340 lost, what`s the best replacement?

[Delta]

I recently bought 71 cuda, originally 340 (unfortunattely lost 20+ years ago), not running since. It is 4 speed car, transmission still there. Because of 340 engines are expensive (12k for crate engine), I`m considering to use 408 stroker (360) engine instead, which are around 7k, and they shoudl have more HP. It is my first E-body, have no experience, so here are my questions?
1. will 360 (408) fit without any frame adjustments or adapters to 340 car?
2. will it fit to original 4 speed?
3. any recommendation, where to buy 408 (engine builders, etc...- I found it on Summit and Ebay from ATK)
4. in general, is it smart to use this type of engine?  Or would you recommed something totally different?

The reason why I want to keep it small block is because of weight and easy handling.

[ragtopdodge]

You got a fairly rare, and desirable car there.

I would find a date-coded 340 block and stroke it.  Find a local builder.

Factory louvre car? 

[HP_Cuda]

That wing seems to be mounted too far forward on the trunk lid.

Might be an optical illusion.

I'd try to track down your 340 cause that would give you the most return on your $$$

[mrbill426]

I'd try to track down your 340 cause that would give you the most return on your $$$

 

[Delta]

fender tag was lost, but I found built sheet in the seat, in bad condition, but maybe I will be able to read something there.
So 408 is bad idea?
Where to find date-coded 340, are they rare?

You got a fairly rare, and desirable car there.

I would find a date-coded 340 block and stroke it.  Find a local builder.

Factory louvre car?

[Haddixj]

You can post wanted adds with your vin listed. I am looking for my block as well, it would read 1B345796 post your build date and vin, if you can post pics of your build sheet people can help decode what they see

Cool car 

[Delta]

still in the seat, have to find a safe way to get it out of there. I don`t know, if somebody can decode anything from it now.

You can post wanted adds with your vin listed. I am looking for my block as well, it would read 1B345796 post your build date and vin, if you can post pics of your build sheet people can help decode what they see

Cool car

[Haddixj]

if that was my build sheet I would cut the cushion from the top and remove it that way.

[7212Mopar]

Depends if you are east coast or west coast, there are many different builders. You can have a roller stroked 340 build for you with forged bottom end and roller valve train from many reputable builders around $11 to $12 k. Less with cast crank and non roller. It will cost more than a 408. Read reviews before you go ATK. Also let them know you have a 4 speed and the crank is drilled for it.

[ragtopdodge]

Ya, destroy the seat cushion before you destroy that BS!

[anlauto]

Leave the broadcast sheet right where it is...I'll take it out after you sell me the car.

That car deserves a full OE restoration, not some sort of "resto-mod" deal....

[Haddixj]

I think he may be overseas from the post on moparts, Anyone see anything  on the broadcast sheet that stands out? Would be cool if some of the options on the car are real

[Chryco Psycho]

Your car to build as you want to , the 340 is long gone so the wrong engine is the wrong engine , the 340 & 360 are virtually identical from the outside so a 408 is a good choice & truly is no less correct than using the wrong date coded 340 block . 340 blocks are hard to find in good condition & are comparitively expensive but possibly worthwhile
 It looks to me like the louvers are challenger not cuda as the corners are squared off not rounded & the wing is 70 not 71 .
 Good news is you have the build sheet .
 The 360 block will bolt right in with no mods , you do need to internally balance the engine or have a balanced flywheel for the 360 / 408 matched to the rotating assy . The crank needs a pilot hole for the 4 spd no issue to drill the hole & use the Dakota roller brg  . Any good machine shop can build a good 360 / 408 .

[dfrazz]

   And 360 blocks are readily available.  I bought stroked 408 from Carolina Machine Engines and the thing ran very strong.  PM me your email address and I can send you details if interested.

[Jesus H Chrysler]

I have 2 '71 340's in my shop.  They aren't easy to come by, but they are only really desireable by people who want their cars as original as possible.  Since you're thinking of a stroker motor anyway, don't bother with a 340.  Go the 360 route, the average person would never be able to tell the difference.  The only thing a 71 340 block would do for you is add a LITTLE value at resale.  If you intend on selling it, a stroked 360 would appeal to a different buyer, but wouldn't hurt the value compared to a non original 340.