Any ideas on this 340 block ?

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Before I decided on the date I'd look at the front of the block under the cylinder head, drivers side.
And Rick Ehrenberg had an article in Mopar Action about checking out used blocks, the example he used was a 1977 340 block! Obviously Chrysler kept casting 340 blocks for replacement purposes after production ended.
 
toolmanmike said:
It's probably a 73. The date is all rusted up in that area.
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Yep, '73

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sccachallenger said:
Before I decided on the date I'd look at the front of the block under the cylinder head, drivers side.
And Rick Ehrenberg had an article in Mopar Action about checking out used blocks, the example he used was a 1977 340 block! Obviously Chrysler kept casting 340 blocks for replacement purposes after production ended.
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Boats! Chrysler used 340's in their boats into the late 70's. I have a 77 340 Super Bee III motor. I think the OP's motor could be a 78 boat motor. Sure looks like a 78 to me.

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I bet that's a unique set of cylinder heads on that one what with the water cooled exhaust manifolds. That may be really good if it's like some marine blocks and cast thicker, but it can also be really bad if there's a ton of scale that comes out of the water jackets and leaves the cylinders thin from both sides. The bad part would be having to invest in cleaning it before paying to get it sonic tested...
 
memike said:
I do agree, 400 dollars for that 73 340 block as it sets, seems very pricey for a block in that shape, could be a boat anker...
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Probably is no good. I might take a chance on a 426 hemi block that looked like that if it was cheap, but not a 340.
 
Looks like it has a vin stamping on pan rail starting with a 3

73 block
 
I built my last early Hemi from a block that looked like that. One hour in the shot blast cabinet made it look new. Took a .030 overbore
 
Krooser said:
I built my last early Hemi from a block that looked like that. One hour in the shot blast cabinet made it look new. Took a .030 overbore
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Yep. Shot blasting will make that block look new. I’d take a chance on it. I’ve seen way worse. My first 2 X blocks looked like they had been sitting outside for a decade and both turned out like brand new.
 
AJ/FormS said:
It's been said and done that a 318 will go to 4.04......

I too have a few 340 blocks, collected in the 70s; all standard bore, all low mileage, all running when pulled.
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Would you please take the time to list the casting dates and vin numbers of the 340s you have? Guys are out there trying to find and reunite engines and transmissions back to the original car they came in.
 
pink340swinger said:
Would you please take the time to list the casting dates and vin numbers of the 340s you have? Guys are out there trying to find and reunite engines and transmissions back to the original car they came in.
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I took those engines out of crashed cars or rusted to beyond salvation (in the 70) cars.
Only one of those cars do I still have.
 
cudajoedart said:
It sure is a well seasoned block I'm sure it would be useable
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I read somewhere that back in the 426 Hemi era at Petty Enterprises. Visitors reported seeing stacks of block sitting out in the weather while a lawn sprinkler showered them with water! I guess this was a way to pre-season the blocks?
 
Cledus said:
How well does molasses work and how long do you leave it in it. I have used muratic acid on cranks in a bucket 10 minutes and done
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Check out "project farm"s you tube video on rusr removal. Tests vinegar, molasses, evaporust, and muriatic acid.
Basically, molasses works excellent, it's dirt cheap, it just takes lots of time, and stinks. Does not harm parent metal at all.
 
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