Today, dollar for dollar, is the 318 faster than the 340 ???

What you and I, at least, can agree on is run what you got or run what is available without much hassle.

I feel that an LA is an LA, kinda. The debate for me is what stroke? What main journal size? The 340 vs. 318 thing, to me, is irrelevant. The difference is bore size and on the list of factors bore size is not the top concern. 340/318 is just about the same damn engine (3.31" stroke).

Now, LA 360 3.58" stroke vs. a 3.31" stroke LA? That's the debate to have.
yep i'm with you there.