340 vs 440

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    Author Topic: 340 vs 440  (Read 38067 times)

    Offline 67vertman

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    340 vs 440
    « on: August 08, 2010 - 09:17:11 PM »
    I have owned both, big blocks and small blocks, and there is a lot to say for both engines. I am still on the fence on which way to go BB or SB.

    So, the question is, for a weekend driver and occasional car show, and mostly fun to drive car, which motor would you choose?  All other items will be the same wither it’s a BB/SB - 4 sp, 355 gears, power disk brakes, A/C.
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    Ron - Born and raised in Southern California

    I got the 1970 Cuda, but still need the hot blonde to ride shotgun!

    First car -1969 Road Runner 383 4sp

    Current ride - 1970 Barracuda 440-6 4 sp Dana 60  (4:10)


    Offline 72rtchallenger

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #1 on: August 08, 2010 - 09:39:04 PM »
    both engines being great is hard decision,,but as a good built 340 can preform and hold its own against the 440,and is a force of its own ,I would go with the 340 as it is better on the highway mileage with gas so high,and it is  lighter in weight . just my  :2cents:
    and when you out do a bb on the track you have bragging rights   :stirpot:   :poopoke:

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    72rtchallenger
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    Offline TreeFrog

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #2 on: August 08, 2010 - 09:41:36 PM »
    It truly is a hard call, and a personal preference.

    My 72 has a 360, and my wife's 73 has a 340.
    If I had to start from scratch .... I would say
    340 automatic or 440 standard
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    Offline 1970 RT Challenger 1970

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #3 on: August 08, 2010 - 09:49:32 PM »

    340 or 440, Both answers are correct.

    Just like Chocolate or Vanilla Ice Cream!
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    Alaskan_TA

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #4 on: August 08, 2010 - 09:49:56 PM »
    I have had both & respect both, & I have been beaten 440 cars with a 340.

    Priceless.  :bigsmile:
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    Offline hotrod98

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #5 on: August 09, 2010 - 01:34:35 AM »
    I have both. I really enjoyed my 71 Cuda with a 340, 4-speed that I just sold last year. It was a blast to drive and was much more nimble with the smaller motor. Got a lot better fuel mileage as well. Remember, these cars are 40 years old and the metal is a little fatigued. You will get much less cowl shake with the lighter engine and much less roll in the corners.
    I have two 71 drag cars, one with a well built aluminum headed 360 and one with a relatively mild 440. The mild 440 will blow the 360 away. For all out brute power there is no replacement for displacement.
    The best small block car that we own is my wife's 73 Cuda with a 5.9 FI and A518 od trans. Cruise, a/c and 29 mpg. A new 5.7  or 6.1 would be even better.
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    Offline HP2

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #6 on: August 09, 2010 - 09:45:30 AM »
    Get a new siamesed 340 block with a 4.125 stroker crank and you can have 440 cubic inches in a 340 package. Then you could say you have both.
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    Offline cudadave72

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #7 on: August 09, 2010 - 10:38:07 AM »
    Its all going to depend on what you are wanting out of your car. Apples to apples a stock 440 is going to out perform a stock 340 in a straight line contest. On the flip side the 340 will offer better handling due to lighter weight. As said before there is no replacement for cubic displacement, however a well built small block can offer up big block performance but that will cost $ and you will lose some driveablity. Everyone on here knows by now that I love my smallblock but you have to be realistic in your goals. :2thumbs:
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    1972 BS23 H code Cuda, B5 blue, 340 streched to 416 cu in, 727 w/ 8 3/4 rear, 7.23 in the 1/8 mile and 11.38@117mph in the 1/4 on drag radials   Under restoration! Coming soon... 440cuin R3 Indy SMALL BLOCK monster!!!!

    Offline 67vertman

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #8 on: August 09, 2010 - 10:39:32 AM »
    HP2, i have been thinking about that myself.
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    Ron - Born and raised in Southern California

    I got the 1970 Cuda, but still need the hot blonde to ride shotgun!

    First car -1969 Road Runner 383 4sp

    Current ride - 1970 Barracuda 440-6 4 sp Dana 60  (4:10)

    Offline 67vertman

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #9 on: August 09, 2010 - 11:07:31 AM »
    HotRod98, you bring up some good points.  I want to enjoy my ride and although fuel mileage doesn’t bother me, overall drivability does.  Either way I go, all other components will remain the same, frame stiffeners suspension, gears and such are going on, no matter what motor goes in.   
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    Ron - Born and raised in Southern California

    I got the 1970 Cuda, but still need the hot blonde to ride shotgun!

    First car -1969 Road Runner 383 4sp

    Current ride - 1970 Barracuda 440-6 4 sp Dana 60  (4:10)

    Offline The Cuda Guy

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #10 on: August 09, 2010 - 11:15:08 AM »
    Driver/cruiser...  Why not consider a stock stroke 383 or 400?  Stealth heads and you will be light as a SB and look like a stock B engine.

    Don 
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    The Cuda Guy Project is on going!

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    Offline Speedygjr

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #11 on: August 09, 2010 - 11:36:53 AM »
    There's no substitute for cubic inches.
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    Offline Road_Runner

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #12 on: August 09, 2010 - 11:40:12 AM »
    Well since you asked what we would do, I'd say 340 since I specifically bought my 73 Barracuda to be more of a pony car than a muscle car.  That way I'll end up with one of each because I already had a BB Roadrunner that I'm either going to stroke the 383 to 438 (almost a 440) or go with a stroker hemi.  I'm leaning heavily towards the stroked 383 but still haven't made my mind up completely.  Biggest thiing to me is whether you want absolute quickest straight line acceleration or might want to take it around some twisties at some point.  A 440 in the nose isn't going to lend itself to cornering and on/off acceleration like my Roadrunners can be downright dangerous if you punch it mid corner (trust me I know).

    Later, Jim
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    Offline HemiOrange70

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #13 on: August 09, 2010 - 11:44:27 AM »
    340
    If your car is set up for a small block, then less money and frustratiion to convert and a 340 is a good performer, lighter and fast. Big blocks you compromise handling for HP
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    Offline 426HEMI

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    Re: 340 vs 440
    « Reply #14 on: August 09, 2010 - 11:46:05 AM »
    So you want our opinion.  As all know on here I prefer the small block for all around.  I have owned my share of big blocks and some that were very stong.  I like the small blocks because of the handling. 
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    Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

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