Warning: I know enough about engines to be dangerous to myself and others...
I'm getting close to my engine rebuild date on the macninist's wait list and starting to think hard on what to do. Here's where I'm at:
I want:
Factory original look of engine bay
Long engine life (with how hard these 340 are to find, I don't want to bust it!)
Comfortable (and fun) driving highway and town - but this is not a street racer so any modifications should result in mild performance boost while maximizing drivability for years to come.
I want to run on pump gas (I can add lead additive)
To run at a lower compression (9.5-7) and lower rpm to go a little easier on the motor
To take full advantage of modern internals to make the motor as bullet proof/ efficient/ reliable as possible. Gas mileage isn't a concern though.
What I have or am in process of getting:
Roughly date correct 340 block
Stock cast J heads, intake and manifold
Stock thermoquad
4 speed 309 highway gear
2.7 rear, I forget which 2.7 ratio though.
Parts I have on the side that I'd be happy to use if they work:
Crane gold rockers 59-1.50 C -03, rods and hydraulic tappets. Apparently they are like $750 new so I'd like to use them.
Timing floating gear set - I don't mind the 'blower' noise and like the accuracy
After talking with a friend I'm leaning towards stroking it
So the questions are:
Is stroking the 340 a good idea for my goals and what I have to work with?
What is the optimal stroke size/ kit for the air/ fuel/ exhaust restrictions presented by stock components?
Will stroking a motor destabilize it? I've heard that from time to time, introducing vibrations, harmonics, etc.
Should I add a different mild cam as well? If so what would be best for this application?
Will it in fact increase smile width while depressing accelerator?
Thanks
Mike
