Suggestions for 340 rebuild

[Got JOB]

I have a standard bore 71 340. The block and crank have been checked out good. will bore the block .030 and turn the crank .010. I will be putting this motor in a 76 Aspen wagon with a 2.71 rear and a 998 transmission. I need recommendations for a good forged piston with the stock rods and a camshaft that will complement the car with mild performance considering the rear gear. Heads are stock J with valve job 2.02 intakes. Been thinking about the Hughes whiplash cam. Any recommendations Chryco? Car is also power brakes and A/C.

Ricky

[Chryco Psycho]

Diamond is the first name that comes to mind for pistons , also Wiseco SRP Ross , you really want something lighter than stock & very strong .
 Seriously consider a stroker kit , a new crank rods & pistons with rings & brgs included  is very similar cost to machining the crank & rods , installing new rod bolts & still buying piston rings brgs & getting everything balanced , you can be between 390 - 426 CI easily with no down side .
 Hughes whiplash cams work but Dave can be tough to deal with , I have been using Lunati grinds for the most part recently , what type of cam are you after , there are some really strong hyd roller grinds that would work well all over the power band & give decent idle , flat tappet hyd luntati has a couple of stump puller VooDoo grinds that would work well too
 This is one option http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lun-10200703/overview/make/dodge
this is flat tappet not roller http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lun-10200702, you could also look at 10200701 but it is more RV red line around 4500 RPM

[mrbill426]

Chryco, would the piston reliefs need to be cut any deeper with this cam's .513",  lift if a set of Speed Pro L2316F were used and stock type valve train?  Talking a '72 340 with the early production year steel crank.

 

... I have been using Lunati grinds for the most part recently , what type of cam are you after , there are some really strong hyd roller grinds that would work well all over the power band & give decent idle , flat tappet hyd luntati has a couple of stump puller VooDoo grinds that would work well too
 This is one option http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lun-10200703/overview/make/dodge ...

[Chryco Psycho]

the pistons with reliefs should be good to .540 lift but it is always good to check clearance .

[73restomod]

If your looking for a forged piston that will last like a cast piston in a street car go with something in a 4032 alloy. Much tighter clearances, will take retarded RPM, and can handle some boost (15lbs and under), and smaller juice shots. ICON (aka. keith black), stocks off the shelf 4032 pistons for these motors for a reasonable cost. This kind of piston has no audible slap on start up. I have 4032 SRP's for my 440, don't know if they make something for small blocks or not. Lots of manufacturers can also make them in this alloy, JE, Mahle, etc. just not sure if they charge extra....

[Got JOB]

I am slowly getting my build together. My block was bored .030 and will be using KB 243 pistons. I went with a Comp Cam XE 262 H and the heads reworked with new stainless  valves. Also using hi-po exhaust manifolds and 2 1/2 pipes. Intake is still undecided. I have a RPM and a LD340 intake, just can't decide on the carb. Maybe this combo will give me good cruising power for my Aspen wagon.

[AussieMark]

You may have to change to 3.23 or 3.55 gears to allow it to get into the zone and stay there or it will just be bogged down all the time.

[mrbill426]

 

[Got JOB]

Been a few months and the 340 is together and in my wagon. The build was as started with KB 243 pistons, stock reworked rods, J heads reworked with stainless 2.02 intakes, Comp XE 262 cam and lifters and pushrods, stock rockers and shafts. The block was bored .030 and the rotating assembly was balanced. The hi-po manifolds would not fit because of the brake booster, so stock 360 manifolds were used. I put a 625 Street Demon carb. on an Eldebrock performer intake. Still running a 904 and 2.71 gear. This combo provided exactly what I was looking for in performance for the wagon. Has great off idle and thru the gears. Engine runs at 175-180 in traffic.

[Chryco Psycho]

 
Good planning will make a happy combo