Which block to start my build?

[67_Slimer]

So I’m going to be slowly building a small block stroker with a 340 block. I have 2 340 blocks ready to go. Just curious which one you would recommend I use. One is a 1971 date code virgin bore , the other is a 1970 date code .060 over. I’m going with a 4 inch stroke , high compression aluminum headed high performance build. Could be a stupid question but I figured why not ask before I go forward. Thank you in advance.

 

[4spdragtop]

If it were me, the virgin bore. IMO it leaves "room for error" so to speak.

 

[67_Slimer]

If it were me, the virgin bore. IMO it leaves "room for error" so to speak.

I’m with you but heard people say that a 71 date is technically a 72 date blah blah blah. I’m leaning towards the virgin bore but just trying to see other views. Thank you.

 

[mopowers]

high compression aluminum headed high performance build.

What does this mean?

 

[67_Slimer]

What does this mean?

People always ask what type of build (stock build , street/strip etc.) just thought I would add that in advance.

 

[mopowers]

People always ask what type of build (stock build , street/strip etc.) just thought I would add that in advance.

So, what's a high compression aluminum headed high performance build mean? That could mean a TON of different things.

I'd go with the std bore block btw - if it's in good usable shape.

 

[4spdragtop]

Not sure what the downfall of a 72 date code block? What's the vin? 71 or 72? I havent done comparisons 71 vs 72, but the crank(forged vs cast) and maybe slightly lower compression?

I’m with you but heard people say that a 71 date is technically a 72 date blah blah blah. I’m leaning towards the virgin bore but just trying to see other views. Thank you.

 

[67_Slimer]

So, what's a high compression aluminum headed high performance build mean? That could mean a TON of different things.

I'd go with the std bore block btw - if it's in good usable shape.

Just was in general. Meaning not a stock build. Thank you for your input.

 

[mopowers]

Just was in general. Meaning not a stock build. Thank you for your input.

So, what's the build plan????

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

So I’m going to be slowly building a small block stroker with a 340 block. I have 2 340 blocks ready to go. Just curious which one you would recommend I use. One is a 1971 date code virgin bore , the other is a 1970 date code .060 over. I’m going with a 4 inch stroke , high compression aluminum headed high performance build. Could be a stupid question but I figured why not ask before I go forward. Thank you in advance.

Neither, use a 360 and save the 340s

 

[str12-340]

Take both blocks to a good machine shop, have them tanked and then tested for bore wall thickness. Even a standard block could have core shift and not be the best candidate, where a .060 over block could test out as having plenty of room...

 

[RustyRatRod]

Put a slant 6 in it.

 

[67_Slimer]

Neither, use a 360 and save the 340s

Save them for what?

 

[67_Slimer]

Put a slant 6 in it.

Ha ha

 

[67_Slimer]

So, what's the build plan????

Fun street car. Nothing much more than that.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Just a street cruiser? Slant 6, baby!

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

Save them for what?

From holes in the block.

Build the .060 then...and do a partial fill and main studs.

 

[Dana67Dart]

What are your piston choices size wise?

Btw I'm in agreement, sell the 340s buy a good 360 block. Then you have the room to do whatever bore stroke you want

 

[BrianT]

I have done it both ways. A few years back, I sold a running 340 to build a roller block 408. My current engine is a virgin bore 340 stroked to 414. People are willing to pay up for 340s and you can use that to your advantage. Sell those blocks and you could have a nice down payment on a hot 408.

 

[Icetech]

I would get the .060 block checked for cyl thickness and use it if it's good.. A virgin block is only going to be worth more and more in the coming years.. nothing wrong with .060 if it checks good.

 

[HuntedDuckV351]

How much wall thickness do you guys like to see? .150 front and back and .125 on the sides?

 

[67_Slimer]

What are your piston choices size wise?

Btw I'm in agreement, sell the 340s buy a good 360 block. Then you have the room to do whatever bore stroke you want

So I understand with the stroker crank , I won’t notice any difference between a 340 or 360. I understand that but my initial plan was to build a stock stroke 340 , that’s why I have those blocks. I figured all the work is done on them so why not use them. I mean how much can I possibly get for the blocks and caps? It’s not life changing so I’d rather use what I know is good and ready.

 

[Icetech]

So I understand with the stroker crank , I won’t notice any difference between a 340 or 360. I understand that but my initial plan was to build a stock stroke 340 , that’s why I have those blocks. I figured all the work is done on them so why not use them. I mean how much can I possibly get for the blocks and caps? It’s not life changing so I’d rather use what I know is good and ready.

the virgin block.. $1500+ if it was not machined or anything....

340 at .060 with a 4" is 422".. get a 4.180 kit and you have 441 inches

just sayin....

 

[RustyRatRod]

3.4" bore.

lol

 

[Icetech]

3.4" bore.

lol

that's why it's called a 340..... 3.40