I am new, and just picked up a 73 cuda. It has a 318 with 727 trans and 8 3/4 rear. the 318 is original. but the other had been put in sometime in the 80's. The 340 would be very easy but I don't see them much and would only be able to afford a junker and rebuild it as I go. I want to go with a 440 swap, but am weary of all the extra parts. I'm guessing I would have to have new harness, mounts, and matching trans and drive shaft, but am unsure what else I would need.

What cars came with a 340 so I can look for one in salvage yards?

What else would I need in extras and what would the cost be for the 440 swap if I could get a good running motor and trans?

 

im in the exact same boat as you. i have a 73 witht he same set up. a 340 would be easiest doe to not having to change a lot of parts around like motor mounts, k frame, trans, etc. i have looked at 440's but i myself have opted not to put one in. 340 e bodys are actually one of the best handling and accelerating packages you can put together. i believe the 340 was discontinued in cudas in 73 and then replaced with a 360 in 74. problem is, finding one in a salvage yard is tough. most small block cudas pat 72 were 318's. a 340 swap would be the easiet and cheapest route to go. you can get mounts to put a 440 in your small block k frame but youll need a new 727 trans to fit. or a 4 speed with big block bell housing. you can find 340's a dime a dozen at swap meets or at the mopar nats. or check ebay. a running 440 would be about 2000 for a rebulit engine, but for a complete no running you could pick one up for around 900. then youll need harness', mounts, trans, and so on. it can be costly. id go with a simple swap and slap a nice 340 in there and maybe even top it with a six pack. youll have a good screaming engine and great handling. plus then you can use your old trans or maybe even up grade that to a 727 trans or 4 speed. also, if you put a 440 in, youll need a 8 3/4 rear or better. if you dont already have one, your lookin at over a grand to find one and rebuild it.

 

Thanks for the help I have the 727 for the small block but am pretty sure it needs rebuilding and as far as I know the 8 3/4 is good. Where would be a good swap meet or show for me to visit I live in north Alabama. and how much am I looking at for a rebuildable 340, I can use the carb and intake and everything off of my 318. they are both edelbrock so i can make decent power.

 

thats good you have the trans already. rebuilding a trans is cheap as long as the gears are ok. as for swap meets, im not too sure whats goin on in alabama. you may be able to find info on the net about stuff going on in your area. a decent rebuildable 340 can probably be picked up for around 500 bucks. it really depends on the year. if you get a 340 from say, 69 or 70, its gonna cost more than one from 72 or 73, mainly because of the way the block is designed and the year of it. you can find a 340 bare block for around 300-400 bucks sometimes on ebay or elsewhere. another option for ya would be to use your 318 you have and get 'er stroked or worked a little. its amazing how quick you can make them little suckers run and make considerable horse power. then with the money youll save over buying a 340 you can rebuild or just tinker with the 318 you have and save a lot of modifications or hassles with installations and wiring and such. im using my 318 and its been punched up a little with 10:1 pistons and a six pack with new heads aswell. she'll scream when shes back in my cuda.