Question for members that were of age in '70
The 340 only came in a performance configuration. Was never a standard engine like the 318 which was offered on just about anything that Chrysler offered from economy cars to trucks.
The 426 Hemi was the same, always a performance engine, never offered as a standard economy car to trucks as a standard option.
Always had to buy a package to get these engines. I remember that because of that , some called the 340 a "semi-Hemi". Though that was earlier the slang for the Poly-head motors.
Never was a 2bbl 340 or 426...both performance only.
I would also say that the B/RB and Hemi would require a lot of engine compartment, suspension ,brake and chassis modifications and unique parts to have a car that would go, turn and stop in a safe enough fashion and also be durable enough to give the 5 and 50 warranty common in those days.
Because of the specialized mods required as did the few Dart and Barracuda Hemi cars, the cars would also be non production line able, meaning they would still be built in very limited quantities off site and therefore not be profitable. The Earlier factory Hemi A-body cars were only designed to go fast in a straight line.
