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A modified 318 Beats a Stock 340. I can see that happening.
Rework the 340 heads and put the same cam in it that you put in the 318 and I guarantee the 340 will walk the dog on the 318.
Cost would be the same between the two Motors. I'm talking about the cost to do the heads in to put a cam in it.
Yes it's fun to modify a 318 and see if it will outperform a 340. But in the end you want the 340 even if it cost a little more. So keep looking for those 340 blocks.
Personally I think the 360 or the 5.9 Magnum is the way to go nowadays.