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

the 320/325 hp 318 ought to fairly easy with the $3000 budget though in reality.
If I was to build a 3k 318, I'd be expecting 375 gross hp minimum. That would be my expectation. Just for funs off the top of my head, something like this parts list:
I have change left over....... You'd be pressed to buy and build a 340 to run with my combo.....