Advice: Son’s first project- 440 tear down (learning by doing)
 

Hello all- my son (19) is a car fanatic. He’s really keen to work on cars for his own pleasure. He’s interested in building a project car and wants to learn about the engine (440 big block) by getting hands on. We’d like advice on how best to get started. I’ve heard RVs are a good source for these? The intent to to mount it on an engine stand/cradle(what works best?) and carefully tear it down, keeping the parts very orderly and documenting everything.

He has no real experience but is a very meticulous and technical minded guy.

Besides tools etc, what recommendations do you have - books, sites, videos etc. any specific tools needed? This is for fun and educational purposes so mostly it’s about the journey.

Any and all advice welcome.

I recommend 440source.com for parts and installation on the Mopar big block. I would also suggest purchasing one of the books on building the big block, the more information the better. We like photos of the project as is and in progress so let’s see what you’ve got. Oh yeah welcome to the forum!

Meticulous and fanatic are the best tools he has. Have fun!!

Welcome to the site.... Sounds like a good learning experience!!!!
Not sure if he is in school at this time or this kind of stuff? but one of what i consider the best books is as follows >>>>> https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp...&ie=UTF-8#ip=1
But if your beyond the basics? I would say most of this will depend on the budget. But if you can find a running 440 local to you? and are just going to go through the motions of the overhaul.. Try to get one that is at least not locked up (You can turn over by hand with a socket and a ratchet) and you should be off to a good start. also try to get it as complete as possible. If the transmission comes with it.. that will be a + later down the road...

Keep us posted on what yalls decide to do.... Had lots of good times with my kids... Cheers