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

The budget I speak of is the variable of anyone’s pocket, wallet, purse or bank account. You claim average Joe.

If you don’t mind answering, clearly you do not have to nor do I desire your answer. But answer the following questions. To yourself of course. Post them if you wish.
That’s your cal.

Your age
Your status, single, married, children if any
Own a home
Amount spent on bills monthly
Your yearly income
(average it out or a guesstimate if it is a variable income.)
Amount left over to hot rod what ever

How do you compare to the 18YO @ a min wage job looking to do something similar

How much more expendable income do you have over the 18YO?

Does that kid not deserve help in what he wants to achieve?

Or does he get the help in getting the old “Get a 340, the 318 is worthless, your a jackass if you do anything with it besides throw it away.”

WoW...That's a mouthful.
I went back and read the original post and didn't see anything mentioned of an 18yr old ?
Like I said, get what you can afford. There's still deals out there if you look. I would rather hold out for a 340, or another displacement we're not talking about. Looking at the pole, the majority agrees.