Description
About This Engine
The Dodge 440 is one of the most iconic American muscle car engines ever built. Introduced in 1966 as the successor to the 426 Max Wedge, the 440 is a 440 cubic inch RB (Raised Block) big block V8 that Chrysler chose to build around maximum torque rather than maximum RPM. With a 4.320-inch bore and 3.750-inch stroke- oversquare dimensions that favor breathing over low-end grunt- the 440 produced 375 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque in Magnum form, making it one of the most torque-rich engines available in any American car of its era. Chrysler's philosophy was that torque wins real-world races while horsepower wins dyno comparisons.
The 440 Six Pack- introduced in 1969- took the engine to its performance peak. Three dual-throat Holley 2-barrel carburetors (hence Six Pack and Six Barrel) gave the 440 an enormous fuel delivery advantage under wide-open throttle, pushing output to 390 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. The center carb handled everyday driving; the two outboard carbs only opened under hard acceleration. This gave the Six Pack reasonable fuel economy during normal driving while delivering brutal performance when needed. The Six Pack powered the Dodge Super Bee, Dodge Challenger, Plymouth Road Runner, Plymouth 'Cuda, and Plymouth Sport Fury GT.
The 440 powered virtually every significant Dodge and Plymouth muscle car: the Charger R/T, Coronet R/T, Super Bee, Challenger R/T, Road Runner, GTX, and Fury GT among others. It remained in production through 1978, though high-compression performance versions ended after 1971 due to tightening emissions regulations.
Signs You Need a Replacement Engine
- Knock under load- rod or main bearing wear on high-mileage RB engines
- Blue smoke on startup- valve stem seal deterioration on aged 440 cylinder heads
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders- ring wear or scored cylinder walls
- Oil leaks at timing cover and valve covers- common on aged Mopar big blocks
- Rough idle or carburetor stumble- accelerator pump failure or float level issues on aged Holleys
- Low oil pressure at idle after warmup- bearing clearance wear on high-mileage engines
Known Problems With This Engine
- Head casting compatibility: The standard 440 and the Six Pack used different cylinder head castings. Standard 440 Magnum heads and Six Pack heads use different intake manifold bolt patterns in some configurations. We document the head casting number for every unit before shipping.
- Casting number significance for restoration buyers: For show-quality Mopar restorations, the correct casting number matching the vehicle's production date code is critical to authenticity and value. We document and disclose the block casting number, head casting numbers, and date codes for every unit.
- High-compression emissions incompatibility: Pre-1972 high-compression 440s (9.7:1 to 10.3:1) require premium leaded fuel or a valve seat hardening conversion for use with modern unleaded fuel on extended highway runs. We note compression ratio for every unit.
- Emissions-era detuning: Post-1972 440 engines were progressively detuned with lower compression, milder camshafts, and EGR equipment. A 1974 to 1978 440 is a stock replacement for late-model applications but is not a performance upgrade over the original high-compression versions.
- Rear main seal seepage: The 440's rope-style rear main seal is a known seep point on aged engines. We inspect all gasket surfaces and disclose any rear main seepage before shipping.
Dodge 440 Variants by Configuration and Year
Three distinct performance configurations across the 440's 12-year production run:
| Variant | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 440 Standard (4V) | 1966 | 350 hp | 480 lb-ft | First year. 4-barrel carb. Base performance version. |
| 440 Magnum / TNT / Super Commando | 1967 to 1971 | 375 hp | 480 lb-ft | High-performance heads, aggressive cam profile. Powers Charger R/T, Coronet R/T, GTX. |
| 440 Six Pack / 6-BBL | 1969 to 1971 | 390 hp | 490 lb-ft | Triple 2-barrel Holley carbs. Edelbrock aluminum intake (1969 to early 1970). Powers Super Bee, Road Runner, Challenger, Cuda. |
| 440 Emissions Detuned | 1972 to 1978 | 230 to 275 hp | 350 to 380 lb-ft | Progressive compression reduction and EGR addition. 1978 was final production year. |
Common Casting Numbers
| 2780559 / 2536430 | Early 440 blocks 1966 to 1968 |
|---|---|
| 2780915 / 3462346 | Standard 440 blocks 1968 to 1972- most common |
| 3614230 | Late production 440 blocks 1973 to 1978 |
Casting number and date code documented on every unit before shipping.
What Is Included- What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED- Long Block | Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pan, front timing cover, and water pump where present. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold (varies by variant- confirm before sourcing), carburetor or carb setup (Six Pack requires specific triple-carb manifold and Holley carbs), exhaust manifolds, distributor, alternator, power steering pump, starter, flexplate or flywheel, accessory brackets. |
| IMPORTANT | Six Pack intake manifolds and Holley carb sets are specialty items that must be sourced separately for Six Pack builds. We advise on this before shipping. |
| Core Note | No core charge. |
Vehicle Compatibility
The Dodge 440 was factory installed in the following vehicles:
| Dodge Charger R/T | 1966 to 1971 (Magnum and Six Pack) |
|---|---|
| Dodge Coronet R/T | 1966 to 1970 (Magnum) |
| Dodge Super Bee | 1969 to 1971 (Magnum and Six Pack) |
| Dodge Challenger R/T | 1970 to 1971 (Magnum and Six Pack) |
| Plymouth GTX | 1967 to 1971 (Super Commando) |
| Plymouth Road Runner | 1969 to 1971 (Super Commando and 6-BBL) |
| Plymouth 'Cuda | 1970 to 1971 (Super Commando and 6-BBL) |
| Plymouth Sport Fury GT | 1969 to 1971 (Super Commando and 6-BBL) |
| Full-size Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models | 1966 to 1978 (standard and late-emission versions) |
The 440 RB uses the same Chrysler B/RB bellhousing bolt pattern as the 383, 400, and 413- making it a direct-fit swap into any vehicle originally built around a Chrysler B or RB big block. Important: The 440 RB does NOT share dimensions with the Chrysler B-block (such as the 383) in terms of deck height- the RB raised deck is 10.725 inches vs the B engine's 9.98 inches. This affects intake manifold compatibility across the B and RB families.
Transmission compatibility: Chrysler Torqueflite 727 (A727) automatic- the standard and strongest pairing for all 440 applications | Chrysler 833 4-speed manual (close and wide ratio)- performance manual option. The A727 behind a 440 is one of the most reliable drivetrain combinations Chrysler ever produced.
Not sure if this fits? Call (240) 301-0095. We verify fitment before every order ships.
Common Names and Search Terms
| Dodge 440 | Most common buyer search |
|---|---|
| 440 Magnum engine | Performance variant buyer |
| 440 Six Pack | Triple-carb variant buyer- premium buyer |
| Mopar 440 | Brand designation buyer |
| Chrysler 440 | Division-specific buyer |
| 440 big block | Architecture designation |
| 440 RB engine | Technical designation- enthusiast buyer |
| Charger 440 engine | Vehicle-specific restoration buyer |
| 440 cubic inch engine | Cubic inch format buyer |
| Super Bee 440 engine | Performance application buyer |
Used OEM vs Rebuilt- Which Is Right for You?
Used OEM is the right choice for a Charger, Super Bee, or Road Runner restoration- particularly where a compression-tested engine with casting documentation and confirmed variant is the foundation. Our 440 units are documented with specific attention to casting number, head type, and Six Pack vs standard carb configuration.
A professionally rebuilt 440 from a Mopar specialist makes sense for a show car or a track build. Rebuilt 440 Magnums typically run $4,500 to $8,000 or more from top Mopar builders. Six Pack rebuilds with correct cast components can run higher. Call us to discuss sourcing options.
Condition and Inspection Process
- Compression test across all 8 cylinders- pressure per cylinder recorded and shared before shipping
- Casting number documented- block and head casting numbers with date codes confirmed
- Variant confirmed- standard, Magnum, or Six Pack configuration documented
- Head type confirmed- head casting numbers critical for intake manifold compatibility
- Compression ratio estimated from casting year- high-compression (pre-1972) vs emissions-detuned noted
- Rear main seal and timing cover gasket surfaces inspected for seepage
- Valve cover inspection for oil burning indicators
Mileage varies by unit. Where available from the donor vehicle we provide it. Where mileage cannot be confirmed, we disclose this before your order is placed.
Buyer Tips- What to Know Before You Order
- Casting numbers are critical for Mopar restoration: Unlike GM and Ford engines where casting numbers are important, in Mopar restoration community the casting numbers are essential to authenticity and value. We provide block and head casting numbers before you commit.
- Six Pack intake manifold sourcing: The original aluminum Edelbrock intake used on 1969 and early 1970 Six Pack engines is rare and valuable. Later cast iron Six Pack intakes were used from late 1970 onward. Both require the specific Holley three-2-barrel carb setup. Source these before purchasing the engine.
- Unleaded fuel conversion for high-compression units: Pre-1972 high-compression 440s may need hardened valve seat inserts added to the heads for sustained use on modern unleaded fuel. This is a machine shop operation. If the engine will see extensive high-RPM use, have the valve seats evaluated.
- B vs RB bellhousing pattern: Both the B (383, 400) and RB (413, 426, 440) use the same external bellhousing bolt pattern, so transmission compatibility is straightforward. However B and RB engines use different intake manifolds due to the different deck heights- a B intake will NOT fit an RB 440 block.
- Torqueflite 727: The A727 Torqueflite behind a 440 is one of the strongest and most reliable drivetrain combinations of the era. If your vehicle has one, service it at the same time as the engine replacement.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- Casting number documented before you pay- block and head casting numbers with date codes confirmed
- Variant confirmed- standard 4V Magnum or Six Pack triple-carb configuration disclosed
- Compression ratio estimated from casting year- critical for fuel and build planning
- Compression tested across all 8 cylinders- results shared before order confirmed
- No core charge- keep your old engine
- Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal engine defects
- Call (240) 301-0095- speak with someone who understands Mopar 440 variants, casting significance, and RB big block restoration requirements
Steve Walker (verified owner) –
The Dodge 440 engine from Vaz Auto Solutions is a powerhouse! My car’s performance has never been better. The engine is strong, reliable, and delivers exceptional power. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase.
Tom Daniels (verified owner) –
Picked up the Dodge 440 engine from Vaz Auto Solutions, and it has exceeded my expectations. The engine runs smoothly and provides a noticeable boost in performance.
Tony R., Phoenix AZ –
Sourcing a documented 440 Magnum for my Charger R/T restoration was the hardest part of the entire project. Vaz documented the block casting number, head casting numbers, and date codes before I paid a dollar- that level of documentation on a Mopar engine is rare. Compression came back 158 to 168 across all 8. Engine is in the car and it sounds exactly like a Charger R/T should. Best engine sourcing experience I have had.
Paul S., Nashville TN –
Needed a 440 4V Super Commando for my Road Runner. Vaz confirmed the pre-1972 high-compression block via casting documentation. Compression was solid across all 8. One valve cover was seeping- disclosed before purchase and resolved with new gaskets at install. Good engine, outstanding casting documentation.