Mopar 340 engine build . Episode 1. "By The Numbers"

I have a rusty old Chrysler 340 sitting around for many years. It is time to do something with it or toss it in the scrap heap. But, is it scrap? Follow along in a Mopar adventure. This is episode one of a series,as there are many issues that lie ahead with this build.

[@edsmachine93]

Good video, thanks for sharing. 340's are rare, especially standard blocks. Take care, Ed.

[@MrSwinger1]

Yes I am going to try and see if I can ring it with what cylinder wear is there. I ultimately would like a stock or as close to stock 340 as I can get. I have one that is .030 over also. Thanks for watching!

[@MrSwinger1]

Thank you, I agree. Thanks for watching, not everyone watches this type of content heavily.

[@JamesTanner-um3on]

You are lucky man

[@MrSwinger1]

Thanks!

[@craigcontofalsky4387]

Put it together and run it like you stole it!! I've been racing 340's since 1971! Some over 500 HP! Never blew one up. They take a beaten and keep on ticken!

[@MrSwinger1]

Thats what I am thinking. I have one already together,but it has flat top Pistons in it a bit lower compression. I am wanting to build this one as close to stock as possible with a 69 manual trans cam grind or close. Basically a street engine.

[@79tazman]

I would never toss a 340 in the scrap heap unless the block is unuseable 340 is the best small block mopar ever made some like the 360 but the 340 is the best 360 can't compete

[@MrSwinger1]

I agree. There is also the internal vs external balance etc. I like a 340 because it swaps with a 318. The flywheel etc basically interchangeable there is a difference in motor mounts but thats about it I have a 318 also thats sitting in storage. Alot of guys are building 318s now. I remember when people were giving them away. 340 was always worth something though noone giving those away...

[@1080sucks]

Could even be the best small block anyone built

[@79tazman]

The early 340's from 68 to 71 were the best they had the forged crank where the 72 and 3 only had the cast crank the heads were different too from the early X heads to the later J heads

[@MrSwinger1]

Yeah its a "rare" engine really. I am trying to build this one as close to stock with exception of the cam, with that I may stay " in the window" of stock 68 manual specs.

[@79tazman]

Surface rust is nothing on a engine block the rust you gotta watch for is the deep rust the stuff that leaves deep holes and that but surface rust is nothing just make sure you get the surface rust off of the cylinder bores and lifter bores and crank bores and deck surfaces

[@MrSwinger1]

Yes,its cleaning up pretty good. I have sent the crank out for regrind and dug the heads out of storage. Depending on what the machine shop charges I may have the block freshened up ,new expansion plugs and cam bearings. I'd like to not bore it over if possible save it for the next guy :)

[@67wogval]

I have a 71 model 340 block. Doesn't have the original heads but I have 360 J heads to go onto it. What's the best way to go out this build to get some good hp out of it? What cam spec would be best? I know the early block has more compression but should I look at running different pistons ect? Just trying to research it before I go ahead with it

[@MrSwinger1]

You'll want to run the early pistons for the compression ratio, approximately 10:1, the later pistons were 8.5:1. I think that was late 71 when the low compression 340 pistons came out. They are flat top with 4 vale reliefs. The J heads will be good either with the 2.02 or 1.88 valves. They flow good, big ports cast in etc. The cam will be up to you as in what do you want to do with the engine,is it a drag car or a cruise night car. I tend to stay in the "street" class of things, I like a nice cruiser. If I could, I'd run the stock 68 manual trans cam from MOPAR, and I am unaware if a reissue exists. I run the Summit classic series cam , its very affordable. Part number SUM-6901.

[@67wogval]

@@MrSwinger1 thanks for that I will look into it. I have a factory 340 four barrel cast manifold I want to put on it too, and I want it to sound lumpy and have good street performance, possibly 350 to 400hp

[@danielwillover450]

Can I find that book on Amazon has able to find it on eBay

[@MrSwinger1]

There is one on Amazon by Don Taylor. The book in the video is old, and possibly dis continued. You might find it on e bay used. The one by Dion Taylor appears to be the current version of the book.