Time for a project "street beast" update. I scored a 74 440 with transmission for $300. Just under 90,000 and it runs good, doesn't burn oil but sure did leak enough. Even better it is a 440-3 from a motorhome and better than that it has 452 casting heads and not those weird typical motor home heads. The trans is useless but I'm going to pull the 24 spline input out and convert my 19 spline 65 only transmission so I can keep my factory console and shifter but still run a high stall converter. I did buy a TCI 2400 stall 19 spline converter from 70BigBlockDodge but I changed plans and need something a bit looser so I think my only option is to convert to 24 spline.
Now the good stuff. Trick Flow just started producing heads for big block mopars. These things flow like monsters from what I've gathered from some independent tests. I ordered a set black friday. Merry Christmas to me! I also bought a Victor intake and Holley 1000HP. I need some little stuff yet and a cam and lifters but things are coming along. My goal is to get this pig in the 10s with basically a junkyard short block and daily drive it when the snow melts. We are taking a complete route 66 trip this summer in this car.
Since the engine and trans is out of the car I've been tackling all of the safety parts as well. New ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. I'm having some issues with lower ball joints but I made a different thread for that. I also converted to manual steering to shave about 30 or so pounds off the front and clean things up a bit. The original 50 year old power box was leaking out of every orifice.
By the looks of things the headers are going to fit. I scored them off of ebay for $250 brand new. Hooker 5903-1HKR ceramic coated. Years ago there were listed as a C-body header but they are not anymore. Preliminary testing looks like they will fit. The Milodon oil pan looks too like it will fit with no clearance issues at all. I have read that the oil pans are another "65 only" issue and interfere with the idler arm. In my car I can't see how this would be an issue.
I'll keep updating as things go. I've got a lot of work to do.
Now the good stuff. Trick Flow just started producing heads for big block mopars. These things flow like monsters from what I've gathered from some independent tests. I ordered a set black friday. Merry Christmas to me! I also bought a Victor intake and Holley 1000HP. I need some little stuff yet and a cam and lifters but things are coming along. My goal is to get this pig in the 10s with basically a junkyard short block and daily drive it when the snow melts. We are taking a complete route 66 trip this summer in this car.
Since the engine and trans is out of the car I've been tackling all of the safety parts as well. New ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. I'm having some issues with lower ball joints but I made a different thread for that. I also converted to manual steering to shave about 30 or so pounds off the front and clean things up a bit. The original 50 year old power box was leaking out of every orifice.
By the looks of things the headers are going to fit. I scored them off of ebay for $250 brand new. Hooker 5903-1HKR ceramic coated. Years ago there were listed as a C-body header but they are not anymore. Preliminary testing looks like they will fit. The Milodon oil pan looks too like it will fit with no clearance issues at all. I have read that the oil pans are another "65 only" issue and interfere with the idler arm. In my car I can't see how this would be an issue.
I'll keep updating as things go. I've got a lot of work to do.
