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

Starting "from scratch" 3 grand isn't enough even with a Magnum as your core. Ill agree to that. In todays dollars the money gets spent quick, alot of parts are internet ordered and shipping eats up part of the budget. yeah I can scour boneyards for used but then time adds up and time is valuable. Id still order the internals new from the internet suppliers. I could go to the speed shop in my area,but that guy is ordering off the net as well if he doesnt have it in stock.