And that's what Steve did-he ordered the correct rings, installed them, and buttoned the lower block back up. Now we could finally get to getting...more horsepower, that is. And that all started with the installation of the COMP Cams hydraulic roller camshaft. And being that the engine was a little light on the spring side, he strongly suggested COMP's Beehive valve- springs. The valvetrain upgrade also included new lifters, pushrods, and roller rockers, and while he was at it, he swapped the gear drive for one of COMP's double-roller timing chains.
The 440 was previously equipped with a complete Edelbrock Performer package that was absolutely perfect for a daily driver, but this engine isn't going to end up in anything like that. Instead, the Performer intake was traded out for an RPM Air-Gap, and the 750-cfm carb was swapped for a Mighty Demon 750. Other than that, the rest of the components remained the same from the first buildup.
With everything back together, the revived Rat was bolted up to Westech's SuperFlow dyno to see if Steve's horsepower increase predictions were even in the ballpark. Well, as it turned out, he was a little off-by at least 50hp. Much to everyone's surprise, the 440 produced an admirable peak 515hp @ 5,700 rpm and 542 lb-ft @ 4,300. Now that's what we were looking for. We managed to build a driver-friendly version that even the most throttle-friendly could enjoy-and now we've turned it into a powerhouse the average lead foot would kill to have under their hood.
 The old valvetrain wasn't...  The old valvetrain wasn't sub par by any means, but it did have its limitations power-wise. The conventional COMP Cams springs will be replaced with more efficient Beehives, while the Magnum roller rockers will give way to beefier Pro Magnums. |  Westech's Steve Brule calculated...  Westech's Steve Brule calculated our engine specs to the T before ordering/installing new Sealed Power rings on our 9.5:1 Keith Black pistons. While the engine was touted as a 434 in the first installment, Steve's math revealed its true 440-cubic-inch displacement, and we weren't about to argue with that. |  Fortunately, since the engine...  Fortunately, since the engine was only dyno-run a few times prior, the cylinders did not require re-honing. |
 With the exception of a one-piece...  With the exception of a one-piece oil pan gasket and replacing the gear drive with a COMP double-roller timing chain, the short-block went back together just as it was before. |  COMP's Beehive valvespring...  COMP's Beehive valvespring might not appear as strong as its conventional type, but don't let looks deceive. The reduced spring mass and Super-Clean ovate wire give the springs more valve control with minimal pressure. What that means for the big-block is a greatly increased rpm band and more horsepower. |  Since we were sticking with...  Since we were sticking with COMP components, the studs and guide plates remained in service, ready to take on the Pro Magnum rockers. |