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

I don't know.....after a quick search, it appears the heads will not interchange.
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I think the poly heads have 2 water passage holes about an inch in diameter that you have to plug up to go LA.
Just put the 340 4 inch stroker crank with 360 Pistons that would be 4 inch Pistons in the poly block. The 318 poly can be bored to 4 inchs without a problem