340 Piston to valve clearance w/RHS heads

goldduster318 said
I was reading something about special cuts of gaskets for the RHS heads.

I'd rather not use hypereutectic cast pistons (stronger than cast but very brittle), just a personal preference. I haven't been able to locate any zero deck forged 340 pistons that are any size other than +0.030. I'm going to be needing +0.040".

Brian told me the heads CC out at 67 most of the time. add the valve reliefs and I'm at about 9.5:1 with a 0.060 gasket.

I'm not going for the ultimate potential of the 340...but I am going with a hydraulic roller cam, good heads, etc to still get a strong build. I'm just willing to trade some top end HP for a flat torque curve (its going in a full interior, 4-speed stick, 3.23 geared car).

We live in the age of the chevy "LS" engine. I'm trying to keep up with these, even with this block that was made in 1970. If I can truly make the numbers DD2000 was giving me and have great streetability and durability, then I will be a very happy fellow.

Good luck finding any forged pistons .040 for a 340.

As for the carb, that is another mis match, IMO. Why go with the 800 if you aren't going to rev the piss out of it? A 750 or even a grasp 650 avs would be find for your use. I used holley's for years, one Holley will outperform one Edlebrock but the Carter/Edlebrock give better street manners and since he is comparing these new cars I think he be more than happy with a decent running 340 in a light weight duster. Plus I think he rather get 12 to 15 mpg than 8 to 12 mpg.

Yes those heads RHS might be better than the normal J heads but I don't think Edelbrock makes a special 340 head for nothing. .030 might clear but too close for me.