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340 or 360? #1547747
12/15/13 11:29 AM
12/15/13 11:29 AM
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Posts: 8,779
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
OhioMopar Offline OP
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Mt.Gilead, Ohio
I bought a Mirada over the summer with a cast crank '73 340 in it. It had 567 heads, TRW 4-vlave relief stock replacement pistons, cast crank, etc. Nothing spectacular.
I wanted to raise the compression, better heads, etc. Then I got to thinking that if I'm going to buy new pistons, rods, heads, whatever, would it be better to sell the 340 to someone that wants to restore something and find a 360?
The intent for the car is to race it for a while until I put together an overdrive conversion for it, then make it a fun street/strip car. With parts being the same, what would you think? After reading through the 360 stock crank thread, how does a 340 cast crank compare? The 340 is .030, I don't know anything about if it was sonic tested or not.
Any advice? Would you run a 340 over a 360 in a Mirada? (Clearly, originality isn't a huge concern).


1969 Dart GTS 340
1969 Super Bee X9 N-96
1969 Coronet R/T X9 N-96
2015 Dodge Dart GT
2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn.
Looking for the original block for my Bee. The last 4 are 7449
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: OhioMopar] #1547748
12/15/13 12:01 PM
12/15/13 12:01 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,611
Burlington,Ont.
77DragracerR/T Offline
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Burlington,Ont.
The 340 is a larger bore shorter stroke and a 360 is a 4.00 bore with a 3.58 stroke. Sorry off the top of my head I remember the 360 but not the 340.The big question is how much you want to spend and how fast you want to go? Mirada is a cool car but very heavy. If your going to use either motor and replacing the whole rotating assembly I would price out a stroker kit.I run a Scat stroker (408) forged kit and love it in my 73 360 block. My Aspen is all steel with factory interior and runs a high 10.


77 Aspen R/T 60'@1.41 10.76 @ 123.26

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eya3Ue8KoZk
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: OhioMopar] #1547749
12/15/13 01:08 PM
12/15/13 01:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
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Space Station #5
471Magnum Offline
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If you're starting over on the short block, the 360 is a much more economical starting point. 360 cores are cheap (around here anyway). Turn the 340 into cash and build what you want.


-Jim

I can fix it... my old man is a television repairman.
He's got the ultimate set of tools... I can fix it.

Currently Mopar-less
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: 77DragracerR/T] #1547750
12/15/13 01:12 PM
12/15/13 01:12 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,176
East Coast
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A/MP Offline
super stock
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East Coast
Do a search for 360 proven combos. Streetable low buck 350-400HP 360 builds. Best bang for the buck.

Re: 340 or 360? [Re: OhioMopar] #1547751
12/15/13 01:18 PM
12/15/13 01:18 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,255
Columbus, GA
Michael Ecks Offline
pro stock
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Columbus, GA
In my humble opinion the only reason to run a 340 is if it is the original engine for the car, or if you are trying to build a high RPM engine from factory parts (and then I would want a forged crank version).

Otherwise the 360 is the way to go. Plenty of 360 LA cores still around, and just as many loose 5.9 magnums in junkyards. The heavy car will also appreciate the extra torque from the longer stroke.


"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of
your thoughts" ~ Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: Michael Ecks] #1547752
12/15/13 01:21 PM
12/15/13 01:21 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY Offline
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Romeo MI
Quote:

In my humble opinion the only reason to run a 340 is if it is the original engine for the car, or if you are trying to build a high RPM engine from factory parts (and then I would want a forged crank version).

Otherwise the 360 is the way to go. Plenty of 360 LA cores still around, and just as many loose 5.9 magnums in junkyards. The heavy car will also appreciate the extra torque from the longer stroke.




You want all the torque you can find for that car..
its not light... 360 is better for low end torque

Re: 340 or 360? [Re: MR_P_BODY] #1547753
12/15/13 02:45 PM
12/15/13 02:45 PM
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Posts: 3,629
Oakland, MI
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dizuster Offline
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Oakland, MI
100% agree. Make all the torque you can. If it were me I'd save my penny's and buy a $350 cast 4" strokes crank. In the grand scheme of things it will be the best bang for your buck. And who really wants a cast crank 340 motor? Might not be worth as much as you think.

Re: 340 or 360? [Re: dizuster] #1547754
12/15/13 02:55 PM
12/15/13 02:55 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,779
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
OhioMopar Offline OP
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Thanks guys. To answer the first question, right now I would just like to put it together and run 12.99. More for later of course.
As for the cast crank 340 not being worth as much as I think... I don't expect to retire off of it. I'm not looking for a mint. Actually with a longer stroke, I would maybe think of using the 340 block for the bore advantage. But I'm thinking stock stroke, as fast as I can go without emptying my retirement account.


1969 Dart GTS 340
1969 Super Bee X9 N-96
1969 Coronet R/T X9 N-96
2015 Dodge Dart GT
2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn.
Looking for the original block for my Bee. The last 4 are 7449
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: OhioMopar] #1547755
12/15/13 03:03 PM
12/15/13 03:03 PM
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Oakland, MI
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dizuster Offline
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No offense meant. I just mean a cast crank 340 is likely worth less then a 360. Might not be worth the hassle of selling if you go the stroker route. Like I said for $350 you could probably leave the heads alone, put a cam in it, and meet your goal for cheap.

Re: 340 or 360? [Re: dizuster] #1547756
12/15/13 03:20 PM
12/15/13 03:20 PM
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Posts: 8,779
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
OhioMopar Offline OP
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Mt.Gilead, Ohio
No offense taken! I was gonna shop it around a bit and if no serious takers, it will get stroked later. I've been on the lookout for a local 360.


1969 Dart GTS 340
1969 Super Bee X9 N-96
1969 Coronet R/T X9 N-96
2015 Dodge Dart GT
2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn.
Looking for the original block for my Bee. The last 4 are 7449
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: dizuster] #1547757
12/15/13 03:31 PM
12/15/13 03:31 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,330
Lynchburg, VA
Leon441 Offline
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Lynchburg, VA
Quote:

100% agree. Make all the torque you can. If it were me I'd save my penny's and buy a $350 cast 4" strokes crank. In the grand scheme of things it will be the best bang for your buck. And who really wants a cast crank 340 motor? Might not be worth as much as you think.




This was pretty much my thoughts.

I would advertise the 73' 340. If I could make the sale for a decent amount of money, go for it. Otherwise your 340 is just as easy to do a 4" crank on as anything else, if you wanted to. That car could really use something with a 4" stroke crank. The smaller mains are good for high RPM if you ever decided to do so. In your case probably no difference whatsoever between the 340 block and 360. If you do not plan on installing a crank the 360 comes with more stroke which would make the choice to go 360. Just depends on your abilities, money and desires.

Leon


Career best 8.02 @ 169 at 3050# and 10" tires small block power.
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: Leon441] #1547758
12/15/13 04:33 PM
12/15/13 04:33 PM
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Holly/MI
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Dean_Kuzluzski Offline
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Yep, the only thing I can get for my cast 340 cranks is scrap price!

But I'll trade any/all of my 360 block(s) for any and all the 340 blocks a guy wants to let go.

I see 360 longblocks for as little as $100 up here on CL. Some even state that they "must sell". Sell the 340, buy a 360 AND the 4" stroker crank. Go 408 and don't look back.

Got a J-body here too. And I'm still not all that convinced that they are so heavy. It's basically a stretched F-body, and then look at how lightduty the rear framerails are. Still looks lighter than a B-body to me. Mine is a low-option car. If there was a fiberglass hood out there it would certainly help.

For example........

http://flint.craigslist.org/pts/4197686399.html

http://saginaw.craigslist.org/pts/4232483109.html

http://saginaw.craigslist.org/pts/4165804889.html

...."Make offer" ahead.....

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/pts/4233368125.html

Last edited by Dean_Kuzluzski; 12/15/13 04:41 PM.

R.I.P.- Gary "Coop" Davis 02/09/68-05/13/04
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: A/MP] #1547759
12/15/13 05:03 PM
12/15/13 05:03 PM
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Posts: 149
JOPLIN MO 64804
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RBDART1 Offline
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JOPLIN MO 64804
Guess I'm the only one to buck the system but give me the 340 anyday,anywhere even with the cast crank..just old school I guess but I am not a big fan of the 360 especially the mag 360...if 12.99 is what your after then stick with the 340 that would be an easy combo,have the shortblk assembly balanced and then you can run a reg covertor and balancer...yes the 360 has potential but you already have the 340 and dollar for dollar I'd put my money on the 340,I've been around for along time and the legends you hear about the 340 aint lies or fairytales even in a little heavier cars,technology with better tires,convertors,cam profiles and electronics has come a long ways since they 1st came out...remember who the real king of the street was and it wasnt a 360...I rate mopar engines as such...440 comes in 1st and the 340 comes in at 2nd only because there aint no 1 1/2...and the hemi..well it wasnt for the average street guy and there have been many and I say many a hemi smoked by a 440[street]and 340's on the street from stoplight to stoplight would eat up about anything out there..so my vote is run the 340 in stock stroke or stroker has the upper hand regardless of what you hear...

Re: 340 or 360? [Re: OhioMopar] #1547760
12/15/13 05:13 PM
12/15/13 05:13 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,873
Chicken coop
dustergirl340 Offline
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No brainer to me. You already own the 340.

This is the race forum, not the resto forum, we don't care if you blow up a 340 block. lol...

Re: 340 or 360? [Re: dustergirl340] #1547761
12/15/13 05:30 PM
12/15/13 05:30 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,779
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
OhioMopar Offline OP
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Quote:

No brainer to me. You already own the 340.

This is the race forum, not the resto forum, we don't care if you blow up a 340 block. lol...



I guess it has to come out anyway...
Thanks for all the replies, guys.(and gal)
Still trying not to go to a stroker crank just yet.


1969 Dart GTS 340
1969 Super Bee X9 N-96
1969 Coronet R/T X9 N-96
2015 Dodge Dart GT
2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn.
Looking for the original block for my Bee. The last 4 are 7449
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: OhioMopar] #1547762
12/15/13 06:49 PM
12/15/13 06:49 PM
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RSNOMO Offline
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I'll 'buck the system', also...

No 1) If yer gonna puff something, puff the 360...

No 2) Your SuperBee would appreciate it if you'd pay less attention to the Mirada(as in, gone)and more attention to the business at hand...

Makin' that Bee pretty...


(Say 'No' to hoarding)...

7959921-black'69Bee.jpg (93 downloads)
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: RSNOMO] #1547763
12/15/13 07:11 PM
12/15/13 07:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,779
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
OhioMopar Offline OP
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OhioMopar  Offline OP
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Now that's hitting below the belt!


1969 Dart GTS 340
1969 Super Bee X9 N-96
1969 Coronet R/T X9 N-96
2015 Dodge Dart GT
2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn.
Looking for the original block for my Bee. The last 4 are 7449
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: OhioMopar] #1547764
12/15/13 08:23 PM
12/15/13 08:23 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
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Holly/MI
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Dean_Kuzluzski Offline
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Just remember Hoarders don't live any longer than anyone else. Somebody needs to store the old stuff for future needs of others!

W/o getting into the age old "340 vs 360" debate. Those legendary 340's that slayed on the street/strip scene were very likely in a light A-body with good gearing, conv., cfm, comp., cam.

It really comes down to the whole package, what you have to start with and where your budget best lets you throw your money at. I'd rather build a stroker ($) and run a milder gearset and converter.


R.I.P.- Gary "Coop" Davis 02/09/68-05/13/04
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: Dean_Kuzluzski] #1547765
12/16/13 12:59 AM
12/16/13 12:59 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
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acworth / N. georgia - south e...
cheapstreetdustr Offline
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ever read the story about the guy who sold his livestock farm to go diamond hunting?
the lady that bought the livestock farm found the worlds largest diamond one day while gardening.

I would have the 340 block sonic checked first and foremost before you go do anything. it might just check out better than any of the 360 you end up with.
cost after that to do what you want would be the same.
a stock bore 340 is 4.04" bore . 3.31" stroke (exact same as 318)
stock 360 is 4.00" and crank is 3.58" the crank journals on a 360 block are different so cranks wont swap..(common knowledge)
but to bore a 360 to 4.04 you have to remove material...and most likely end up with a thinner cyl wall..
Sonic check the 340 first..if its not good on the majors..then look for the 360..
but in any case i would source the best bore thickness block in the equation..

just my


365" Iron J heads,,3480lbs best 1.39 60ft on SS springs.10.54,124 mph ...6.67 1/8th et.average 60fts 1.46 w/ small cam &.063 no2 pill tagged & insured
[image][/image]
Re: 340 or 360? [Re: Dean_Kuzluzski] #1547766
12/16/13 01:00 AM
12/16/13 01:00 AM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 180
merrill, wisconsin
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voigtspeed Offline
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merrill, wisconsin
If the engine you have is still solid throw in a boost frendly cam and turbo it!

Best power for the price. The shorter stroke will help you hook the tires and when the boost comes on it will not feel like a little 340 anymore.........................



ACCELERATION SPECIALIST
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