I THINK I KILLED THE 340

mgoblue9798 said
If money is the primary concern then just optimize what you have for sure. There were a lot of production 340s put out there that are further off speck than what you have.

I'd swap holes with that 040 proud piston and rod combo and see if you can get it close to the rest, get the heads and deck finished for cometic gaskets and let her rip.

So many Reponses, I appreciate it. Here is what I have decided to do. I'm going to machine the pistons down to zero deck, which is the amount above for each piston. This should give me a balanced power stroke for each hole, I would think. Use a MAHLE / CLEVITE 3536SG head gasket which should provide the desired .040 quench I was after. Once I have the bottom end squared away I will call Hughes Engines, give them the specs (car and engine) and see what they recommend for a cam. If V/P clearance is an issue once I choose a cam, I will use Lindy Tools Company Piston Fly Cutters to deal with it. Then balance, after I determine the bob weight needed. I do understand the rotating weight vs reciprocating weight. I did swap the #2 and the #8. No significant change in height. Thoughts?