We look at the new Mopar 440 blocks
What is a Mopar man supposed to do? We can find plenty of stock 440-blocks to build engines from, BUT there's a problem: If you build a powerful engine the blocks will not stand up to the abuse. [Ed Note: see the KA-BOOM Project 540 Engine article in this issue.]
The options are many when it comes to aftermarket blocks, BUT (there’s that word Mopar guys are all too familiar with) availability is a problem and costs are high. There are a couple aftermarket blocks coming out now, one is cast-iron and the other is CGI (Compacted Graphite material). If you have been looking for an aftermarket block you well know that the other problem is availability. Lot of companies say they are just about ready to release them. Well, I started Project 540 in January and I still don’t see any in use yet!
World Products aluminum Hemi block
 World Products CGI block |
I have heard about the World Products aluminum and CGI blocks for about a year. Still have not seen one and the machine shop that did the 540 is still waiting for one. I guess I have to conclude that World Products does not have a Wedge block yet. I called and got this reply: the Hemi aluminum blocks should be released to a few select engine builders by the first of November. No date is set for when the general public will be able to place an order and get delivery of a Wedge block yet, aluminum or CGI. I had hoped for more information but could not get a return call before this article was written. If we get additional information we will add it to this story or put it in Mopar Memos.
