Building a Budget 440 Big Block for a Ratty Challenger

Dan at DD Speed Shop battles the elusive 440 Mopar big block.

“What a Fiasco…”

He says:

This big block fought me every step of the way!

The motor had gotten a little water and rust in the bores, what an absolute nightmare that turned out to be. I started off thinking I would be able to take it apart, clean it, then reassemble. Well, that turned into heat, new pistons, new rings, honing the block, changing the rods, new gaskets, fresh paint, etc, etc.

At the end of the day, it both took longer and cost more than I expected. That being said I am very happy with the end result — Dodge stuff is pricey and hard to get!