How to build a 13 second 340 Duster
I think I get most of what you're saying.
I didn't realize you actually are in the rebuilding business. I assumed you were talking about building your own stuff. If I were in the business I'd want to do it right and charge accordingly as well. I'm sure the equipment required does not come cheap.
As far as a budget goes, for me it's an evolving thing. I intend to figure out what a quality rebuild like what you refer to will cost locally and compare to one that's well done but without the extra machining, then decide which way makes most sense to me. I don't doubt the value of the high end rebuild but I doubt I'll spend $4000 plus just because I know I can have a lot of fun without investing that much.
Yes I have a core 340. As far as I know it's stock and was smoking. It turns over. Of course it's possible it's junk. If so I'm back to square one with what to use but there's something appealing to me about the 340 (likely because a friend had one in a Duster, and they are a purebred performance engine) so I might go looking for another if necessary. Also, one of the cars was a 340 car so it may add value to stay with that.
I'm a little fuzzy on what the 140% refers to. As for $700 for 40% power gain that's a no-brainer.
I'm sure you guys know your stuff about the Eddy heads. It's just a surprise to me that there would be such a quality control problem.
Thanks again for the input.