So since the 318 guys never want to have a civil discussion about anything other than converting a 318 into a race engine I got to thinking, how does the 72-73 340 stack up say as compared to a 360. If I was an aspiring small block Mopar guy
graduating from the depths of 318dom into something with a few more cubes, is it wise to pick up a 72 340 or opt for a 5.9/360 type build. I saw a Nicks Garage video where Nick ran a 72 340 with a Thermoquad and got 300-335 horse. Its interesting what these later 340s put out in actual numbers. Lets have a nice chat and... its a 340 thread :thumbsup:
P.S. Ill list what I like about the later 340.
1. the heads - its a 360 casting but can have 2.02s put in fairly easy
2. the block -no matter how you slice it its a 340 block you can do whatever with it that you could do with the earlier block Id think swapping pistons would be on my mind.
3. The crank - depending on build date you may have a forged crank good for high rpm.
4. Pistons - even the later ones had valve releifs - can use high lift cam
5. That 72 Thermoquad setup right down to the trap door air cleaner- I don't know, it just worked...
What I dont like about later 340:
1. The heads - the J with the bigger combustion chambers, combined with the low comp pistons BUT that can be overcome with earlier style pistons.
2. The internal vs external balance forged vs cast crank by build date
3. it was getting to be the smog era.
4. the 8.5:1 compression ratio
My conclusion is I wouldn't sneeze at a later 340 yeah I know some are external balance but so is the 360 that's easy to over come and live with..
All things considered this engine is fairly easier to straight up mod into a strip screamer than a 318- just swap in parts from the 68-71 340
I saw a later 340 on here recently for 1500-1600 dollars to me that's a deal and a good starting point for a build. OR would you go 360?
see how easy that is? yeah I know "340s aren't available" but I see them on here regularly. Ante up...you are paying for convenience and performance.
What say you?
