340 4 speed can run , reliability

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ValerianMagnum

ValerianMagnum

the little car that could
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Hi guys im pretty soon rebuilding an old 1971 340 with a thermoquad and iron intake and oem exhaust manifolds....is it the conception or the oiling/ cooling that does the overheating ? Some guys told me that an old iron 340 wouldnt stand a chance with a 100F weather and 1 hour of traffic , is there a way to fix this ? I know that magnums overheat less but i would like to go with a 340 this time , all 100% original.
 
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Cooling is adequate for stock engines. Like all cars, the cooling system needs to be well maintained and in working order. Drive your car and enjoy it. If issues come up- come back to us. No inherent problems.
 
Good coolant flow and good air flow. So a street car should have 1-1pulleys or slightly overdrive the water pump. A good mechanical fan 5 to 7 blade for low rpm 4 blade high rpm. a well engineered shroud and a aluminum radiator. 180 to 190 deg thermostat and you should be fine.
 
Either they are pulling your leg or they're stupid. Take your pick, either way they're wrong.
 
Actually I like cast iron intakes they don't get as hot as aluminum and help a bit with heat soak. Only down fall they are heavier
 
100*C is 212*F so where were they driving their 340's?

Several thing can cause any engine to overheat.
 
ValerianMagnum said:
Hi guys im pretty soon rebuilding an old 1971 340 with a thermoquad and iron intake and oem exhaust manifolds....is it the conception or the oiling/ cooling that does the overheating ? Some guys told me that an old iron 340 wouldnt stand a chance with a 100 c weather and 1 hour of traffic , is there a way to fix this ? I know that magnums overheat less but i would like to go with a 340 this time , all 100% original.
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WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT???

LOL I'm kidding, but really, where did you get this info?

340 engines were and are a street engine. "Back in the day" I swapped a 340 into my 70 RR "was" a 6BBL 440 car. Drove the hell out of it around San Diego, LA. And when I got out of the Navy I loaded the thing down with all my possessions and tools, with a E body 'Cuda on the trailer, and lots of parts "and stuff" in IT and towed the thing all the way from San Diego to the N end of Idaho.

Overhead? The thought never entered my head!!!

When I got done with this I WAS BROKE!! (for awhile)

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ValerianMagnum said:
Some guys told me that an old iron 340 wouldnt stand a chance with a 100 c weather and 1 hour of traffic , is there a way to fix this ? I know that magnums overheat less but i would like to go with a 340 this time , all 100% original.
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YES! I have a bridge to sell as well. It is a bit broken down and rusty, but it goes from Brooklyn N.Y. to Manhattan. I need a quick sale....selling cheap!!!!!
:lol:

Tune it well, make sure the radiator is in excellent shape and flows well.
RustyRatRod said:
Either they are pulling your leg or they're stupid. Take your pick, either way they're wrong.
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True that...
 
ValerianMagnum said:
Hi guys im pretty soon rebuilding an old 1971 340 with a thermoquad and iron intake and oem exhaust manifolds....is it the conception or the oiling/ cooling that does the overheating ? Some guys told me that an old iron 340 wouldnt stand a chance with a 100 c weather and 1 hour of traffic , is there a way to fix this ? I know that magnums overheat less but i would like to go with a 340 this time , all 100% original.
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I am pretty sure you mean 100F ambient air temp
My 340 with factory A/C runs nice and cool.
 
I had a 73 340 Cuda I drove everyday back in the mid 80's, clutch fan went through the radiator and all i could find was a 6 cyl radiator, I put it on temporary because I needed a way to go and it ran cool with the 6 cyl radiator. I finally found another correct radiator but i believe it would've been just fine with the 6.
 
I don't recall any of my 340 driving buds having any over heating problems in the desert. 100* was just a normal day from Memorial Day until Columbus day. 110*+ wasn't unusual. The '66 Dart GT with the Purple Shaft and Thermobog might see 195 during illicit street activities :rolleyes: and send a mess of GM owners home talkin' to themselves in the process :lol:
 
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