AAR Cuda Mopar 340 TA Engine block

In 1969-1970 Chrysler made a special 340 engine for the AAR Cuda and the T/A Challenger. These engines were different than a standard 340 used in other Mopars. The TA engines had the designation embossed on the block, driver side. If you're buying a TA 340 also check the heads by removing the oil cap on the passenger side. With the cap off look inside and the rear rocker should be offset. You may need a flashlight to see it.
If you scattered the original engine you may have received a standard 340 replacement block. I've heard stories both ways. My buddy back in 1970 went through 3 warranty transmissions before they said enough.
Some of the later blocks which were left over made their way into 1971 340 Road Runners and other cars. If you're looking at a 340, look closely because the TA340 are still around.
I hope you enjoy the video and it helps you.

[@warrenzonator]

I think it's ok to say that the 340 may have been one of the most underrated engines made. Good work. The aar cuda is my dream vehicle. Someday when I'm rich...

[@chuckjacobs1122]

And there should be TA tag on fender inside well .had one for about 15yrs .

[@redbarn1880]

I've twisted a 340 T/A to an honest 7000 a couple of times and it wanted more. It wasn't a stock engine and with those side pipes it sounds so sweet. The six pack opening also gives the sound even more sweetness. I tried to explain that to the Ohio State Patrol 3 years ago and he said, "Spare me the technical details of 3 carburetors and loading up crap". I tried strike up a conversation.

[@redbarn1880]

I hope this helps a lot of people and clears up any confusion. Ive had friends buy 340 TA engines in cars but they had the standard heads and rocker gear. Open the oil cap on the passenger side and you can check the rockers.

[@jogmas12]

Jon Hummel Well thanks man, this is going to help when one day I buy my T/A or AAR. If they try to sell me one with a non matching non TA 340 block i Will definately use this information to knock down the price.

[@pdq340]

Many years ago, I bought a '68 340 long block. It had heads w/ offset cast iron rockers on it. The head castings had pushrod holes drilled for standard heads but, the sides of the holes were "broken" to allow the offset pushrods to clear. The casting number was correct for T/A heads... and '71 360 heads. The SERVICE number is different. Also, the rocker shafts had been installed with the oil holes on top. Due to lack of oil, they were a mess. IME, whoever put it together thought he was getting a T/A motor that ALLOWS you to open the intake ports more. Otherwise, the heads don't flow any more than standard heads.

[@redbarn1880]

Dave they had TA blocks left over after the short production run of 1970 AAR's and Dodge TA's. It's well documented that these were found in production 1971 Road Runners. Block only.

[@phw340]

Awesome info on these T/A engines!

[@redbarn1880]

I have not found any owners since posting the video. I believe it’s helped some people though buy an actual T/A engine or block. Thanks for the comments.

[@redbarn1880]

Well, contrary to the Mr. Obama’s opinion I did it customarily myself. I did and still do have the help of a very understanding wife of 35 years. I've worked never less than ½ days, 6AM until 6PM, most Saturdays and sometimes on Sunday. When I graduated high school in 1973 as a “C” student my father told me about a great college tuition assistance program, the G.I. Bill. In exchange for my college tuition, I let the government own me for 4 years. I've stayed out of debt.

[@redbarn1880]

I might part with the one on the stand. It ran fine when I pulled it,so why did I pull it? I was restoring an AAR and wanted a freshly painted engine with all new internals, not just a rattle can paint job.

[@jamesharrington4923]

Too bad the 340 six barrel and six pack were never offered into the duster 340 or darts or demons, Talk about the ultimate sleeper cars!!!!

[@bigblockbryan1982]

well just learned some new stuff just got a demon 340 4 speed

[@davetweedy9868]

11-26-69 is the casting date,7 o’clock at night. They were never installed in to road runners from assembly

[@wesleycook6921]

Dave Tweedy I didn’t think a road runner ever came with a 340. 383 was the standard engine with 440,440-6,and 426 hemi as options

[@budlanctot3060]

@@wesleycook6921 are you sure about that? I believe I have a hood from a 71 RR w/ 340 callouts on the hood indentations.

[@johnwilburn]

@@wesleycook6921 I know for sure that the Road Runner could be had with a 340 when the fuselage body style hit after 1970.

[@redbarn1880]

It's been sold, thank you.

[@thecheesburgler]

Thanks for posting.

[@smilsmff]

T/A And the 360? i think the heads were same number as other 340/360 s or very close so NHRA Tech coud no tell if they were looking at T/A Heads

[@redbarn1880]

Thank you

[@melindacarter269]

I have one of these TA blocks, already with 4 bolt mains. It was in a seventies vintage super stock cars and when a rod broke it needed two sleeves installed and been sitting ever since. What's the approx. value of these on the resto market?

[@Ylleboll]

Nice video thanks....have some AAR or T/A guys contacted you and found his matching nr engine?

[@jeffdiamond3900]

how much are these engines valued at?

[@1AARCuda]

Any chance either of those TA blocks are for sale??

[@redbarn1880]

These are rare but someone has to have a need for it and the more perfect the better. If you want to sell it put it on EBay with reserve; describe it well and accurate with lots of pictures.Show the “TA” embossed on the side of the block & VIN PAD. Show clear focused pictures of repairs including the area where the rod may have windowed the block. You can add credibility by having a machine shop tank and check the block for imperfections. Scan and include the write-up in the auction. Good Luck

[@warrenzonator]

how come you're lucky enough to have so many ta 340's?

[@doboy340]

Beleve it or not my 70 340 Duster came with a T/A block.

[@jogmas12]

doboy340 Nooooo! Wow, must have been a special order. You have a unique duster there pal, care to sell it?