As of today, this day! To a point, yes! I'm on record stating a 318 is faster than the 340 "dollar for dollar". Not better than the 340, not worth more than the 340, not faster equally built than a 340, but faster dollar for dollar.
I looked TODAY, and I found this complete but disassembled 340 for 1500.00. This would be in my "region", and I'd travel round trip about 5 hrs, so add gas and a burger/fry to that making it 1575.00 and we donate the time!!
340 Chrysler Mopar Engine - $1500 (54603) | Auto Parts Sale | La Crosse, WI | Shoppok
Seems to be the claim here on FABO that 318's are "free", good running ones too.
So for the sake of discussion, lets give the above 340 the benefit of doubt that its a solid core. So we are re-ringing it, honing it, and apply a valve job w/new springs and new exhaust valves at the local machine shop. We got lucky, valve guides were ok to use. Next we add a FT hyd cam of choice, with an aftermarket intake such as a Eddy RPM or Stealth. We can assemble ourselves and we are sitting at about 2500-2800 into this re-ring/bearings oil pump timing set fresh heads and assembled at home.
Could one put the 2500-2800 into the free 318 and out run the 340 ?? I say yes.... and easily !! So at TODAY's prices, if your budget is 3k or less, you'll go faster with a 318 than 340.
AGREE ? BE RESPECTFUL .... please. This is NOT about the 360 or UTG.