Today, dollar for dollar, is the 318 faster than the 340 ???

I think
but ... the 360 isn't part of the discussion... 318 vs 340... lol why is this so hard ??
Because you build what you like have or want, I think having a,goal of 3k unrealistic, at least for me. I'm not going to but the cheapest parts just because of cost. I'm going to buy pistons and heads that give me the parameters I want, same with rods, bearings etc.. I don't see being happy with an engine just because I only had 3k in it and it ran 13.50s. If I had to build a small block it would be a early 360 block with 340 pistons for 372 cubes with a stock crank.
It's funny how the logical choice for a sbm is removed from the conversation.