hypothetical question if could get a 340 in a 70 R/T

[mopargem]

So you could get a 340 4bbl in a 1970 Challenger with the A66 package but if you could get the 340 in an R/T model would you desire that more than a big block 383?  I know in 71 the 340 was offered in an R/T so do you like it more or less than a 383?  I know how I feel, I like a lighter weight high reving sm block in an ebody. Also why do you think MaMopar offered the 340 in the 70 'cuda but not 70 Challenger R/T? Just something to think about.

[anlauto]

I would think that since the 383 was the base engine in both the Challenger R/T and the Cuda, that either car equipped with a 340 would be a lower production number and also more desirable. 

[Cuda Cody]

I too like the 340 block in an E-Body.  Lots of fun in a very fast revving light weight good handling package.  But the 383 is no slouch either.  It might have been an insurance ploy to offer basically an RT package (A66) without the RT cost of insurance.  That was a big deal back then.  Insurance was much more for a RT vehicle.

[RUNCHARGER]

I like 340's but I think they really work well in A-bodies. I prefer a big block in an E or B Body myself.

[headejm]

I've had Challengers with both the 340 and the 383 and like them both about equally as well. The 340 is the perfect engine for the TA/AAR and I couldn't imagine a BB in one of those. I personally believe a BB engine is more valuable in an RT and prefer the bigger engines. I'm currently rebuilding my 383 and am very pleased with the design and quality of available parts. I also believe any of the HP BB engines would out drag a 340, given similar build specs. 

[6bblgt]

my take:

I bet the performance "guys" at Dodge were cringing at the thought of the 383HP in the Challenger R/T - prior to '70 the R/T was 440HP & HEMI only.

Plymouth offered the 340 in the 'cuda in '69 so it was a no-brainer for '70 ..... but I believe Dodge hadn't even considered it, the 340 (A66) Challenger was late to the game & didn't enter production until the middle of September 1969 ~ 6 weeks after production for '70 started.

[6bblgt]

hind sight being 20/20

- Dodge should've come up with a distinct "rallye package" (or GTS) from the beginning of the '70 model year for the 340 & 383HP - something like a Super Bee version of the Challenger & left R/T big & bad! (U, V, R)

I think the A66 Challengers are the best bargain in Mopar muscle (although I prefer the 383HP in an E-body)

muscle died quickly & '71 was a confused year at Dodge (340 Challenger R/Ts  Charger Super Bees) all to be replaced "Rallye" Challengers & Chargers with their base 318 2bbs 

[mopargem]

Or at least a Rallye package in 71 when they dropped out of the SCCA

[RUNCHARGER]

Yes: It was a shame they were all tooled up for the T/A stuff and didn't use it in 71. I imagine they lost money on the complexity of it all.

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

My original Challenger was a 340 because as someone mentioned, Insurance was an issue.  I could not get anything 350  or,up without higher premiums so that left the 340 as the only way to,go.  Glad it did . Had a lot of fun with that car.