340 Engine vs 392 Hemi

[StanP]

All,

I have been strongly considering installing a 392 Crate in my 1973 Barracuda. The car currently has a 1977 318 engine with a 904 automatic transmission. I reviewed the 392 installation and associated costs (estimation was between $45k and $50k including crate engine, trans, body work, suspension, rear, exhaust, accessories, etc.) with a couple of restoration shops and decided to take a step back and now considering a 340 engine installation. The desire is to have a car that will be solely driven on the street (not the track) that runs on pump gas, reliable, and makes 350 to 375 HP. The following recommendations have been made by restoration companies: Rebuilt 1970/1971 340 engine, 727 transmission, 3.55 gears (current 8 3/4 rear), 600 CFM carb, headers, exhaust, and torsion bars (existing). Additional changes including installation of a power brake kit for the rear drum brakes. Restoration shop estimated cost is between $30 to $35k to perform the installation including parts and labor. Looking for feedback including additional parts (recommendations), unanticipated costs that may be incurred and the estimated costs. Thanks in advance.

[Brads70]

Because I'm not so good at electronic's/computer controls, sensors etc.... If it were me I'd opt for the 340......if your replacing the transmission anyhow maybe see price differences of a big block?

[Katfish]

You're going to farm everything out?
I went from a 340 to a 5.7 and the difference is amazing.
I did everything myself, it was a learning process and bought some stuff I didn't need or didn't work and my all in cost was <$15k, and that includes all the tools I didn't have, engine stand, engine lift, etc......
Any work you can do yourself will really help with keeping the cost down.

[torredcuda]

Under $8k for a 375 HP crate engine $2k for a transmission rebuild, $1k for a new gear set and maybe a couple thousand more for odds and ends then find a shop to install it if you can`t yourself. I think $30-35k is a bit much for what you described.

https://blueprintengines.com/collections/chrysler-compatible

[Katfish]

Sounds about right to me, as mentioned $15k in parts for either route and another $15k for labor.
At $100/hr, that's less than 4 weeks (150hrs) of work.
Aren't dealers getting $150-$200hr now?

[StanP]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I was quoted $135/hour for mechanical work. Thankfully all the body work was completed over the last couple of years.

[ec_co]

Hop on eBay and search 392 Hemi engine and transmission, you'll find plenty of examples in the $7,000 range for both used. The 5.7 and 8-speed combo is a lot cheaper at $5k

[Katfish]

Whatever route you take, make sure you get fuel injection.
It just doesn't make sense to go with a carb if you really plan to drive the car.

[tparker]

That's expensive... to me. Consider a stroked 340 if it is some power you want. It isn't too hard to get 400-450hp and many others get 500+. Mine cost about 3K for the parts and machine work. Of course you will have to get the motor so that would add to the cost. Maybe heads ($1K), carb ($500), and intake ($300-400). I used dougs headers for about $800 and TTI exhaust for about $1k. Not sure what trans go for, but figure $1-2K. I really have no idea about the rear. I bought a housing for about a hundred or two years ago and a center section for a couple hundred. Probably more for a complete setup.

I think you can get the whole thing running $10-15K. At least I would think.

[1973Cuda]

I had a new 392 crate installed in my '71 by a trusted very competent shop. I already had a 5 speed tremec. Figure at least $30K plus any trans and rearend costs. It is a blast to drive.

[torredcuda]

Whatever route you take, make sure you get fuel injection.
It just doesn't make sense to go with a carb if you really plan to drive the car.

I daily drove mine for a few months one summer when my truck was at the dealer with a big ole Holley carb - zero issues.

[7212Mopar]

It will not be easy to find a 340 block. May be a stroked SB Magnum from Blueprint Engines to get the power you are looking for. Brand new Gen III 392 HEMI is about $8500. Price might go up now with the Mexican tariff. Holley makes the completed kit to make the swap. In either case, you should get fuel injection and forget the carburetor.

[PLUM72]

Whatever engine you choose, do yourself a favor and look into an transmission with an overdrive.  Manual TKX or Automatic A518/46RH or even a A41 kit from Silver Sport Transmissions.  Having the OD makes for a nice cruising vehicle that can go about anywhere on the highway.  Less RPM, less noise, improved engine life, more pleasurable driving experience.

[StanP]

1973Cuda, Did you upgrade your front-end to Coil overs? How about brakes? How much rework was done to accommodate a new trans body? Thanks again.

[Cudajason]

You're going to farm everything out?
I went from a 340 to a 5.7 and the difference is amazing.
I did everything myself, it was a learning process and bought some stuff I didn't need or didn't work and my all in cost was <$15k, and that includes all the tools I didn't have, engine stand, engine lift, etc......
Any work you can do yourself will really help with keeping the cost down.

How long ago was that?  For that price I would seriously consider it...even with the added premium for buying in Canadian Dollars.