I'll take one of those $400 340blocks myself as long as it has the main caps! Personally I like 340's and if the price wasn't outrageous I would build one. As stated we have a 69 340 sitting here complete and running but IMHO it's better for a resto project. A good no core shift 318 block will make more power than a bad 340 block that's just the way the geometry and efficiency works out. The magnum engines changed the playing field. I don't see a $3000 340 out performing a $3000 5.2 magnum. No doubt the 340 is a good engine. Unless you already have really good heads add $2000 for some la heads either aftermarket or stock. So $2000 for heads plus the $400 block. That leaves $600 for gaskets, pistons and machine work ect.
Heck I would pick a 5.2 magnum over a la 360.
