This 440 is a 73 or 74 cast crank motor rebuilt in 1992 and raced one season at
the local dirt track. The engine created enough horsepower to propel a 1959 Plymouth,
nicknamed "Christine" by the announcer, to four trophy dashes in eight
regular season races and a third place finish in an open competition race mid
season. The open comp race included over 30 cars and 50 laps. Only one of the
modifieds that entered finished ahead of Christine. I rebuilt the engine myself
as I'm a journey mechanic and have family members that raced as well and think
I did everything necessary to make this motor a durable power plant. The rebuild
included the following: re-ring, all new bearings and seals, a competition cam,
new lifters, high volume oil pump, new water pump, rebuilt heads with a three
angle valve job, and a windage tray too. The engine was very reliable and ran
strong. Christine finished fifth for the season in my rookie year of racing. I
would have finished third if two brothers didn't finish first and second. I haven't
started the engine for a couple years because it's setting in the 52 awaiting
a changed oil pan (oil pan is in the trunk right now) to clear the front cross
member. I have turned the engine over regularly to make sure it's still okay.
The 727 is in good shape also and is still bolted on the engine.