excessive 340 crankcase pressure

Possibly. But which is easier to do right off the bat? I vote that he get the PCV system straightened out first. It's free or almost free. The leakdown test will tell him what's up if "that" doesn't fix it.

Yes, I should've posted a "correctly functioning PCV set up", if it isn't working all bets are off.

BTW the 434 made 3 more HP with the PCV valve hooked up over just the one valve cover vent and no PCV valve.