Value of a 340

I just finished building a 340 for my 318 Challenger. Awesome engine, but definitely more expensive to build than a 360. Off the shelf piston choice is a little more limited, especially if you have to go with a larger then .030 overbore like I had to (.060"). Plus, if you've got an earlier high compression 340, the pistons are .018" over the deck, so head choice is a little more involved if you depart from stock; closed chamber heads have to be machined for clearance.

If I was upgrading and had to go out and buy an engine to rebuild again, I'd go with a 360. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to build, and an extra 20 cubes. Maybe not as rev happy as the 340's, but better torque for the street. Throw in a stroker kit and you can get your forged internals and still save money on the core vs a 340. Plus, since they're easier to find, you can find yourself a standard bore block. Harder to do if you're looking for a 340, and more expensive too. I saw an add on Craigslist yesterday GIVING AWAY 2 standard bore 360 blocks. Not something you see everyday, but it still happens. The last two 340 blocks I saw were offered at $500.

Now if I had an original 340 car, I'd have to get a 340. But if its a /6 or 318 car its not going to be any more correct with a 340 than a 360, so why not go with a 360? Especially with all the stroker kits everyone is doing now. You're already changing the rod ratio's, and you can go forged internals and neutral balance if you go that route.