build 340 or swap in 440

[guys71cuda]

originaly my dad wanted to swap a 440 into his 71 cuda. from all the research ive been doing it looks like just having the 340 built may be a better option. his 340 is a 70' from a duster and the 440 is a 66' from an imperial. what do ya'll think is the better way to go?

[72rtchallenger]

  sb fan myself,,unless i had a hemi

[Chryco Psycho]

Either can be built into a monster , what does he want out of the car ultimatly ??

[guys71cuda]

glad to see that you chimed in, chryco. you seem to be a pro with these cars. well i believe he wants to have a fast street car. we will be having it restored. the engine will be built  regardless of which he chooses. but it will be a sunday driver mainly. possibly an occasional run at the strip too. which one is easier to make usable power with? which would be more valuable if he ever had to sell? thanks.


eric

[Chryco Psycho]

The big block will turn more heads & make more torque & should bring more $$
 the small block is more of a sleeper & can be a benefit in handling although you can ytake a lot of weight off a big block & have over 500 ci with massive torque

[426HEMI]

Keep the 340 they are the best.   

[mcgheejt]

I am a big fan of the 340; great little engine. 

[Strawdawg]

Takes less effort to make a big block with power while keeping it fun to drive on the street....

[dodge freak 2]

Depends on what "fun" is to you.

Me--I rather sound like those racing motorcycles revving the motor to 7500+ rpms which a blueprint 340 can do and live (might want a solid cam but a custom cam could still deliver good street manners)

The 440 might make the same power but only rev to 6000 (if that) unless built for racing (means $$$).

The 340 could use the 904 trans if going auto, those use a bit less power.

Its your ride don't let us decide for you. 

[Moparal]

7500 rpm anything takes bucks to stay together.  If your not stroking that 340 or adding an aftermarket head, that 340 would require some big porting, big compression and a good cam to make that 3500 plus lb  e body run into a good 11 sec number.  Easier to build power from a big block.  If you think 12's or high 11's is good power for street then your ok. But you will get walked on by all the people stroking and running aftermarket stuff.  A 340 can run good, but you really have to spend the money to keep up with anyone now adays. Small or big block.

[Strawdawg]

Depends on what "fun" is to you.

Me--I rather sound like those racing motorcycles revving the motor to 7500+ rpms which a blueprint 340 can do and live (might want a solid cam but a custom cam could still deliver good street manners)

The 440 might make the same power but only rev to 6000 (if that) unless built for racing (means $$$).

The 340 could use the 904 trans if going auto, those use a bit less power.

Its your ride don't let us decide for you.

You are correct

Fun, to me in this context, means a pleasure to drive in stop light to stop light traffic with the AC blasting, or on a  300 mile trip as well as visits to the strip

[guys71cuda]

well were hoping for 450+ hp with either motor but more like 500+ with the 440. it would have to have good street manners, being mainly a sunday driver. we are going to be running a 727 with an 8 3/4 rear end. still looking for a 3.55 posi third member to put in. my dad wants to take the one from my truck. i told him only if he leaves the car to me.

[Chryco Psycho]

500 + hp Is no issue for the 440 & generally with 600+ ft lbs tq to boot
 you can do a mild 512ci with a solid cam & make a ton of power with great drivability
 we did one that did 620 Hp & 700 ft lbs & 18 MPG