to all who commented.
Pulled the balance of the motor apart today and loaded it up to get balanced. Converter, flex plate w/ bolts, crank, rods, pistons, balancer and bolt, everything less the front pulley. I sent an extra crank and the original 340 rods along that if the bob weights are too far off, he has other options rather than spending a small fortune on mallory. I also decided to have new rod bolts installed.
This like most other projects has gotten a little out of hand. What started as a ring and bearing freshen of a good running motor ended up being entirely different. It got a little bigger cam than expected, new pistons, Eddy aluminum heads, M-1 intake, MSD ignition, and a nice new set of Doug's 453 powder-coated headers. Now there are a lot of new parts involved that will undoubtedly produce more power making the initial idea of using the 273 crank and rods somewhat less desirable.
This combination less the 273 rods has been together for about 35k miles. I guess I used the 273 crank in 1995 when the motor was rebuilt, not realizing that it wasn't a 318 truck crank. The motor had no issues the whole time I had it in my p/u. Lord knows it got the snot kicked out of it all the time towing and messin around in the mud.
When removed 2 of the old pistons had a crack at the skirts so we replaced the whole set. The heads needed a lot of work involving new guides and valves and were going to cost about 700.00 so we ordered a set of iron replacement heads. After 3 weeks of waiting on the iron heads (backordered) the aluminum heads were purchased. Camshaft is a Racer Brown solid stick that has been in another 340 for over 35 years. I wanted to use it because I know it has no issues at all. Lifters and camshaft show no wear whatsoever and this thing just has an old school thump to it that is perfect for the car. After a phone conversation to Racer Brown valve spring rate required is just below that used on the Eddy heads. Seems to me the #'s on the cam are around 304-525 or something in that area. Racer Brown recommended going to a 1.6 ratio rocker to increase lift numbers.
In the end all I want is a dependable driver with some attitude that does not require racing fuel and is durable enough for an occasional flogging. Maybe I'm wrong but with a 3500 converter, 456 gears and 30" slicks it should run mid 12's all day, maybe a little more. Now after being balanced it should be a pretty tough little piece.
Donnie here is a pic of kinda where the car is now. Since the pic the windshield, back glass, head-liner,and black vinyl top have been installed. Rear 1/4 windows are in and done along with the package tray. We moved the battery to the trunk. K-frame and all front suspension is out now and everything will be installed in one shot from underneath. No hood removal required.... Thx all Quint
