But with a 1500 more-dollar budget, a set of pistons and a set of Promaxx heads really puts the squeeze on the 340 build, trying to get the 340 together for your 1500 plus add performance parts. Now, just think if you start with a 5.2 magnum... better compression and heads... even if you gave 300 for it, 2700 thrown at the 5.2 vs 1500 on a tore down 340... yikes !! The 318 is looking like the faster motor IF you don't have a motor and your budget is around 3k. I love both engines. However, those that are "340 only" folks have not produced a rebuild-build that says "this is my build and the 318 would be done".