Does anyone know how difficult it is to get a 383 or a 440 in a 1st gen pickup? Would the 727 transmission bolt up to either one? I don't need a new engine right now, but I'd like to get something in it within a few years that'll make it into a beast. Maybe just getting a 360 would be more advantageous and cheaper. But for $1600 for a 440 and $1500 for a 360, I wonder which one would be a better choice.

http://www.hiperformer.com/engines/d...mop_440lb.html

 

First you don't say what year truck you have. This makes a big difference since the big blocks were available in the trucks until at least 1978. Second you don't mention your budget. Third this question/topic has been discussed a lot' if you search you should find lots of info. I had a 73 with a 361 big block that was pretty stout so good luck.

 

well, no doubt the 440 would be the obvious choice for big power. but you would have to locate an oil pan,oil pickup,motor mounts, big blk 727[ the small 727 is different, ] and trans mount. the original big block truck parts are getting hard to find. The 360 would be a lot easier. good luck.

 

1st, look at my vehicle list right by my name.. it's the only 1st gen in there. 2nd, I'm not looking for you to tell me what to do based on price, I'm wanting the pros and cons for each option... I'm a big boy and can make decisions. 3rd, I'm not sure I've ever seen a thread talking about the pros and cons of putting in 3 different engines. This is a public forum for conversations and chit chat... not an encyclopedia. Thanks for your useful post.

 

Thanks HS, that's some of the info I'm looking for. I imagine I'd have to change out the axles to at least some dana 60s as well.... It's looking to be much less labor/cost intensive to just put a 360 in. Are the motor mounts and such the same as the 318? Just bolt right in?

 

www.bouchillonperformance.com/ Has what you need to change to the big blocks.

 

EXCUUUUUSE me. I do appologize for not looking at the list, but just because there is a list does not necessarily mean that said list is complete or accurate possibly having not been updated recently. I was only trying to assist you by listing possible things to consider as you contemplated and or proceeded with your project. Once again good luck with your project. Big blocks are awesome powerplants.

 

I appreciate your concern, and I read your post as being somewhat of a smart *** post (that's the trouble with forums... so dog'gone hard to convey emotions with text), so I apologize if I mis-read it as being a bashing post.

I'd love to put a big block in, but then I come across this hot rod magazine on how to get 400+ HP out of a 318 with $1400 in machining and mods... That MAY be the best option yet, although a completely rebuilt 360 doesn't cost much more than that, and I'm guessing it can get a little more power out of it, as long as it bolts right up to everything, that may be the most cost effective option.

 

That was some of the reasoning behind my post. I ran into many problems/expenses then and the parts are scarcer and more expensive now than then. Remeber if you go for major HP you will need to beef up your whole drive train to prevent catostrophic breakdowns. I exploded an 8 1/4 rear end and tore up a perfectly good (I thought) 727 trans after putting the BB in my 73. After upgrading both and going from 323 gears to 392's I had a really nice daily driver that would light up a pair of 33 x 12.50's pretty easily.

 

Yes D D, your 360 would drop rite in. Give me more info. on your plans and we can chat some more. ( I love spending other peoples money)