Engine machinist recommendations for master rebuild kit

[Illahe]

I wouldn't get a "kit". They always cut corners using cheap parts to maximize profit. Also, 1000 "for everything" is way too cheap to be quality parts. Erson Cams? I was unaware they were still in business.

Erson got consumed:Catalog Downloads - Prod - AQH64P6DPH7Q9T45_PRD

The only one I have run was a TQ 30 hydraulic in my 340. After a year and a half I pulled that bump stick out and threw it in the trash...In went the Isky!

The hydraulic lobe rate of rise was comparable to a Melling...

 

[Illahe]

Just heard back from the engine machinist for my 1971 340. It needed bored .030. He gave me a quote for parts, a whole master rebuild kit actually. $1000 for everything. Erson (or he said I could do a Howard’s cam) camshaft, sealed power pistons and lifters (HT-211), all the gaskets/seals/bearings, rings (not sure on the make), timing set, oil pump, etc. I know very little about the specs and what’s better/worse.

I did ask about other people he had order those parts and he’s heard a majority of people say that they love the kit. Especially in terms of reliability and street performance. Would any of you guys recommend Erson or Howard over the other? Price seem too high? Etc.? Let me know. Thanks

Best of luck with your build.

 

[TimJ72Duster]

Erson got consumed:Catalog Downloads - Prod - AQH64P6DPH7Q9T45_PRD

The only one I have run was a TQ 30 hydraulic in my 340. After a year and a half I pulled that bump stick out and threw it in the trash...In went the Isky!

The hydraulic lobe rate of rise was comparable to a Melling...

Do you think it had more to do with the cam not being compatible very with your other parts? Or the grind was just not good for your application?

 

[Illahe]

Do you think it had more to do with the cam not being compatible very with your other parts? Or the grind was just not good for your application?

Actually, I went from 222 @.050 to an Isky 232@ .050 and had better drivability. The Erson lobes are very slooow and LSA was odd at 111.

The other Erson I ran was in a 390 ci 66 Ford. Same thing.

My 340 was 10:1 2.02 J heads and LD340 intake, and 4 spd 3.34 axle ratio. 275/20/15 (28" tire).

Howards has some very well designed camshafts. My favorite for a low compression 9:1 small block is the 238/238 .558 solid on 108lsa.

I found the 340 to be very sensitive to camshaft LSA.

I have another 340 9.6:1 with 1.88 heads that likes a 242/242 solid with .490 on 106 lsa with a 727.

Before you chose a camshaft call Kevin @ Schneider cams and talk to him. They have decades of Mopar experience!

 

[RustyRatRod]

The hydraulic lobe rate of rise was comparable to a Melling...

Which can arguably be good for "some" things, but that's a kinda narrow window. lol

 

[middleagecrisis]

I recognize a lot of the part numbers as sealed power, pioneer, hastings, etc. This all looks like cast piston, iron rings, stock replacement stuff to me. The cam he chose (Thanks 1MeanA for finding the info!) is extremely underwhelming. I'd really think twice about building a 340 with parts that's going to have power more like a stock 318 than a 340. You're going to be extremely disappointed in the end result. I know I said earlier to trust your machinist, but I'd think twice if you told him you wanted any kind of performance and this is what he offered you.

 

[TimJ72Duster]

I recognize a lot of the part numbers as sealed power, pioneer, hastings, etc. This all looks like cast piston, iron rings, stock replacement stuff to me. The cam he chose (Thanks 1MeanA for finding the info!) is extremely underwhelming. I'd really think twice about building a 340 with parts that's going to have power more like a stock 318 than a 340. You're going to be extremely disappointed in the end result. I know I said earlier to trust your machinist, but I'd think twice if you told him you wanted any kind of performance and this is what he offered you.

I told him close to stock, maybe just a little more power. I’ve since called to let him know that I’m not interested in the Erson cam, and would rather run a Howard’s cam instead. He hasn’t gotten back to me on what cams he’d recommend, but I have a couple in mind.

 

[middleagecrisis]

I told him close to stock, maybe just a little more power. I’ve since called to let him know that I’m not interested in the Erson cam, and would rather run a Howard’s cam instead. He hasn’t gotten back to me on what cams he’d recommend, but I have a couple in mind.

Would he do the machining work for you if you brought him the pistons and bearings? I suggest you buy your own kit online, after you have him check out your crank shaft and cylinder boards for where. This is how I’ve always worked with my machinist and you said you’re going to put this engine together with your father. You can find kits all day long online and have them built to whatever your requirements are. I found basically what he’s selling you minus the cam on eBay: Standard Engine Rebuild Kit for 1968-1973 Chrysler V-8 340-CID | eBay this looks like it has sealed power pistons, Felpro gaskets, and would be a good rebuild kit if you’re wanting pretty much a stock rebuild with a mild cam. You get your cam from whoever you want with lifters, which somebody from the respective company will be able to help you figure out, and you have a engine built to your specifications.

 

[1MeanA]

I told him close to stock, maybe just a little more power. I’ve since called to let him know that I’m not interested in the Erson cam, and would rather run a Howard’s cam instead. He hasn’t gotten back to me on what cams he’d recommend, but I have a couple in mind.

Does he know what the stock '70 340 cam specs were? I think you are putting a lot expectations on him.