I also doubt that they put a 340 crank in that motor as the main journals for the 340 crank are larger than the 318. That would be a lot of extra$$$ to put that crank in for no gain!!! Doesn't diminish the fact that it's a sweet car and you should be very happy to have gotten it. I agree with the public that a steeper gear would really do that smallblock wonders, although the 3:23 is a good all around gear, you need to wind up that smallblock a little quicker to get it up in the power band of the motor. You'd be happy with a 3:55 and even happier with a 3:73, and if highway driving is not high on your list, a 3:91 is probably the best ratio for your motor, all things considered. Nice ride, welcome to the site and keep us posted on your progress, Geof