Small block 340 engine for sale and some questions...

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71DodgeDemon

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I am considering purchasing a 340. I was told it was used in a dyno room only. Mild cam. All else stock. Any guidance on price range or questions I should be asking them?

I can’t tell what the date code is on the block. Is that a 73?

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They are going to auction it but I am
Allowed to make an offer ahead
Of time. I was told unofficially they are targeting $2000-2500.
 
Aftermarket damper...timing marks look to be on the drivers side where they should be for a 72/73 but those both used a cast crank w/external balancing. I'd ask if the crank is an aftermarket forged unit. If not...run, Forrest.
 
September 73 would be too late for a 340 I would think. Most likely 9/71 which would make it a 72 engine. As far as value, would need to know what heads are on it, cast or forged crank. Bore size would be nice.
Personally I wouldnt buy an assembled engine unless it was a steal of a price. I would rather be able to measure everything to make sure its not wore out junk.
 
MoparMike1974 said:
September 73 would be too late for a 340 I would think. Most likely 9/71 which would make it a 72 engine. As far as value, would need to know what heads are on it, cast or forged crank. Bore size would be nice.
Personally I wouldnt buy an assembled engine unless it was a steal of a price. I would rather be able to measure everything to make sure its not wore out junk.
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Actually they made 340s up to 77 for warranty purposes. Kim
 
Yes 9 27 71 would be a 72 engine and most likely has a cast crank and 8.5:1 comp, and 1.88 intake valves. I would have to tear it down and have a look before I dish out $2000 for sure. It has a forged crank balancer but I would need to look at the crank.
 
brian6pac said:
Yes 9 27 71 would be a 72 engine and most likely has a cast crank and 8.5:1 comp, and 1.88 intake valves. I would have to tear it down and have a look before I dish out $2000 for sure. It has a forged crank balancer but I would need to look at the crank.
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Only the 73 340’s had a cast crank. The 72’s got forged cranks.
 
yellow rose said:
Only the 73 340’s had a cast crank. The 72’s got forged cranks.
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Not sure about that. I have a 72 340 that was last used in my Cuda. Original engine, out of a 1972 Cuda that was wrecked. Cast crank, external balance. Still in my garage. Possible that it was a late 72 build though so I'll have to check the numbers on the block. Could be an oddball.
 
yellow rose said:
Only the 73 340’s had a cast crank. The 72’s got forged cranks.
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I had a 72 duster and it had a cast crank, I parted it out and sold the engine to a friend. I think the early ones could be ether and the later were all cast.
 
oldkimmer said:
Actually they made 340s up to 77 for warranty purposes. Kim
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I had never heard that . That would make sense though, there may be one tough customer who "bought a 340, I want a 340.." I could see throwing a 360 in there though it would bolt up.
 
The later engines -cast crank, flat top Pistons, smaller intake valves, pressed wrist pin pistons. Is that about the extent of the changes?
To me this is when the 340 started becoming the 360 or a smog engine.
 
Look on the pass side right above the oil pan vthe year assembly plant and last 6 of the Vin should be stamped in the block also i had a 9/71 block that had a 3B stamped in the pan rail.
 
to answer your question...if it's a good engine the price is very reasonable!
how well do you know these guys and will they stand by it to some degree?
 
i don't know.. dyno engine? was it beat all to hell on that dyno? no specs? any proof it runs and doesn't have a spun bearing or anything? looks like a core to me.. 2k is too much for a core in my opinion...
 
abodyjoe said:
i don't know.. dyno engine? was it beat all to hell on that dyno? no specs? any proof it runs and doesn't have a spun bearing or anything? looks like a core to me.. 2k is too much for a core in my opinion...
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JMHO, but if it was me I would consider that a "core" and I wouldn't run it without a teardown and inspection. You have no idea what someone else did, or didn't do.
 
Most 72's were cast crank. They used up what forged cranks were left and then switched over.
 
abodyjoe said:
i don't know.. dyno engine? was it beat all to hell on that dyno? no specs? any proof it runs and doesn't have a spun bearing or anything? looks like a core to me.. 2k is too much for a core in my opinion...
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But do we buy a used car and disassemble the engine before we drive the car? No....

I'm not saying buy it sight unseen but a good inspection without disassmbling the engine is possible.

I bought my race car motor blown up... pulled one valve cover and the pan to inspect the carnage. While there was some unseen damage I bought the complete engine carb to pan for about what the crankshaft would have cost new from Mopar. Perfect heads. Block had two minor nicks at the bottom of the cylinders. Crank was easily repaired.

In the racing world engines are sold everyday racer to racer without a teardown. The sellers word often is good enough. Do some guys sell junk? Sure. Last summer I was looking for a SBC for an older dirt late model I have and want to sell. Found a long block for $800.00 from a local racer that had name brand parts and low laps. One call to another driver (his brother) made me back off on the purchase. The engine had good parts yes... but it was a mix and match conglomeration of parts from a few blown up/worn out motors.

A good DLM motor can be $30,000 used!

Do your homework but pulling a valve cover and an oil pan may be enough to tell you what you need to know.
 
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