Most reliable 440 kit/setup?

[infantry317]

I know a few guys that put in 440 kits that had problems blowing out head gaskets because they were supposedly running too high of a compression piston. Any thoughts?
Thanks.

[Jekyl_22]

Well, I have 11:1 compression and haven't had any problems. Are you sure that they had the head torqued down enough?

[methyman]

Get over sized cylinder to head studs and a good head gasket from Curtis Sparks or TC racing. There is a special head gasket out so it will tke the compression of the big bore.

[moto93]

Try HQ Performance (http://www.hqperformance.com/index.html) , they will fix you up right. Doug (owner) uses the Wiseco kit (11:1 or 12.5:1) and his work is second to none! I'm very pleased with mine.

[pnut420]

I think if you are going to do do high compression like 13:1, you should just do a stroker 440, instead of doing a big bore kit. Its more expensive, but it would be better in the long run.

[trx400ex]

Def. get a stroker, if you have to save for a few more months its worth it, i wish i would have went ahead and did the complete 440 stroker instead of the 426... use a carrillo rod, heavy studs and you will be very reliable

[Ryan]

If you do have that problem...... I think Larger Head studs would solve it.

[David]

Can you run 11:1 on 92 octane? My friend of mine wants a 440.

[buckeye400ex]

Well, as predicted here several times, my 13:1 440 blew a head gasket yesterday. Just unloaded at Haspin and boom. :mad:

I'll see what Treadway (Honda in Zanesville, who did the engine work) does for me tomorrow. Might have them back off on the compression. I'm NOT in to driving 2.5 hours just to have my quad break 5 mins after unloading.

SUCKS!!!

[buckeye400ex]

Here's some pics of the gasket sticking out.

[buckeye400ex]

Not a good look.

[quadman21]

What gasket are you running? Have you tore it down yet? If the cylinder studs are srtipped go with larger studs from someone and back the compression down! A safe 440 setup will vary from person to person (opinions). The sleeve installation is very important because the sleeve will settle. The Weisco 11:1 isn't quite a true 11:1 so that might be an option for you.

[buckeye400ex]

I don't know the brand of gasket used by the dealer (Treadway in Zanesville) they are going to do the work since the kit was just installed in March. I will give it one more chance, for gaskets to withstand the 13:1 piston, then I'll ask them to go back to a 11:1 piston. So no, I haven't torn the quad down, taking it in tomorrow. They are prepared to stand behind it from what I've talked to them about so far. So hopefully they will. Even if we have to go to the 11:1 piston.

[methyman]

Hey call Curtis Sparks Racing for a a head gasket that will not blow. (661) 872-4343 Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:30pm PST
Talk to Scott and ask him as many questions you can and he will answer them all. There are great people. A little slow on doing work but the quality is great.

[rippen400ex]

Hi i just got my 440 kit but i just got the sleeve and the piston and gaskets and seals and stuff and a cam what else should i get to make it run the best and reliable and the wb sites to please?? Thanks alot.