73 model 340 or 440 for my 73 Cuda???

[carcrazyguy]

I was just curious as to what other thought about this.  As some of you know I just bought a 73 Cuda (318 car) project.  I had no intentions to buy any parts for a while .  Well I happened upon a 73 model 340 (complete engine less exhaust manifolds).  It has the carb, dist, air cleaner and all brackets.  Anyway I had thought about install a 440 in the car when the time came.  But I thought I would ask what others think about this subject.  Install a  "cast year correct" motor even though my car is not a 340 car or go with the 440???

For years I always was with the "you couldn't get a 440 in that car" crowd, but over the last 10 years I have grown to like anything with any motor as long as it is "put together" the right way.     

[4Cruizn]

I guess it comes down to what you want??  Are you looking for 440 power of 340 correct??      I understand    I have just pulled my #'s matching 340 out of my cuda to install a 440.  So it just comes down to what you want!!     

[matt63]

I had the same dilemna last year.  I'm installing a 408 stroker next week.  It is alot lighter than the 440 (aluminum heads), has similiar displacement and more hp than alot of big blocks.

[Chryco Psycho]

It is a non number car either way , both engines will cost virtually the same $$ to build so my chpoice would be the 440 , but as Matt said the small block is lighter & can run hard
 Your Call

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Honestly, even if you resell this car, it would probably be worth more with the 440. If you don't... then I'm sure the 440 would be more fun for you. 

  Mike

[Morris'_Mopars]

I personaly would put the 440 in the Cuda. But to each his own..what are you planning to do with the car? If you are building it to resell then I would go 340. Building it for yourself or performance go 440 (I'm not saying 340 or small blocks cant preform...Oh yes they can) Like most have said in this post it really just comes down to your preference.

   -Good luck either way


                                   (440  )

[carcrazyguy]

Resell is not an option.  Took me 33 years to get one.. so resale is not an option.  

Anyway I am not worried about handling. This will be a car to take to a few cruises and other show and shine events.  I had not planned to buy anything for the car for a few years unless I saw something I "really" needed.  But the   is to much to take.  I have started gathering the few things I need already.  Really I just need the front seats, slapstick shifter assembly and linkage, grill, motor and trans and I will have all the stuff needed to get the car back together.        

[carcrazyguy]

what are you planning to do with the car?
   -Good luck either way


                                   (440  )

My original plans where to wait until my wife got out of school and buy a 70 model.  But the thought of what the prices might be like in 26 months (along with "the Ebody" ing) got to me and I bought this car as soon as I saw it come up for sale.   So the plans since I bought this car was to install a motor, have the car painted yellow, 70 AAR look with stripes, black out AAR hood and fendertops, and AAR rear spoiler. Leaving the 73 grill but planning on doig the blackout on that.  Most likely 4 wheel disc brakes and some decent 15-16 inch wheels.  And of course I will be doing the factory black/white interior just like it came from the factory. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Just a thought if you go for 440. You will need slightly thicker torsion bars, and 6 leaf rear springs to support the extra weight.

  Mike

[carcrazyguy]

Just a thought if you go for 440. You will need slightly thicker torsion bars, and 6 leaf rear springs to support the extra weight.

  Mike

That will not be a problem at all.  I will have to rebuild the front suspension anyway so that will be okay.  And as far as the rear springs. I have been thinking of maybe going with a Moser 60 (or DTS) Dana 60 so I will just have a spring shop rebuild (re-arch) and add leafs as needed.  One of my Dads best friends has been in the "spring business" for about 40 years so he takes care of us on the leaf spring issues. 

What motor mounts are needed to install a 440 in these cars?? Any need to change the K-frame??  Has anyone put an AlterKation set-up in one of these?         

[matt63]

A 5.7 Hemi is also another option as used low mileage engines are readily available. 

[CrazyPete]

well if it were me id do the 340 i have done the 440 swap on my 70 gran coupe the swap is pretty simple btw pretty much everything will bolt in the only thing you have to do is have the drive shaft shortened.  It'll just depend on what you want good luck!

[Carlwalski]

I say 440ci. Although the 340 is lighter and pulls hard the 440 can make more hp easier and cheaper.

Build both up using the same amount of $$$ on each the 440 will blow the 340 away. 

[mrbill426]

That's a tuffy, I'm in a similar boat with a numbers matching 340 car in pieces.  Gathered most of the suspension and engine parts for the rebuild and along comes a '66 D-Body donor car with a 440....

Think I'm going to proceed with the small block though and put it back together original (A/C too) with a lot more PUNCH    Then save the 440 in case I blow it up.  The suspension is getting heavy parts anyway so a big block would be at home. 

Who knows, another "project" my come along later too.   

[KellysCuda aircard]

440...it wont have to rev as high as a small block to make the same power,