WTF is this THING in our 340 ?!?!?!?

Just glad it didn't bend a valve or do other damage.
ever drop a valve on the drastrip? the valve will almost always get 2-4 cylinders, and maybe more before u can get it shut down. I`ve always lived in fear of dropping something down the intake or carb. when working on an engine, always cover the ports or cab first.