416 vs. 440

[bonds0033]

alright guys i want the best outcome for my money i have heard that they 416 is lighter and will give you about the same as the 440 just for a lot less money but what do u guys think i do a lot of trail riding not really anything in the dunes and some racing locally but not 2 much. i also have heard i need a cam to really liven it up if i do but what is u guys opinions?

[Nausty]

I say get a decked out sparks 416 because its gonna cost more if you go with 440 with all the extra stuff your gonna need to get but if you got lots of money get the top of the line 440.

[Moto92]

Well Im not the engine expert around here but a but from what I hear a 416 will run cooler than a 440. I heard the 416 will rev quicker which is better for mx racing, while the 440 is just mad power for open riding. Plus there is the cost difference in the two.

[mansonclubpuir]

i was told the 440 kit is kinda dangerous considering it brings your engine to the extreme. everything is closer together like the piston rising very high the valves being much closer to the piston when traveling and if there is a HUGE miss shift there is a better chance of this going BOMB.... any truth to this or was it all hot air up a mini skirt?

[RobG]

I don't see how the 440's piston would go closer to the valves since it isn't stroked. If the valves open farther due to a cam with more lift then maybe, but that's all.

I could certainly see it in the case of a 465 stroker, but that's it.

Here's my take on the 416 vs. 440 debate: If you're racing or riding on mostly flat/rolling ground, the 416 may be the way to go. If you're riding on tunes (especially tall ones), you want the torque of the 440.

I don't race, and I want a 440. :)

Rob

where can u purchase the 416 kit from.

[RobG]

My initial research for the best 416 or 440 is from Sparks Racing (www.sparksracing.com I think).

Rob

Why not have the best of both worlds! I have a 426 kit, its been 4 years no probs at all. I've raced both 416 and 440 and really it all depends on who gets the launch. A friend has a 440 and the only real difference is the touque, it seems to pull out of the corners harder. Personaly i dont like the way the 416 feels, I like the 4 stroke grunt, to where the 416 seems more like a 2 stroke. Plus a person i know has a 416 and has nothing but probs with it. The 426 is in between, revs higher but still has the 4 stroke grunt.

[Moto92]

Where did you get you 426 at Shift, and installed. I noticed you are from IN and was wondering if it would be close enough for me to look into.

Got it from lrd, it was installed at a local shop i got reemed so i wouldnt tell anyone to go there. I totally love the 426 kit, its deffinally the best of both worlds.

[two_baaalls]

No, the width of the piston (400 vs 440) does not change the valve clearance. The compression rating and lift of Cam does.

Piston manufacturers take into account the clearance of the valves on stock cams and put pockets in the tops of pistons.

Unless you do something a professional racer would do like decking the cylinder for higher compression, stroker kit, along with an aggressive cam, and a 12:1 (maybe more) piston, you will not have valve clearance problems.
These guys have all the money needed to reinforce their engine like hard-facing and such.

I have the 440 - along with a lot of mods to compliment it. 400's feel like toys after riding my bike. Even though I have a friend with a 416 (i think) that can almost keep up with me, I think I'm restricted by my Big Gunn, I would do the same thing if I had to do it all over again. You'll never be happy with what you got until you go all the way.

[Dave400ex]

If you look at the Sparks 416 and compare it to the 440, the only things different are the Big Bore Custom Sleeve, 440 Piston, and the Hinson Basket. That`s all I found that was different.

[DMC mx400ex]

i would reconmend a hetrick 426 kit. it is priced very good and uses the stock sleeve i think(more reliability) it is inbetween. and its like 600$ including labor. it just doesnt come with hardened rockers or anything, but u get a choice of any cam.

[Smoker]

The good thing about going with the 416 is you are left with a bore to the cylinder since it uses the stock sleeve. I would only do the 440 if I put a heavier rod like a Carillo so I don't have to worry about rod failure. That's me, a lot of people run the 440's with no problems. I wouldn't go higher than 11:1 compression with the 440 since it puts more pressure on the rod. You can do the 416 for a lot less (cam included) if your mechanically inclined a little. Buy a manual and get the kit from Marcums. IMO :p

[Dave400ex]

You Guys have to remember you are comparing a $600 426 or a $500 416 to a Sparks 416 National which is like $3,500. There really is no comparison.

[DMC mx400ex]

u dont have to get any boring u can just order the kit and replace parts inside engine:huh :huh ummmmm is it hard?

[RobG]

Whatever motor I do (likely the 440), it will be done right. Complete package, $3500 or whatever it is. There's no point in skimping.

The question is how long can I hold out before finding a way to scrape up the cash and send the machine down to Bakersfield for the work... :)

Rob

[Dave400ex]

Sparks is many months behind. I think there is a waiting list.

[oynot400]

There are other engine builders other than Sparks, nothing against Sparks. My 440 cost me $800, 440 kit, cam, springs and head work. It runs great. There is getting to be alot of 416 in my area and they are winning races. But they are all tricked out, high compression and all. If you just want something that has torque for the dunes or trail/hills, then I would say 440 all the way. Don't let anyone give you any greif about the 440 being unreliable. Mine has been in for a year and a half with no problems. I took the head off a month ago and the cylinder looked like I just put it in.
Now if you want to race or money is an issue then I would do the 416 or 426 with or with out the high compression piston.
Either way I know you will be happy with the power increase over stock! :D

[GlamisEXRider]

$3500 sounds like alot. I got mine done for 1300 out the door. I have a JE 440 kit, W/B all around cam, Harden rockers, Heavy duty valve springs, heavy duty clutch springs, and a full port and polish by White brothers. All of the machine work for resleeving and boring cost me $160 plus $175 for labor to put it all in. I think i got off pretty cheap compared to $3500.