New to V8's. 340 or 383?

One thing if your a engine builder you can't setup a 340 and a 360 the same.They are small blocks but two different engines They can use the same parts but what are you doing with them.My 340 stock stroke got it's power from 3500 rpm and had power well over 8000 rpm and would kill any 360.Because of rpm and torque you can't build them the same.Also you are only talking about 20Ci thats not a lot between the two engines.You 360 guys need to start a 360 theed and leave the other guys alone that want to do other things.There are people that think out of the box and not in that follow the next person down the same road.I am glad he chose a 340 he will be very impressed of the power of it.One other thing you can build a stock 340 with 300HP and with all stock parts. Mark

340sFastback said

The 360 will give you more torque and more power if the pistons are swapped out to raise the compression up to where the original 340s were. The 340s have the reputation because they came with high compression, big valves, and the better exhaust manifolds. But when the two engines are set up the same the 360 will outperform the 340 every time and make more power and torque at a lower rpm to boot.

Yes being able to say you have a 340 is cool. And if that is what the OP wants and is willing to pay extra to get the 340 by all means go buy one. But it will need more cam and have to be rev'ed higher to get the same power as the longer stroke 360 would and cost more money up front to purchase. More money for less power sounds like the hot ticket to me...

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