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What is the spec of the Chrysler 440 engine?

The Chrysler 440 engine was a legendary powerplant produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1966 to 1978. This massive V8 engine was renowned for its impressive displacement, robust construction, and exceptional performance capabilities. Let's dive into the detailed specifications of the iconic Chrysler 440 engine.


Engine Displacement and Configuration


The Chrysler 440 engine had a displacement of 7.2 liters (440 cubic inches), making it one of the largest production V8 engines ever built. The engine featured a cast-iron block and cylinder heads, with a bore of 4.32 inches and a stroke of 3.75 inches.


Valvetrain and Cylinder Head Design


The Chrysler 440 engine utilized a traditional overhead valve (OHV) design, with two valves per cylinder. The engine had a single camshaft located in the block, which actuated the valves via pushrods and rocker arms. The cylinder heads were also cast iron and featured a wedge-shaped combustion chamber design.


Horsepower and Torque Ratings


The Chrysler 440 engine was available in several different performance variants, each with its own unique horsepower and torque ratings. The standard 440 engine produced between 350 and 375 horsepower, with torque outputs ranging from 460 to 480 lb-ft.


The high-performance 440 Six Pack and 440 Magnum variants featured upgraded components, such as larger carburetors and higher-lift camshafts, which boosted output to as much as 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.


Applications and Legacy


The Chrysler 440 engine was used in a wide range of the company's vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, Plymouth Barracuda, and Chrysler Imperial. It was renowned for its exceptional low-end torque and robust construction, making it a popular choice for muscle cars, full-size sedans, and even some light-duty trucks.


The Chrysler 440 engine's legacy lives on today, with enthusiasts and collectors highly prizing these powerful and iconic V8 powerplants. Its combination of displacement, performance, and durability has cemented the 440's place in automotive history as one of the greatest engines ever produced.

What is the actual horsepower of a 426 Hemi?


The 426 street Hemi was rated at 425 horsepower from the factory. The Chrysler dyno sheet from decades ago and a close-to-stock dyno session of a new 426 Hemi both put the gross horsepower rating at about 470 horsepower without full exhausts and other engine-driven accessories.



Will 426 hemi heads fit on a 440 block?


1 qualifier at the U.S. Nationals in his Vegas Fuel Energy Drink MOPAR Dodge Avenger a few years ago. Max agreed that the 426 heads will not fit the 440 block without necessary component upgrades, and a company called SVE (Stage V Engineering) makes the kit you will need.



How much HP can a 440 handle?


Although the most powerful factory stock 440 engines produced a rated 390 gross horsepower, the OEM blocks can take power in the 600hp range, and survive practically indefinitely at the 500-550hp level. Mopar built quite a bit of strength into the bottom end of these engines.



How much horsepower did the 440 really have?


And while the Mopar 440 does several things very well, we've always felt that with a few tweaks the engine was capable of well over the 375 horsepower rating it got from the factory.



What's the difference between a 440 and a 440 magnum?


There ultimately is very little difference between the Mopar 440 and the Mopar 440 Magnum. The Magnum designation simply meant that it was the high-performance version of the V8 engine. An important note is that this also meant it was in a Dodge vehicle.



What is the difference between 440 and 442 tuning?


Despite being the same 'note', some feel that tuning to A442 makes the music feel more alive or punchy whilst others argue that A440 creates a 'fuller' tone. This is the basis of the argument and what puts many musicians at odds with each other.



How much horsepower can a 440 big block handle?


Although the most powerful factory stock 440 engines produced a rated 390 gross horsepower, the OEM blocks can take power in the 600hp range, and survive practically indefinitely at the 500-550hp level. Mopar built quite a bit of strength into the bottom end of these engines.



Is the Chrysler 440 a good engine?


We all know the 440 big-block is the largest displacement V-8 engine built by Chrysler, and when it comes to a combination of torque, power, and drivability, the 440 ranks as one of the best engines ever built.



Is a 426 hemi more powerful than a 440?


Chrysler had several different output versions of the 440, with the highest being the Six Pack iteration, which featured three two-barrel carburetors on the intake. Despite the larger displacement size, it couldn't quite reach the power output of the 426 Hemi, maxing out at 390 hp.



When did Chrysler stop making the 440 engine?


1978
The 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB was produced from 1965 until 1978, making it the last version of the Chrysler RB block.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.