[macario]

Question: Are all years of stock 440 valve covers compatible with my 76 RC 440, in other words, same breather location, PCV location, and everything lines up with the head? I was looking to get some extra covers off an 1980 Dodge van (have not seen them yet) and wanted to verify before hand. Thanks.

Mac

 

[Murdoch]

well, i have two sets off different years that are the same. but i don't know about anyother years.
shawn

 

[macario]

I know that 75 through 79 are the same but don't know about 1980.

well, i have two sets off different years that are the same. but i don't know about anyother years.
shawn

 

[Evildriver-3]

All the same

 

[macario]

Thanks Evildriver-3! Hey I heard throught he grapevine that you build race engines, is that correct?

All the same

 

[Evildriver-3]

Yes that would be true, machine work would be handled by my friend

 

[macario]

Good to know, and good to meet you.

Yes that would be true, machine work would be handled by my friend

 

[macario]

The ones for the older model 440 have kind of a flat top if I remember correctly, and the later models are kind of domed a little is that right?

All the same

 

[AZ-Trailduster]

the last year of the 440 was 78, a few made it to 79...if it is indeed a 440 in that van...its not the original engine.

 

[macario]

Thanks for the info, and I seem to recall what you just said too.

the last year of the 440 was 78, a few made it to 79...if it is indeed a 440 in that van...its not the original engine.

 

[Ramjet]

Yes the last year of the 440 was 78', but they still used them in certain vehicles for a few years after - even though they were no longer being produced, the factory still had some. I'm not sure for how many years, but I'm thinking at least through 80' or 81. Our member - the HighSheriff has one in a 79' Motorhome. It would be interesting for Mac to let us know what the date of the block casting is.

 

[Evildriver-3]

Motorhomes are a different story.

 

[macario]

We'll never know about the block casting date, he told me the valve covers were dented around the lip so I passed on it. Looks like I will keep looking for another set. I am sure they will turn up.

Yes the last year of the 440 was 78', but they still used them in certain vehicles for a few years after - even though they were no longer being produced, the factory still had some. I'm not sure for how many years, but I'm thinking at least through 80' or 81. Our member - the HighSheriff has one in a 79' Motorhome. It would be interesting for Mac to let us know what the date of the block casting is.

 

[MoparDave]

Do all 440 VC's have 4 holes for the hold down bolts or is it a mixture of 4 & 6 bolt holes depending on the year? I think I have both types. Anyway if you still need some, let me know and whether they are the 4 hole or 6 hole and I will put you in touch with 4 guys who will probably have some. Also any "B" or "RB" valve covers will fit as long as they have the same amount of holes for the hold down studs or bolts. I think I am correct.
"B"=361, 383, 400
"RB"=413, 426 (not Hemi), 440.

 

[Evildriver-3]

The 4 hole are the early covers up to 64 i believe 65 or so started the new covers.

 

[macario]

Correct per my research.

The 4 hole are the early covers up to 64 i believe 65 or so started the new covers.

 

[macario]

I will IM you. Thanks.

Do all 440 VC's have 4 holes for the hold down bolts or is it a mixture of 4 & 6 bolt holes depending on the year? I think I have both types. Anyway if you still need some, let me know and whether they are the 4 hole or 6 hole and I will put you in touch with 4 guys who will probably have some. Also any "B" or "RB" valve covers will fit as long as they have the same amount of holes for the hold down studs or bolts. I think I am correct.
"B"=361, 383, 400
"RB"=413, 426 (not Hemi), 440.

 

[Chump]

Motorhomes are a different story.

Mr. Evil is correct! A 440-3 was used in Motorhomes. 440-1 was the light duty engine.

What does the "-3" stand for at the end of 440 engines?
This is part of the block casting # 440-3 (the full # being 3698830-440-3) which is cast on the side of the block. This number is for 73-78 440's. As far as the -1 or -3 designation, the-3 would mean heavy-duty applications (such as an RV) and the -1 meaning light duty. Distinguishable differences include the -3 has a heavy-duty forged crankshaft that is slightly longer than in other 440s, the coolant passages in the block are larger, the block is taller, and the heads are slightly further apart. It seems that although many parts do interchange, as many or more do not. The distributor may be longer on the -3. Exhaust manifolds and headers may require some clearance room to interchange, and intake manifolds from the -1s can supposedly work on a -3 with a spacer.

 

[macario]

Chump, is there a 440-2?

 

[Chump]

Chump, is there a 440-2?

Not that I know of.