new school on my next build coming up soon.

[@TsGoodTimesGarage]

She's a beaut! Always liked Erson bumpsticks too.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Terry! It’s a nice one

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

Another great project

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks again!

[@IndirectConnection1]

I did the same with my 440. That $2 of RTV could save me hours of work ripping it back apart later. Great stuff Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Jason!

[@johnelliott7375]

I refuse to miss it or like, share, and I have been a subscription holder since you know. Thanks for sharing this with us and I am excited to see you with the next one. 😊

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate the support!

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe your welcome and my family and friends would not have it any other way. Dad and cousins are always asking me if you put out another video yet. Have a good morning and enjoy your Sunday today JMJ!

[@randylear8264]

Nice. I am following this build. I just finished my 440 build early this year. I put it in my 70 GTX I have owned since 81. You have better heads going on this 440 than I used. Mine was a budget build with emphasis on reliability. But putting some go fast parts on it above stock performance. My engine runs great. Fires right up and has a 6 barrel setup. Thank you for allowing us to look over your shoulder. I will watch this with anticipation for the next episode.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate the support! Hopefully this build helps

[@johnelliott7375]

You do very well and don't think 🤔 anything different. Just continue to do what is correct, truthful, and factual and if people don't like it or want to learn something just as good as being a apprentice or tech school from the great content you put out , they are losing out and don't realize that they are not as savvy as they think. Your work is top notch with your components and Ed's work.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate that. Have a good weekend

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe may you do the same and don't let the nay sayers get yenz down!

[@gregtough9055]

That will be a very nice engine, I'm envious

[@JustMoparJoe]

You and me both! She’s got nice bones

[@rhondaedwards74]

Great video Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Rhonda!

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

That build is more on the "Original Side" other than the hydraulic roller cam/aluminum heads it's mostly original 😊. Waiting for the next video.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Very true! Some nice upgrades with old school strength

[@dannyskaggs6587]

I like your new tools

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Danny. Love the big blocks

[@rickyfulks889]

Nice work Joe

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Ricky’

[@1563smb]

Another very nice build Joe.😊

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Shane!

[@SeanJoseph-s2s]

A good solid build to follow thanks Joe.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you!

[@nick3424]

Exciting! Love it!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks!!

[@BigMikesHooptyBarn]

All I can say is that you Sir are a true craftsman!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Big Mike!

[@bradsrestorations1085]

Joe, thanks for sharing this build. As you went through listing the machine work and parts, I was adding up the cost. Quality and performance costs! Looking forward to watching this series.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Absolutely does! I showed that breakdown of what my 406 cost to build. This one is very nice.

[@lautburns4829]

Great job as usual, Joe. Remember you can’t please everyone. And Ed’s machine is one of the best I’ve seen.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother

[@musclecarmitch908]

Beautiful work!👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@anthonynapier4668]

Looks like ed done some nice machine work there , goin too be a nice build 👍 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks 👍

[@coperacingtrans]

Excellent video Joe

[@JustMoparJoe]

Many thanks, John!

[@maskedmotorsdiy3575]

Lol you are a poet 2:14 "Nice forged crank turned 10 and 10, He just repolished it, Ready to go in"

[@JustMoparJoe]

“The Old dog barked backwards without getting up, I can still remember when he was a pup.”

[@jeffdavis5704]

Looking good so far, gonna be a nice engine. Keep up the good content.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@johnelliott7375]

She is a pretty beautiful sight there JMJ!

[@jimkillen1065]

Yes i glad i ran on to this channel . Glad to see the Mopar big block shine . Many years ago there was a fellow in Denton that had a B1 motor ..i was told it made some serious hp . I assume he had a after market block that could handle the rpm and hp . Thanks for the video

[@JustMoparJoe]

I think that’s awesome you ran into my channel! It’s always a good time for some Mopar!

[@outfitsgarage88]

Nice work Joe. Looking good

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dinadaughtry8993]

every engine build you have done is top notch and i have learned some pretty handy tricks from your videos, thanks Mopar Joe, can't wait to see you build a high horse power 383

[@JustMoparJoe]

Someday I think it’ll be a blast. Go high compression and good heads

[@Greg383BB]

I am along for the ride! The cam info is what I am so interested in for my build cam solution has drove me crazy

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. Next time!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Can Info is up! I also include it in this Friday’s video.

[@dennisrichardson2577]

Awesome job!! Like your processing!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johnnystanley4469]

Cool build, excited to see the power with thi a build love the channel

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother!

[@mrpurcountry]

Professional Engine building 101 with, Professor Mopar Joe.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Man! I’m just a Jethro in his backyard 😂

[@mrpurcountry]

@@JustMoparJoe hey Joe when you build engines that can take the purple flash 6 1/2 seconds on the 1/8 mile is definitely professional!

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@mrpurcountry I appreciate that. Hoping to see 5’s someday 😅

[@CCR414]

Nice!

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate the support!

[@55gaser26]

Also I’m with you joe on sealer under rear seals , i us Brush on Aviation also fill rear cavity with grey , many builds good to go.👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for the tips! My dad liked that as wrll

[@gavinmclaren9416]

Hi Joe. Looks great and very much reminds me of the '71 440 sixpack that I rebuilt about 30 years ago. That was a numbers matching block from a sixpack 71 Charger R/T; acknowledged as a rare car even back then. Unlike the U-code 440s, the V-code kept their compression for 1971, and I was pretty fussy about getting pistons that would do this. IIRC I used a Direct Connection hydraulic flat-tappet cam installed 2 degrees advanced so as to help out with vacuum for the power brakes and Air Grabber. I also ported the 906 heads and used the then newly available 2.14/1.81 Intake/exhaust valves. The engine was topped with the original cast iron sixpack intake manifold and carbs. I gasket-matched both the heads and intake. Incidentally, this car is still around. I owned it and restored it over a 9 year period, and it found its way back to the original owner who has it to this day. I sold it to finance one year of engineering school, which I think was a good trade. I found the car and went for a visit about six years ago. Between us, we were able to trace the entire history of the car, save for about 3 years in the late 70s-early 80s. It currently shows about 74,000 miles on the odometer. When I bought it (for $2300) it had 69,000 miles and 71,000 when I sold it.Although it had only 69,000 miles when I got it, it was a HARD 69,000 and required extensive (and expensive) bodywork to restore, along with lots of mechanical work. It is still rocking the rebuild I did, and has the same slight lope at idle and 16 inches of vacuum that it did when the engine was fresh. Quite a story; I would be doubtful if I wasn't personally involved with it myself.

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s impressive! Thank you for sharing!

[@gavinmclaren9416]

The car was sold to a local collector, who sadly died early of cancer. His estate sold the car to a doctor, who put almost all of the 3000 miles on it that it has since accumulated. It passed from the doc to a couple of collectors, one who knew the original owner, and he sold it on to the OO. The original owner was an 18 year old employee of the Dodge dealership when the car was new, and he bought the car. It has gone full-circle. My role was to recognize what the car was and save it from the next step, which would have been to pull the motor/transmission from a mostly wrecked body and put it into a race car or something like that. The restoration was painfully slow in an era of no reproduction parts and no internet. When I sold it, the car was just a few details short of fully restored. I don't really think that it's impressive that a 35 year old rebuild is still running well, as it has only got 3000 miles on it, and it has been properly taken care of in that time. What is impressive is that the original owner nearing retirement got the opportunity to buy back a car he bought new as an 18 year old, and I'm pleased to have been a part of that. Of course, he plans to own it till he dies. He did offer me first right of refusal if he changes his mind, but I reckon that's a pretty forlorn hope. If I do ever have the opportunity to buy it from his widow, I surely will.

[@plymouth-bbody]

Joe thats one sweet 440. Going to do the same on my channel over winter. Will be my 1st engine build so i will be chatting with you. ❤

[@JustMoparJoe]

Sounds good! I’m on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and email 🫡

[@rickseeman5679]

I like the color

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Mr. Rick

[@raysimon1368]

Let's get it

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Ray

[@autonomous_collective]

WOW, this will be a great build. The best carb on the market also. I recommend a Billet SFI Elastomer Damper - Wide Ring, a CR of at least 10.8 to 1 - 11.2 to 1, and cam selection will be very important[ use IOP or Torque Maste program by Dacid Vizard]. Stan Weis sells them if you dont have them. I also recommend the *Performance Distributors' DUI HEI-style distributor for big-block Mopar engines. + Ignition Solution’s Plasma Booster. Or MSD with the new MSD Ultra 6A Ignition Module. Whick ever oil pump you use, send to to line2line for their coatings for superior vacuum on that engine [ I send my: oil pump, fuel pump, water pump to them]. Well, I dont want to get carried away. - Regards

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Thanks for sharing. It’ll be nice to see the proven performance of the combination

[@JonnyMopar]

Very nice

[@JustMoparJoe]

Gonna be a sweet one!

[@icetech6]

nice series :) Do one building me a 408 shortblock next :) thanks!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Sure thing!😂

[@JeffLeblanc-xb7qe]

I like how you do the blue seals you put in a vice over night rtv better safe than sorry

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yes sir 👍🏼

[@skipsdarkhollowgarage8695]

NICE!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mikestackhouse9001]

Another delicious Mopar video Joe! Looking forward to part 2. Question: What is the purpose of the two taps with the dead blow hammer after partially torquing down the thrust bearing? Is that to make sure you have end play on the crank?

[@JustMoparJoe]

They call it setting the thrust. It’s in two pieces and when tapped like that, it aligns them both for better wear over time

[@mikestackhouse9001]

@@JustMoparJoe I never knew that Joe, thanks for the explanation.😁

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@mikestackhouse9001 thanks Mike!

[@raysimon1368]

I also waste Rtv on my rear seals and I don't care if someone doesn't like it but that 2 dollars worth can sure save you a big headache down the road years ago all you got was a rope seal and had to soak it in kerosene then assemble it and the kerosene would expand the rope and my it seal not near as good as the 2 piece vinton seals I will bet your dad taught you to rtv the rear seal because if you didn't real good chance it would leak thanks Joe will be following this build

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. It always ruffles feathers

[@big3fan916]

On my 493 build in my car Dan installed the rubber rear main seal and it leaked bad , soooo I pulled it back out and we pulled a rope seal through and it is better but still leaks a little . frustrated lol but i'm not pulling it out again until it is time for a refresh or I break it ! lol

[@JustMoparJoe]

Oh man. I’ll check this one on run stand and dyno. Hoping for the best

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

Gooey!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Dart Sport!!

[@carlosfgarciasepulveda5927]

Love the fact it’s getting trick flow 240s and a roller cam. I always hear it’s overkill for a car that won’t see racing, but I disagree. The reason moderns v8s make such good power straight from the factory is because they already come equipped with very good heads, roller cams, and higher ratio rockers. I don’t see why not give these old dinosaurs a fighting chance by choosing to do those upgrades, even on a mild build that will be driven on the street.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I have a video comparing the weights of my 408 small block vs. the 406 big block. The big block had aluminum heads. It weighed less than the ironheaded small block. I say go with the cubes and add the tech

[@rnblase]

Hi Joe, do you or would you rebuild my 1968 440hp or can you recommend a good builder? Thank you Rick from St. Louis, MO

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yes sir. I’m building engines now for others. Shoot me an email if you don’t mind and we can discuss. [e-mail]

[@MrFantasylover1]

What was the 2nd ingredient for the home made assembly lube?

[@JustMoparJoe]

This was diesel engine oil with higher zddp. I believe it’s Mobil Delvac. This engine has a roller cam, so there’s less worry about losing a lobe on break in.

[@55gaser26]

Joe what # icons did you use , zero deck? What cc combustion chamber head.

[@JustMoparJoe]

It’s all coming up soon! I’m ordering head gaskets now. But we are .003 below deck

[@moparjeff6042]

Hey Joe are you doing that filter deal on this one?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Hey Jeff! This is the one

[@JeffLeblanc-xb7qe]

Would you use these ly rods in A 440 six build or use the 70 rods I’d like it to be around 500 horse I know that some of the six packs did use these rods I BELIVE

[@JustMoparJoe]

I would go with the LY rods. I have seen my dad put over 1,000 passes on his 440 with the LY rods in a balanced assembly with 550 horse 440.

[@JeffLeblanc-xb7qe]

@@JustMoparJoethanks Joe it’s a 68 motor I’ve got to tear it down it’s suppose to be standard bore I’m sure it prob has ly rods thanks again

[@JeffLeblanc-xb7qe]

I’m thinking of balancing crank I I’ll probably have to go with stock heads and get them a small port job I had a pair done before by agustino racing and he did a good job at a reasonable prices everybody say 500 horse is easy to get with a 440 I got 2 inch headers with 31/2 collectors ther big block abide headers I had for my 383 it was done up pretty good other than the exhaust the headers should be smaller I would imagine but it’s what I have being on old age I’m on a fixed income so I can only do what I can do thanks again any info to help me will be appreciated

[@andy347495]

is that Chevy orange?😆😉

[@JustMoparJoe]

Negative, Ghostrider

[@andy347495]

@@JustMoparJoe haha

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@andy347495 I wouldn’t do that to any self respecting mopar 😂

[@davidjenson8124]

Is there any truth in that the factory installed six pack rods in all 1971 hp 440s? Not related but I have seen stories about six pack rods breaking. One such story was on "Nick's Garage" he had actual evidence.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’m not so sure on that about the 71’s. It would require a special balance, would would likely have slowed production down and lost the company money, unless they were just trying to unload the 6 pack rods. I’m certain I have a viewer more knowledgeable on the subject than I am.

[@budlanctot3060]

I didn't care for you setting the crank in the main bearings like that. I've run into several "bent" re-ground cranks. I ALWAYS set the crank in the upper brg shells of #1 & #5 mains only, first. The purpose of that is to put a dial indicator on the #3 journal and check it for runout. Of course, there should be ZERO runout. While you're there, you can check the crank snout for runout, too. Once you've determined the crank is straight, you can pull it back out and continue to install the rest of your main bearings and rear seal just as you showed. Then you can use your dial indicator to check the crank for proper end play.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Bud. I’m fortunate that Ed has Checked the runout on this one, as he does all his regrinds and new units.

[@budlanctot3060]

@JustMoparJoe not everyone has access to a capable automotive machinist. But no matter what, TRUST but VERIFY!