Hey guys, first post here. I have a 74 barracuda that is complete. 3rd generational vehicle, from my grandpa who bought it off the lot to my dads first car to now mine. Anyways, it’s all done other than it has a weak *** 340 in it. The car came with a 318 but my dad bought this 340 off the strip in Vegas. Anyways, it’s so slow. Supposedly it had a mild cam in it and should be turning 300hp but I don’t even see that. I had an 82 k10 I restored with a 383 in highschool and that thing would burn 35’s all through first gear. I’m aware that 383 was pushing probably 450hp but man this car feels weak. Maybe I’m just use to more power. Anyways I would like to pull this motor in the near future and do something with it, probably stroke it? I looked up a couple kits, and they all seemed decently priced but then you probably need heads, cam. I’ve heard you can get these to a 413 with 500hp+. Has anyone done this? If so I would love to know your build sheet/cost/power output. No I’m not taking it to the drags, but when I’m cruising down Main Street and a new 5.0 is taunting me, I want to be able to smoke it. I would be pretty happy with 500hp (the more the merrier of course.) I believe block is a 70-71. Thanks guys!

 

Welcome. Before any planning I would look up the numbers on the 340 and pull the pan to check for cast or forged crank. Someone wanting a correct original 340 car will pay top dollar, I’ve seen these original bore size blocks advertised for $2,500.00. This money could go to an inexpensive 360 or 5.9 roller block and 408 stroker kit, a set of aluminum heads and your on your way. It would be a shame to carve up a 340 when there’s someone really needing it to preserve Chrysler history.

 

It's just a small block Dan...

 

i have an original 318, I heard those go for a decent amount too correct? I will pull numbers and see who would like it first, because I would like a nice 440