got some questions...new to the forum and mopar, always wanted a 72 340 duster...just bought one 6 cyl in it...whats best to go with? 318..340...360? i hear alot of power to come outta the 360 but was heart set on a 340..lookin to drive city wise but lookin to try and get 400-450 horse..opinions please thx

 

Welcome you can get that easily with 340 or 360. The 360 might be easier to build.

 

I am assuming you are not after originality.. Get a 318 Magnaum or 360 Magnaum with a custom oil pan

 

360 are found more then 340s but if you find one i would go with the 340 its just I like the 340s as well

 

360 their a dime a dozen, plus if you not 100% sure what your looking at when buying a 340 you will get the shaft.. Rotton heads, blocks, everything machined to death by 50 shade tree wrenches.. Love the dusters had many.. Good luck let us know what you find.

 

I'm rebuilding a 72 Duster right now as well. The 340 is sweet, but harder to find and a lot more expensive. So, I went with a 360 and I'm stroking it to a 408. I found a 360 motor and trans out of a motor home for $300. I imagine a 340 is going to cost quite a bit more than that, and the parts for it are going to be more costly too.

I'm not trying to talk you out of the 340, because they are sweet, I just want to warn you of the cost difference. If that doesn't matter to you, then go with the 340. It's your muscle car, build it how you want it! Post pics!

 

The 340 is almost impossible to find in good condition/ not machined to death. I was looking for one through engine brokers and only one came up in Texas and it was 60 over with no guarantee as is where is.And $2500. So I built a 360 for street use also in a 72 Duster. Let me tell you up front it doesn't take much to launch these cars. There very light so dont get crazy with horse power unless it is for track use. Remember the more HP the more fuel and with E10 lower compression is better. This car I built is scary on the road it spins and the drop of a dime. And it is nothing super built. Be wise for city/ street use dont get crazy a stock 360 is alot for these cars and if you build it up some it is more than you'll ever need on the street. Some will disagree but trust me its true.

 

As said the 360 will be easier to get and easier to build up. Plus since you're wanting a built up motor, might as well go with more cubes. As far as graphics on the side you can put any number you want, but it is cool seeing the stock looking graphics but the stroked motor cubes number.

 

Search this forum for 380HP Crate Magnum

The motor is nothing more that a truck long block, single plain intake, camshaft in the 230 / 236 range with .501 lift. Thats it. No black magic inside.

You can head to many junk yards and pull a motor from a van or truck and be on your way. The fuel injection did an excellent job of preserving bore wear and the roller camshaft has no friction issues.

The mags have a lighter soap dish piston, good compression, thinner rings, 8mm valves, 60-62cc heads.. ( crappy springs thou)

Add an EQ Head wih a 2.02 valve, Eddys or RHS heads and 450 HP all day long without crazy duration.

Pro-Tech was spot on. She wont need 500hp and you would have serious traction issues with a street tire.

If you find a 340 block, sell it and do the magnum. You can do the whole magnum motor for the price of a "good" 340 block.

 

i really just bought the car a week ago...so....much work ahead and definitely will be posting pics...let the 340 hunt begin!!! thx alot guys

 

love the magnum rebel...my buddy had 1 in high school...dam near bought a cordoba instead but was too far gone

 

Thanks but it's a Cordoba with Magnum doors.

 

i just got a 360 for $50, it included block, heads, valves, springs, crank and pistons. but damn, i would love me a 340