Should I Stroke my 340?

[tparker]

I'm finally ready to take my engine down for some machine work as I finish up some of the final body stuff after paining. I found asked the local mopar group for some decent shops and found one. However one person said I should stroke it. So that planted a seed and I'm thinking about it. The machine work is cheaper than I planned so I do have some extra cash, but it will still pull money away from some other areas.

My current thoughts are streetable, 9.x compression. Probably not thinking of crazy HP. Maybe the Scat 416 Stroker Kit. Some searches are showing 600HP, but I would be stoked if I could get in the 400 range out of the 340.

Curious if anyone has general thoughts on Stroking the 340.

[7212Mopar]

It should be over 400 HP easy. Many with 9.x compression and decent cast iron heads are in the 450 to 475 HP range. The Blueprint Engines and ATK 408s are around 450 HP. The small block Trickflow heads are already out and good flow numbers being reported. It will be over 500 HP and more with matching camshaft. I had a SCal engine builder build me a 416, very please with the power. Better if a slightly smaller camshaft was used but problem seems to be solved with fuel injection. It wakes up after around 3000 RPM with a 2800 stall converter.

[gzig5]

What he said ^^^^

Scat cast crank setup is supposed to be good for up to 600hp, whereas other cast stroker cranks don't have as sterling a reputation.  Depending on your heads and cam, you can do anything from mild to wild and you can't tell the difference by looking at it.  I'm going to deviate slightly in that I'm setting aside my 340 block and dropping in a stroked 360 when the time comes.  A decent 340 block commands good money and the 360's are still relatively plentiful.  I paid $150 for a clean '77 360 short block assy.  If it goes boom, I won't feel as bad.

[Chryco Psycho]

I would grab a 360 block [preferably roller 87-92] & stroke that

[ClarkWGrizwald]

I would grab a 360 block [preferably roller 87-92] & stroke that

What car/ truck would you find them in? And i assume you mean roller lifters.  Is there one or another with better heads, better block or anything else you suggest targeting? Thanks!

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[kawahonda]

I've ended up that stroking a 340 is a waste.

The 340 is awesome the way it is. Bag and tag it and find a roller 360.

[Chryco Psycho]

87-92 trucks & vans 5.9 lt / 360 , they have the best LA heads as well

[ClarkWGrizwald]

Thanks buddy

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[Chryco Psycho]

You are welcome 

[bennydodge]

I've ended up that stroking a 340 is a waste.

The 340 is awesome the way it is. Bag and tag it and find a roller 360.

Wow. Big block torque in a small block package is certainly not a waste. Anyone that's driven or built a stroked 340 can attest to the big time performance these things generate. In fact, I stroked my numbers matching 340 and would do it again...

[RUNCHARGER]

I dunno; Pulling the lever at 7500 on a stock stroke, built 340 is pretty fun. I get the stroker deal but a roller block 360 is easier/cheaper.

[bennydodge]

I dunno; Pulling the lever at 7500 on a stock stroke, built 340 is pretty fun. I get the stroker deal but a roller block 360 is easier/cheaper.

True-when I was a punk kid I rode in a WORKED 340, high RPM screamer, fun to be sure, but that car had 3.91 gears and 4 spd. Same package in a 3.23 geared automatic, not as fun. My car is 3.23 geared with the automatic and the extra torque is just what you need for street driving.

[7212Mopar]

No replacement for displacement. 416 vs 408. Ha Ha.

[chargerdon]

What he said ^^^^

Scat cast crank setup is supposed to be good for up to 600hp, whereas other cast stroker cranks don't have as sterling a reputation.  Depending on your heads and cam, you can do anything from mild to wild and you can't tell the difference by looking at it.  I'm going to deviate slightly in that I'm setting aside my 340 block and dropping in a stroked 360 when the time comes.  A decent 340 block commands good money and the 360's are still relatively plentiful.  I paid $150 for a clean '77 360 short block assy.  If it goes boom, I won't feel as bad.

I just built a 72 360 La with a scat stroker kit ..with .030 over its now a 408...   i'm reusing my "J" heads with 2.02 intake valves (due to money restrictions..can always put on aluminum heads later), compression set to around 9.6-9.8  depending on how much the head gaskets compress, Edlebrock RPM Air Gap intake,edlebrock 600 CFM carb, Full Patriot exhaust headers, and a Lunati 703 camshaft..    Im running a 904 torqueflite (will be putting in an A518 this fall), 3.23 sure grip gears with 235x60x14 tires.   I don't know how much it would dyno at, but, it is very very strong as is...   probably needs a 700-750 carb now.   But, i can tell you this, on dry pavement, the tires cant handle a full throttle start in first and the 904 starts to slip in first.   Previously it was a 360 built the same way, and now that its 408 you can DEFINITELY tell the difference in the seat of the pants!!   

As, a 360 it ran a 5.9 0-60, and a quarter mile in 14.2...   haven't taken it to the track yet, because i don't think the 904 torqueflite cant handle it...  I would guess it would be a full second faster in the 1/4 and down around 5.2-5.4 for 0-60..  But, i wont even try until i get the A518 rebuilt and installed.   It is fun to drive !!  So go for it.. 

[autoxcuda]

I dunno; Pulling the lever at 7500 on a stock stroke, built 340 is pretty fun. I get the stroker deal but a roller block 360 is easier/cheaper.

The not fun part is floating valves, bending pushrods, scoring bearings, expensive rocker arms, or ductile rockers that better be dialed in right. Less margin for error.

Error =

At 7500, it better be a mechanical cam too.