426 vs. 440

[02silverpile]

What type of difference would someone see from identical setups of each? I guess im asking is the 440 really worth it?

[1fst400]

depends on your riding style, either one can out power the other.

[underpowered]

idk it is personal preference i guess. i love my 426, and have never ridden a 440 that has impressed me. but the motor really depends on how it was built, who built it, and how it was broke in. either one makes awesome power if built right and broken in right. both are good choices.

[02silverpile]

Underpowered. Have you ran against a built 440? I guess why Im asking is because Mine is a JE 12:1 with a thinner base gasket. Im running aq FMF powerbomb header, with powerbomb 4 exhaust. FCR 39mm carb, Port/polished, hot cam stage 1, Rev box, +6 timing key, Dirt digger clutch, K&N Airfilter with no lid. I am only considering going to a 440 with a stage 2 with the same setup to be competative with my budies LTR450. I know the stage 1 is borderline with even the 426kit. I think I need a stage 2 regardless. I just didnt know if the 14cc made a difference. I mean its only likke what 1-2mm difference in bore. Thanks.

[lpmaster]

im running a stage 2 with about what you got there except 11:1 static ross piston and honda-bond as a base-gasket and i couldnt be happier down low and of course up high iim using a 450r carb though(05)

[02silverpile]

Lp, Did you have a stage 1 at first, or did you go strait to the stage 2? Have you ran many 450's and how close were you if you did. I know the 426 proabably wont out run, but at least hang with.

[honda92]

from what i have seen it isn't much less the bore it is what else is done. i know a guy that has a 440 without porting, cam, valves, or anything besides the piston. you can't tell a difference between a stock 400ex and that 440.

[lpmaster]

i went from a 10:1 426 stage 1 ----to a--- 440 stage 2 11:1 and on my 05 400 with 14/36 i take anything from sock to hrc kitted type 450s but any oother motor work and they get me on top....i have yet to do any head work other than the cam though.

and i run these 450's in the dunes up hill and at the sand drags

[CHEVYZ]

Bore doesn't mean a whole lot of anything. It depends on how the engine is built. I know people with 400s and 450s that have tons of work getting outrun by basically stock bikes. If you set it up badly, that is how it is gonna run.

[02silverpile]

So based on everyones experience if I had to choose between the 11:1 or the 12:5.1 which would be the choice of fuels. Keep in mind I have the +6degree timing key. I think If I ran the 11:1 I would be ok with a 50/50 mix. Im pretty sure If i did the 12:5 with the key I would have to run pure race gas. Correct.

[lpmaster]

i would recomend getting rid of the key but thats just me, 12.5:1 w or without key will prolly require straight race

[1fst400]

12.5:1 will require a hd rod, and hd head studs.


a 426 will typicaly loose to a 440 in a all out drag race. If you get into a short track mx course a 426 is better but a 416 was my personal prefrence back in the day.



I had a 416 with a 12.somthin je piston, a hot rods crank, valves porting, stage 2 cam. the works. On a track other than the holeshots there wasent much difrence between me and a 450r. Just I found I had to shift alot more on the ex engine vs. the R engine could lug a taller gear easier.

[02silverpile]

So if I go with the 11:1 and the key do I need to run pure race gas or a mix.

[underpowered]

Originally posted by 02silverpile
Underpowered. Have you ran against a built 440? I guess why Im asking is because Mine is a JE 12:1 with a thinner base gasket. Im running aq FMF powerbomb header, with powerbomb 4 exhaust. FCR 39mm carb, Port/polished, hot cam stage 1, Rev box, +6 timing key, Dirt digger clutch, K&N Airfilter with no lid. I am only considering going to a 440 with a stage 2 with the same setup to be competative with my budies LTR450. I know the stage 1 is borderline with even the 426kit. I think I need a stage 2 regardless. I just didnt know if the 14cc made a difference. I mean its only likke what 1-2mm difference in bore. Thanks.


yeah i have ran a 440. it all depends on how the motor was built, broken in, and taken care of. my little 426 will outrun my buddies 440 without breaking a sweat and his was built more than mine was. but then i have ran across other bikes that will smoke mine. and most 440 kits are only a 435, so only about 10cc's difference. either motor if built properly will scream.

[lpmaster]

you'll atleast need a 50/50 mix but you wont know till ya try it

[Wheelie]

I've never raced a 426, have raced a well built 416--the stroker was faster.:macho