I was sent over from Ramchargercentral.com where I'm an long time member. I have been toying with the idea of taking out my 440 and going with a slant. I know from the factory they have only 145hp. How hard is it to get it up to 300hp or so? I'm thinking if it for ecnomy but would it be cost effictive? Tell me what you think

Very difficult, go over to ForAbodiesonly. com and see what a guy says about this exact same thing. Not saying it can't be done, but it would take a lot to match your 440.
Don't forget, if you want a truck and economy forget about horsepower, build for torque. That's what a slant has to offer, and an m90 would help that further. Let's see what other people think!

Welcome on the board, VV. If I'm not mistaken, I was a regular reader of your posts when I used to lurk on RCC (which I quit doing after I sold my '89 D100 last December, but before I managed to do the theftproof ram's head mod).

Rather than shoot for 300 or any other particular horsepower number, you'll be better able to figure out if a slant-6 will suit your needs if you figure out in close detail exactly what you want the vehicle to do. What year is it, does it need to pass emission tests, what does it weigh, what mods have been made, what kind of driving is it used for, what transmission do you plan to use, what rear axle ratio and tire size, etc. Unless you're drag racing your Ramcharger, focus on torque, not horsepower. Low-RPM torque. That happens to be a strong point of the slant-6; they put them in giant Clark Cortez motorhomes, but if you're accustomed to a 440, it's possible a slant may just not satisfy you. Tell us more about the vehicle and how it will be used.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

this is what I'm working with, 76 power wagon, 1 ton diffs front and rear, 205 transfer case, 727 auto, and 37" tires with 4:10 gears. Yes it is a 440 but a 76 440, not big on hp. I'm not interested in going fast, I just cruse on the street (i'm an old guy now). I do very little off roading due to time constraints and my back aint what it used to be . I have a buddy with a slant in a van a guy left on his property to store and hasn't seen the guy for years. He told me I can have it if I want. He also has a super 6 I can have as well. I have found another guy that has a 727 for a slant, sadly it's in PA but he will hook me up with it if I need. I've always had big blocks so I'm at a loss for info on the leaning tower of power. Any info will help.

If you go with a slant I would switch the tranny to an A904. They are plenty strong for a slant and are more efficient. With a slant in that truck you'll need every pony and lb-ft you can scrape up. The 727 is nearly indestructible but it soaks up more of the engine's output than the 904.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Not if he plans on keeping those big tires, and 4WD. On that application I'd certainly use the 727! even with a /6!

What is your level of mechanical ability? I would think you could be very satisfied with a slant six. I would push towards a supercharged slant six with about 5 lbs of boost will give you more satisfaction and torque than if you drop in a 318. The 360 would be cheap and give you some better mileage, but it's going to be peanuts by the time you add in the cost. The long stroke 225 should give you some power even with the size difference and most guys report great gas mileage across the boards ie darts, c-body, trucks.

Nice truck.....Are you sure you don't want a small block in that???

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HEY..Don't laugh...It'S paid for!!!

Great looking truck! How about a Cummins 4BT in that thing? Plenty of torque and good mileage, plus 90% of the parts can be had at the good old Dodge dealership.

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If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.

I built the truck from scratch, fab most of my own parts.
small block? don't see the point, for the milage it's not cost effective.
I was thinking a 6 with a turbo, supercharger, or procharger.
What I wanted to know is how much I need to do to the 6 to get it where I want it

I would do a turbo setup for 300 streetable HP. You can do 200-230 HP that is fairly docile in a naturally aspirated 225. 250-300 HP is possible nat asp, but will be choppy.

I am gearing up for a turbo install on my '68 Dart that will make 300-350 HP with reasonably low boost. Engine makes about 200 HP at the crank now, compared with about 110 (NET HP) from the factory. 3400 lb car runs 16.3 in the 1/4.

Looks like a fun project!

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Superchargers are easier in the sense of plumbing and expense are a little easier in my opinion. I picked up a m90 supercharger for $100, and built the manifold for a little more. Still got more to do, but very cheap for 5-8lbs of boost.
If you want to go even more boost the Procharger will not only be even easier for installation but a heavier hit on the wallet. These are pretty much set-up to run with an intercooler. So how much do you want to shell out? The other thing to keep in mind is that a fixed displacement supercharger will produce more power in the lower end.
Please read a thread called "Calling Engine Designers" to get informed on what we talked about for specific cams dealing with boost. I have no knowledge on blow through carbs other than that is the route you want to go, not draw-through (very counter intuitive to me).
Last, I would look into long rod set-up for the bottom end. Rod ratio's are getting to be more and more prevalent. You got two options: old 198 rods that pop up from time to time and a set of hypers (2.2L). The K1 set-up is even better, but will cost twice as much. Depends on your goals. I don't have much else for you, but feel free to ask. Wes

years ago i got a 68 w 250 shortbed with /6 and 3 on tree 8 lug danas...added 4bbl and 4 speed ... .that / got rebuilt hotrod 276 dur cam ,double roller chain, hydro head for emmissions,still running solids...is now in 82 d150 had a727 behind it with 2.70s gear ran alright till i blew trans ...now has 4 speed overdrive with 3.51 gears...want 3.90 and limited slip....it takes all i throw at it .....btw i also had a 76 440 w150 and the slant would/could pull it all over the yard...btdt

keep on roddin'

this is the kind of info I'm looking for. What you are saying with a hot cam and a head with a 4bbl (450 or so I'm guessing) I can produce enough power to move her down the road and have some fun as well. And I can see you know late 70's smogger 440's are weak. Now tell me what is this "hydro head" is it amother one of ma mopars rare and impossable to find parts or is it something available? Sorry for questions that might seem dumb to you guys but when info is needed go to the pro's right?

hydro hear is just late model hydraulic head..81 up ...i just did light porting ...next time i get it off will shave .50 off...want to bump compression a bit,but still run reg gas

even the super six set worked well
keep on roddin'