Can someone tell me if I'm figuring this right. I went on the NHRA site and saw the 71' Plymouth Duster with the hi comp 340 is factored at 314 hp and falls into the 10.04 lb weight break ( SS/I or IA ). Since you can move up or down one class, couldnt this be a SS/HA combination, and race weight with driver be 3153 lbs ( 314 hp X 9.50 lbs = 2983 + 170 lbs = 3153 )? I wanna know if I'm doing this right and also, has anyone ever ran a Duster in SS/HA ? Do you think it would be a decent combination ? Thanks for any help

Guys seem to like the low comp 1.88 valve combos better

OK...I was looking at the Stock eliminator weight . My mistake. It keeps looking like a 360 is the way to go as far as the engine combination. I was hoping maybe a hi comp 340, but it just doesnt seem like the way to go.

For Stock the 71 340 is 310, and for Super Stock the factor is 283. That being the case , the Duster as a SS car would be killer! Go to my website (www.billrolikenterprises.com) and then click on "Significant Rides" at the top. You will see the 71 340 Cuda that is in the initial stages of upgrade for return to competition.

Bill Rolik

The 360 combos are good. Lots of options. Small cam, small carb, big cam, big carb.

I built an Aspen Wagon Stocker that now resides in Las Vegas. I went to a reputable head guy (rip Don), he did my heads, cam, piston/ring package. I did change the ring package at assembly. It went a best of 1.06 under with everything done by myself and locally. It was fun but to rich for my blood. STOCKER ARE WAY COOL. good luck matt

The reason the high compression 340 isn't competitive is the heads.
Since the 71-earlier 340 had 2.02" valves and the runner volume
spec is 158-162cc........when you open up the bowls for the 2.02"
valve and shrink the runners to stay legal, you choke off the port.
283 HP factoring helps.

If you were building a 360 SS engine....would you be better off using the Magnum heads ( even though they hit you with a weight penalty ). Is it an advantage to using these heads ? I know they flow more, but what about the pushrod oiling....does that impose any problems or how do you experts feel about this comparison ?

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STOCKER ARE WAY COOL.

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There are those of us on the east coast that also say: Our coolers are way stocked. Anyhow, Like Bill said above, at 283 factored HP the compression 340 is a good combo right now. I am considering a move to the high compression from my low over the winter. The stock factoring is not as favorable as the SS one.

I'm not a class racer so, I'm just giving my 2 cents on this subject.
Knowing the extensive porting employed in S/S, the Magnum head may be
the trick. They have decent shaped bowls, better chambers and much
better exhaust ports.

I have a Magnum head that was donated to me for R&D, but, haven't
persued yet.

Gonna need some work!

How about the 89 360 308 head for a low compression 340 or 360? Seen a few low compression motors in in SS/JA...

You might want to look into a GT class if you are thinking of running in SS. A lot of the Daytona/Sebring and Stratus cars run a 318/4 bbl combo and run really well. Might be worth it to run same engine in an "A" body.

But the 71' having the thermoquad did help for sure. I'm heavily considering the low comp 340 and running it in SS/IA , at least for now....but who knows.
I wish I knew if anyone had done extensive testing with the Super Victor compared to the Victor 340 on the super stock type heads.

Unless you have a 72 or 73 body, you'll have to run SS/GT with the
low compression engine.

I'm looking at a 71 and a 73 model. Havent decided just yet on either one.

Since they let you run the older cars in Gt , it can really get confusing.

I am only a bracket racer but I really like Stock and Super/Stock, I am still confused on older cars running in GT classes which I thought were for late model cars/bodies.

GT classes allow any year engine and any year body (same manufacturer)
to be used together. i.e. 70 Duster/74 360 4-bbl.

JC after talking yesterday I was thinking, dangerous sometimes, build the 71 TQ package. If you do not like it switch to a 72 340 small valve. The bodies are close enough for tech. The only thing you would be out if you switched would be heads and pistons. Expensive yes but better than trying to field a whole new car. BTW the Victor 340 is still the way to go. If you decide to do this I can help you with the proper mods for the intake.

I see where youre coming from, but after more and more research and thought, I think the 360 is the way to go. It carries just a tick more weight than the low comp 340, but you get an additional 20 cubic inches ! Plus, you wont have to turn the engine near as hard. At least thats how I'm thinking right now.