Question about 340 vs. 440 (From newbie)
Hey guys,
I hardly know anything about engines and most likely won't be doing any engine builds or engine swaps for 1. not having enough room 2. and no time.
Keep reading and visit the web site “Allpar.com” for a **** to of reading.
So, one day I'll be buying a Plymouth Barracuda or Roadrunner and dream about it every day.
My question is, what's the difference between the 340 and the 440? I mean, I know size-wise there's a difference, but can they be similar in speed?
Yes! They can for the most part, like 90% of the time.
BUT!!!!!
The larger the cubic inch displacement of the engine, the easier it is to get more power in both HP and torque. (Tq)
The big block has a great advantage over the small block in this department not only because of the obvious size difference in cubic inches but what it can also be equipped with and what naturally comes with. Bigger higher flowing parts. So that just makes more power easier and more streetable without being a snooty acting engine. Drivability goes up with more torque which is much more readily available and easier to make with more cubic inches. (AKA Big Block)
From my little knowledge, I'm guessing they can be tuned to around the same power but the 440 had more potential. Why would anyone choose a car with a 340 rather than a 440? Better on gas?
In stock form, the smaller engine will get better mileage just because it is going to consume less fuel. In order to travel at 55 or 65 mph, the required power to move the vehicle is actually very low. The flip side of the coin to mileage is how effectively and efficiently the air and fuel is used and moved in and out of the engine coupled with lean mixtures and effective ignition burning all of the air and fuel charge.
Once you start “Hot Rodding” the engines, mileage drops and you’ll have to be careful of the parts chosen and decide on power or mileage.
The small block is generally cheaper to build and hot rod. But there is more than one way to skin a cat. Super Charging or Turbo Charging is one way to get more power without big cams and high compression pistons.
A lot of people like a small block because there light weight which helps make the car nimble for driving and quicker. A big block can loose a lot of weight with aluminum parts all over it. It can come down to right about a stock small blocks weight. So now you take the small block and add aluminum and it’s weight drops.
Small block, Less weight = easier to move & faster down the track.
Big block = more weight but much more power. More power, easier to move the car down the track.
A light weight big block can be nearly as nimble as a small block. I’ve seen them stand for to toe at the old local shoot outs around the cones. VERY exciting!
Sorry guys, pretty ignorant on all of this stuff. I know how knowledgable you all are so I thought you guys could help me.
Thank you!
Yea man, no problem. Happy to discuss engines pretty much all day long.
In the end, when you finally get there, you yourself must be happy at the end of the day. Knowledge is power. Learn all you can and remember to keep an open mind. Not everything is in stone and cold hard facts. A lot is subjective and of personal taste. And that’s why we have some many choices. It is not a hat of one size fits all world.
My first little piece of advice is to first decide on what car you want. Then purchase the best example of excellence you can afford. Someone else’s project there tired of or a done and finished car as close to what you want already done.
If you want to learn how to work on cars, adult education classes or specialty trade school are a good start. Find someone working in there ride. Any manufacturer will do. Got a Ford friend? Learn stuff on his car. A lot will translate over. Buy a beater and tinker with it. Purchase books because there always at your finger tips for a quick reference and a permanent item. Start your library!
Also, make sure you have a two car garage at the minimum! And that’s just for the hot rod alone.
