Whats the deal with 340s?

340 was a pre-smog HP small block. The Govt. forced emissions on it and it became a detuned low HP engiune. The successor was the 360, a smog engine, similar to the 400 Chrysler B engine. Yes it is a 4 inch bore, but it never was comparable to a 340 when it came out in the early 70's. The cu in displacement vs Horsepower was a joke in the 70's. That's not saying you cant build up a 360, and the MP Crate 360's are great alternative for someone who wants a new drop in crate motor. The 318 is a good engine, but it was never meant for racing, the 340 was. Yes, 318s are popular now because they are drying up, I remember when people were pulling them to put B or RB engines in their cars, and giving the 318's away. I acquired one or two for free, and delivered to my garage already. Those days are over though.