Gutting the Block

Steve completes the junkyard 440 engine teardown by removing the pistons, rods and crankshaft. Now the bare block can go to the machine shop for rebirth into a 513 cube Max Wedge clone - plus 100 cubes!

[@reaper20015]

It's kind of weird watching such a well known guy like Steve yank an engine apart on the floor of a 2 car garage like most of us. I respect that.

[@maximuswedgie5149]

True that👍🏻

[@DonNagel9250]

Agreed, but nice to know they are just us!

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Years ago, I did a re-ring, rod and main bearings and fresh gaskets in a 327 Chevy with the block still in the car. It was in my moms old Impala and she didn't have a garage. I did it in the gravel/dirt parking area behind her house. For better or worse, it was summer here in Northwest Ohio and she at least had a basement to store the parts that I wasn't working on out of the weather. I wouldn't do it again but, that particular "rebuild" got her another few years use out of the old Chevy until she could afford a newer vehicle.

[@maximuswedgie5149]

@@MikeBrown-ii3pt awesome story my friend

[@kimmorrison9169]

gettin oil everywhere just like ne!

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

Steve is a fountain of car knowledge !

[@mymoparstoo]

He truly is!

[@SGT19671971]

Steve you're a rare gearhead without a beard, ponytail or long hair. You have tremendous knowledge and it's great to see you Hot Rod a 413 with a nice stroker kit!! Can't wait to see the results.

[@oldrustycars]

OR...covered with tattoos, which seems a requirement these days.

[@maximuswedgie5149]

I’m pressing on building Mopar hot rod parts. Working on cars is how I escape the troubles of the world that I have no control over. Yes it’s good to prepare but it’s also good to take your mind off things and work on old Mopars. Love these videos Steve keep them coming.

[@70stunes71]

Same here. Restoring a 1969 Super Bee right now

[@nathanhardin8530]

Great video. I remember watching Steve Magnante on TV building a Chevette with a Cadillac 500. I'm not even sure what show it was, but I used to enjoy watching it. Great stuff.

[@SolamenteVees]

Very cool news about Direct Connection. My Dad was a founding father at Direct Connection, so this would make him proud. (he passed a year ago) Thank you for the great content, Steve.

[@jimjungle1397]

My late father and uncle worked as mechanics at a Dodge dealer. My father drag raced Dodges, semi-pro and my uncle, being younger, street raced them. My father gave me a hard cover book, that was a pre-Direct Connection, Mopar performance book, with content from Dick Landy and Mopar from the 1960's and the book was published in 1970 and even has 1970 hydraulic cam Street Hemi info.

[@SteveMagnante]

Wow, your Dad was part of something very special!

[@ianhokai6316]

Steve, it’s really nice seeing a true home build and not these magic overnight builds that is not reflective of the normal car lovers circumstances

[@williamkroth9429]

His technical knowledge is amazing and he presents it so well. Always a pleasure to watch here or at the auctions!

[@lostwill86]

Steve has forgotten more than most of use will ever know

[@chasefell9960]

The more I see this car the better I like it. Stay strong, Steve.

[@wes11bravo]

Thanks for this series, Steve. I grew up a Chevy guy and simply don't know the ins and outs of Mopar stuff - it's a whole new world and very interesting. Plus, my dad was a metallurgical engineer and it's great to be reminded of what he taught me about various materials and the difference between castings and forgings.

[@davidrowe266]

The more I look at that car the more I love it can't wait to see it done

[@gurneyforpresident2836]

This is really a cool project and much to be learned about Mopars. Can't wait until the next video.

[@machinist5828]

If I come across one of Steve's new videos I slam on the scrolling brakes and buckle up for another dose of information and wisdom. Years ago I could have matched with with Steve by working several years in an automotive machine shop. Steve you would have loved the V-4 air-cooled Wisconsin we built complete with reground cam, special made intake for the tiniest blower I've ever seen (I have no idea where it came from or what it came from). It was going on a garden tractor for pulling. We made some strange stuff back then. But alas, most of the old guys are dead, the shop and whole neighborhood is long gone. But I sure wish I had that shop and every machine in it, in my back yard. I'd do your motor for you Steve! If could remember where I left my glasses...,.....LOL! Cheers Terry

[@ludicrous7044]

Steve:I’m amazed at your automotive knowledge!! Your not very old as you have no grey hair!! Imagine a nearly fifty year old engine coming to life!! You use old school engine holder as I did-The floor!😁👌🏼 I had no jack so I either used a block and tackle on a tree limb or removed the grill and drug it out on the ground! AHHH memories !! I like your videos -Keep em coming!! I had a GTX with a 440. Great engine!!Took all kinds of abuse and only got general maintenance. Can’t wait to hear it!!

[@rodneybyrd9516]

My last motorhome 440 was a '74 model, had a steel crank, 6-pack rods, double roller chain, windage tray, as well as the HD cooling heads like yours, Steve.

[@eddiepatterson5025]

I’m glad I read your reply especially the double roller timing chain to verify this information I never heard of on MOPAR’s thank you.

[@richdorak1547]

Good stuff. Series is like a book that ya can't put down. Thx.

[@theloudamerican2193]

Love how he does this like the rest of us do! On the garage floor, in the oil, dust dirt, ect…. Not in some sanitized studio shop. This is a real tear down.

[@michaelconnelly1263]

Hi Steve, I had a 1975 truck 440 in my '74 Charger, and it has a double chain in it too from the factory. A little bit heavier duty 440 for truck applications. Very cool too find! 😁

[@stevemiller1959]

I found a double roller timing set up in a mid 70 motorhome 440 years ago. Great video

[@toddperry9860]

Steve, please build yourself a 4’x4’ square wooden table out of 3/4” plywood top on 4”x4” legs to put your engine back together on. Bending over to break down your 440 must take a serious toll on your back. Love your videos and tv show!

[@Ecosse57]

glad you mentioned a good machine shop in ludlow. it's a little bit of a drive but the places i once knew locally are all gone.

[@lloydmckissick2986]

The chrome valve covers, the double roller timing chain, and the windage tray are big clues to somebody planning some fun with this motor....

[@kurtpoblenz2741]

A four door police car , with a stroker motor...... GENIUS!!!!!

[@jimjungle1397]

The 1967 manual transmission 440's were supposed to have windage trays. The 66 and 67 Street Hemi's with manual transmission got windage trays as did 68 and newer with auto and manual trans. Some people swear their 67 manual trans 440 did not have a windage tray, but a windage tray and dual point distributor were supposed to come with the manual transmission 440's. 70 and 71 had a shortage of dual point distributors, but they returned in 72. The 67 440 350 horsepower version had the good heads and intake, but had 1.60" exhaust valves, instead of the 375 hp 1.74" exhaust valves. 66 440's got the older heads and intake. The 67 heads flow within 3 percent of 426 Max Wedge heads, as cast.

[@TheRacerbrown]

You're right, Jim, my 67 R/T had a windage tray, late built 4 speed car.

[@davebarron5939]

Congrats Steve, now the fun begins!

[@MrGursk12]

Steve It was very cool hearing you mention Trenton Engine as I work there it was really something seeing those Big Blocks run down the line, Richard Petty used to come into the plant and hand pick his blocks and internals some amazing history goes with those motors!!! Loving your series, Thanks for bringing us along!

[@onenikkione]

I have great memories of driving pass the Plant with my boat in tow launching from Elizabeth Park in search of walleye

[@robertmacdonald4518]

Same year 440 as the Blues Mobile 74' Monaco .

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Steve, you know as well as the rest of us that none of those parts (except the stretched timing chain) are scrap metal. They're swap meet material! Even the cam could probably be of use to someone as long as the lifters were kept in order and, I'm POSITIVE that there's even someone out there right now just dreaming to score a set of those Cal Custom chrome valve covers and the matching dipstick and tube on the cheap!

[@speedwayaudio3]

We used to run the crap out of the cast parts on 400's in our old dirt track days. You cut the crap out of the heads and deck to bump up the compression. Weight balance the cast pistons and rods. Rework the oiling system. windage tray and turn the crap out of it. 6800 to 7000 all night long.

[@bw3506]

Front sump pan is from big truck or motorhome chassis. Pick-up trucks used rear sump in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. Also if it was a motorhome engine it could have had a double row chain from the factory and also a windage tray. My unopened one did and it also had the heavy "Six pack" rods in it. These things are because the motorhome and big truck engines were "Industrial" and used the best parts.

[@mc2whls]

Steve is a wealth of knowledge. He does have an idiosyncratic delivery.

[@CMFL77]

I can't get enough of the expertise you are dropping. This simple engine series is amazingly informative!

[@hankschrader149]

Steve I love your videos! Nothing fancy, just cool stuff! I'll be down in my garage later today tearing the Mercruiser out of my boat, looking just like you 😆 I have the same engine stand you do lol!

[@ianhamilton2041]

I like this series , good imformation teacher. An engine stand would save a lot of bending over the block.

[@dodge-io7gd]

440 rv engines came with double roller timing set and windage trays from the factory

[@mcy1122]

I have a 68 Chrysler with the 440 that needs some love. These videos are providing great information. Thanks much!

[@roachlarry1488]

I could take classes from this man on engines and still only know an 8th of his knowledge.

[@johnn2557]

I like how you are disassembling the engine on the floor with hand tools. I remember tearing down a 327 in a wheel barrel cause that's how I could move it by myself! Looking forward to this project!

[@georgejr2640]

Depending on the year, The RV 440's came with the extra cooling ports in the head and block, double row timing chain, windage tray, sodium exhaust valves, exhaust valve rotators, double valve springs, the special water pump that needs the right thermostat.

[@clifffoltz651]

Thanks Steve for sharing your work on your project ! Can't wait for the next video !

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

This is good stuff! Thanks for teaching us all of your knowledge about the history of this engines and their engineering spec’s. I’m definitely be looking forward for the next chapter!👌😎👍

[@anthonytripp2251]

I love his enthusiasm

[@Saint.Broseph]

Thanks, Steve.

[@scotthorn5792]

Save everything....we are on Gilligan's island.

[@cobrajet8866]

Best Speaker on the planet!

[@ronbryant9934]

I like the way you explain everything so anyone can understand what you are talking about thanks

[@johnelliott7375]

I was a subscription holder for a good long time.

[@johnprager7804]

Glad your building a 440

[@rh752]

This. Is. AWESOME! Thanks Steve

[@saratoga123321]

“Why bore you with all that stuff” Why do you think I’m here?! Lol

[@chuck3441]

Had a 413 in 1973 motorhome and went to replace fuel pump and found it was a industrial with gear to gear timing set up it took a real short fuel pump arm.

[@kroge007]

Great listen to you Steve with all your knowledge.

[@budlanctot3060]

If it weren't for the crazy shipping costs these days, I'd say send all those throw away 440 parts to me. I have a bare 440 block that needs all those innards.

[@SteveMagnante]

Where are you located? NO PROMISES but I hate to waste. If desired, please RESPOND BY EMAIL. I'm at [e-mail]. THANKS for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@encomanenco7347]

Steve, just like when we were kids buddy. Right after school head for the garage and ripped it apart on the floor. Then barrow the engine stand from a friend at build time. Cal. hot rodders miss ya out here.

[@zennbeejones9526]

I truly appreciate that you dissembled your 440 on the floor of a real world garage, that most of us can relate to,rather than some Uber clean pro-shop equip with tools and equipment that the average person could never afford.thank you.

[@jomomma8291]

I remember a Camaro up at Union Grove that said CorrectDirection in the same script accross the back.🙃

[@michaelgreer8659]

They came factory with a windage tray. My bone stock 76 motorhome had one. Probably the double roller chain also. It had a penistar on it, which is a trademark.

[@rickcentore2801]

Maybe we'll see Project REM Charger make a couple of passes at Lebanon Valley Dragway this summer!

[@danielc5205]

My parents had a 1975 Winnebago motorhome with a 440. It was a good engine, had plenty of power, passed everything but the gas station. Plus, it's Thermoqaud carburetor made great growl when floored.

[@darrenbrisson4336]

We had an allegro motor home with a 440 in it when arnie would hit it the Mopar big block wailing would start sounded so good you know that sound just like the sound of Mopar starter music to my ears

[@kentkirkpatrick7953]

Gotta love having cats... Free buckets!

[@CORVAIRWILD]

Gloves my friend, *GLOVES* Used oil, or any oil has metal and other stuff that will readily pass thru your skin, and remain in your body. I own and maintain 50 cars and trucks, all kinds of stuff, so I'm on your side. I wear at *LEAST* 3 gloves, one over the other, bc they tear. Sometimes I'll put as many as 6 gloves on each hand when I'm doing a plumbing or sewer job. Just looking out for your health... That's all we got -:)

[@mymoparstoo]

Wow, a lot of information to take in there!

[@michaeldowling6999]

Any estimate when these videos will resume? Love watching them and cannot wai to see the progress.

[@randyauer7303]

Keep her going Steve looking good

[@randyauer7303]

Hey Steve get a engine stand over

[@markf5735]

Get well Steve!

[@RC-cc4rv]

Get well Steve....!!!!

[@moparnut6286]

Got two motor home 440s on with a steel crank and a windage tray and one with a cast crank no tray... both with six pak rods factory.

[@garyslentzii2796]

Your knowledge of cars and engines never ceases to amaze me. There is a guy that runs around my area with a Dart like yours, jack way up in the rear, looks ridiculous, but it's still cool to see it.

[@johnlorusso1835]

Great episode Steve!! Thanks!!

[@mikemaccracken3112]

RAD is a great machine shop. They build a great circle track engine.

[@LongIslandMopars]

Merkel Racing here on Long Island is also a great machine shop and one of the last. They did my 273.

[@Mercmad]

After reading the comments,i think the value of 440 powered RV's is going to rise somewhat,as low buck hop uppers discover the hidden gems in the RV edition of 440. Hauling around a mobile house needed some built in reliability so the double row chain and stout rods were the obvious choices and to keep the power up while slogging up hills with a couple of extra tons of passengers,food and other necessities ,the Windage tray came into it's own. I wonder if the oil pump was a higher volume ?

[@geoffkeller5337]

Great video and thank you for sharing your knowledge along the way.

[@killingitwitholdkill4583]

Steve Getting Down and Dirty👍❤️ absolutely 100%carguy

[@robertg.3555]

more great info . throw some of that cat litter on the garage floor. looks like you have quite a bit of it , will all the buckets !!!

[@b.abrackus6403]

I remember the Charles Atlas comic strips.... in the 1950s Popular Mechanics magazines..lol

[@tony-ps4qw]

you have a voluminous memory for parts! well done!

[@1080sucks]

Sadly I heard Direct Connection is about, ssshhhh electric cars.

[@jimmyford271]

The 440 in my 78 D150 has a rear sump oil pan and a factory windage tray. Motor home 440’s has the heavy duty 6 pack rods also.

[@scottkerns2253]

Great stuff Steve. I love all the details you give us in this series of videos. Cheers!

[@johnshackelford6965]

Slackers don't forget that fuel pump rod.

[@Ian-of9oi]

My grandpa and my uncle had an engine rebuilding shop in the 70s-80s. They were big Chrysler guys. They always put double roller timing chains in big block Mopars. Said it was a worth while upgrade.

[@vettekid3326]

Even though the 440 has a deep skirt on the block most that build a race 440 use stud girdles to reenforce the lower end to lessen the chance for bearing cap walk and block flex since it is only a two bolt main.

[@kimmorrison9169]

and thats good insurance for a hopped up RB block that will see 6000 rpm

[@albertgaspar627]

ironic to have all that weight and not the benefit benefit (other than keeping the crank out of the oil bath). Ford used the same idea with their flathead replacement, the Y block, and later the 4.6 mod, and when GM made an aluminum block from scratch (buick 215 and LS design) they too went deep skirt.

[@jarm7726]

Get well soon steve

[@eightpenny6379]

I like this guy! Rattling off data so fast I can barely keep up and all the while with dirty hands. Luv it.

[@schnizdawg]

Learning so much. Thanks for doing these videos Steve

[@chele-chele]

I used to drive a 67 GTX 440/727 car, lots of torque and grunt but my 68 Hemi Roadrunner showed it no mercy. Fun videos, thanks!

[@paintnamer6403]

I have experience with 1975 and 76 Plymouth cop cars with 400 engines, they had windage trays and double roller timing sets from the factory. De smogged and with headers the '75 ran 14.50s with the TQ carb.

[@gulfy09]

Ship all the spare parts to uncle tony

[@michaelruys5021]

Get well Steve

[@barbaratodd1288]

Moving right along. 👍

[@don66hotrod94]

Great tutorial, Steve! Also, nice to see that CASE tractor sign on your wall.

[@shawnnorton2674]

My favorite thing about this video is all the recycled kitty litter buckets. Absolutely hilarious, meow, meow.

[@raymondsadowski6080]

Thanks for sharing your time with this project! Your knowledge is truly amazing, Thanks!!

[@johnh8917]

The other steve....Dulcich is going to be salivating over those cast off parts behind you!

[@arvindegroot6145]

My '63 Sport Fury with the Golden Commando 383 had a windage tray

[@250maine]

awesome video

[@stevehoodicoffinstall9667]

Someone get this guy an engine stand!!

[@vernonslone8627]

Hemi blocks had half inch oil pickups......Wedges were smaller....

[@scottinWV]

Very interesting to watch.