273 and 318 doner parts for 340 Build
i'm building my first 340. I purchased just the block for 250 which cleaned up 40 over with one cylinder needed a sleeve
For the top end I have purchased eledelbrock RPM cylinder heads(63cc), air gap intake, valve covers and fitech mean street Carb replacement system.
For the bottom end I have a 1967 273 that came in my barracuda and 1968 318 for parts for the bottom end. Here is my plan for parts....am I making any mistakes for my 340-390hp build for my weekend driver.
Parts from the 273
Forged crank
Oil pump shaft and dist. Gear
Push rods
Adjustable cast rocker arms
Timing cover and water pump
273 stock oil pan
Parts from the 318
connecting rods (full floating pins)
Modern gear reducer starter
The machine shop doing the work is supplying the cam, lifters, flat top pistons and rebuild kit with oil pump and pickup. They agreed all the part selected will work under 7000 rpm.
Does every one agree? Would you substitute any part listed for the bottom end anything new? I'm a little worried about the oil pan capacity and connecting rods. I will be running the A904 and I will be surprised if the shift points will allow me to get above 5200rpm.
First, the 273/318 had light duty rods, where the 340/360 came with heavy duty rods... Light duty will help save some weight, but you may have to get the crank rebalanced...
Also if you go with Keith Black pistons, they usually run lighter than factory pistons, but the skirts are thinner. I had one that broke on me so I'm cautious of them..,.
Speed Pro/ Sealed Power pistons have thicker skirts and weigh close to stock...
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You may want to look at some of Mancini Racing's rebuild kits, it may save you some $$$$...
Here's kit A & B for basic refresh with bearings and gaskets:
Kit A is basic:
Sealed Power Engine Kit - 340
Clevite 77 Engine Kit - 340
Kit B is the same but moly rings:
Sealed Power Engine Kit - 340
Clevite 77 Engine Kit - 340
Here's the kit C with bearings, oil pump, gaskets, cam bearings, freeze plugs, moly rings, and cast pistons. Make sure that they are the compression that you want, or call them for other options:
Sealed Power Engine Rebuild Kit - 340
Clevite 77 Engine Kit - 340
Main page for all small block rebuild kits:
Engine Rebuild Kits
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Here's a good timing chain that's one step above the stock 340 double roller, a true roller double roller. I've used these for many years and they hold up well...
Edelbrock
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I would recommend getting the heavy duty distributor drive gear from Mancini Racing as they are stronger than the stock ones:
Mopar Oil Pump Driveshaft & Distributor Gear
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The 273 adjustable rocker arms are good, but you will not be able to run the stock 273 push rods as they are made for a solid lifter which is different height.... If you want to run the stock 273 rocker arms with a hydraulic cam and lifters, then refer to these threads for how to get the proper push rods:
273 stock push rod length?
Pushrod for hydraulic cam and 273 rocker arms
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As far as timing cover and water pump, that should be determined by what year car you are going to put it in... If you are putting it in a 69 and earlier car, use the ones on either of the engines that you have... If you are putting it in a 70 and later, get the later timing cover and aluminum water pump so the radiator hoses match the ones in the car...