There was very little stock from the day that could stick with the 440. The 440 six pack gave many a hemi a bad case of the fits. I've got all my magazines from back in the day and there is one comparison between a 1969 440 GTX auto 3.91 with air and a 1969 hemi runner 4-gear and 4.10 Dana. The GTX was used as a magazine test car prior to running against the runner. Don Grotheer was to do the comparison and wrenching as needed. The magazine editors had complained that it would be unfair as the GTX was auto with air and 3.91 plus it was a magazine mule and abused. Well right out of the box it was laying down 13.10s at 106-107. That's pretty friggin' incredible for a stock abused vehicle. Don had to wrench on the runner, friggin' with timing tire pressures to get the runner to match that starting off. The GTX couldn't best its 13.10, and they did get the runner into 13.00 with the factory parts. Slicks, jetting, headers and a new advance curve and the runner was into the 12.28 range - out of the GTX's reach, but as delivered the 440 is a force to be reckoned with.
Now I HAD heard about the 440 6pack giving the Hemi cars problems. I know that the 4barrel 440 is rated at 375hp. Mine has been given the Purple Cam, I've got the specs here somewhere (not lost, just out of sight momentarily), Block and head have been decked,
11 t0 1 comp. Holley 750 w/vacuum secondaries, electronic ignition, Zoom clutch, Headers with flowmasters and 3.55 gears. That's the best I know of, right now. I hope that the windage tray has been retained. The windage tray is supposed to be good for 15hp by keeping the oil from off of the crank (I remember using a swinging bucket as an example of how the windage tray helps. if you swing the bucket ABOVE water, it moves back and forth freely , but if you allow the water to splash upon the bucket as you try to swing it, it will slow the movement of the bucket.). I don't know if I can tell by looking at the bottom of the engine, if the tray is in there or not. Maybe I can, since the oil pan and the tray bolt directly on the bottom of the engine. Anyway, I'd be curious about the hp of this engine as it sits. It responds beautifully! Lots of times, as I am coming up to go by folks, several will roll their window down, listen, smile and give me a "thumbs up" as I go by them. I'm just glad I was able to get this car AND get out on the road with it, as it DEFINITELY raises MY spirits! I hope I don't sound conceited, cause I'm Not, I'm Just Happy to have some Vintage Mopar Iron to take out on the road.
Thanks for the input Mike, always good to hear from you, Bill
By the way, I wish I'd of been in THIS car back in 1970, when I was in California in the Air Force and had that play session with that new 455 Trans Am, at least I could have played longer!
