Hi,

I have a 69 Dart with a slant six and I'm switching to a V8.
I have three available engines a 318 a 340 and a 360 and one 727 (already attached to the 318). I don't know from which cars they came from or from what year.
What are the pros and cons of each engine?
I basiaclly want it build for street and the ocasional trip to the strip. What will be your sugestions and based on what?

TKS

 

go with the 340

 

My screen name can pretty much answer the question for you...

 

318 - Its a good, strong motor that can take a beating and ask for more. You can build them up but if you build the 340 or 360 the same way, you will see more power from those two than you will with a 318. I wouldn't swap in the 318. You will want to take a look at the 727 tranny that it is bolted to though, as if it is a short tail shaft 727, then it will fit perfectly in your Dart.

340 - As mr340 and 66 said, the 340 is your best choice. It is small but packs a hell of a punch. They are getting harder to and harder to find which cause them to normally cost more than the 318 and 360, combine. The nice thing is, they use all the same parts as the 318s and 360s would so building one wouldn't cost you ay more, and you'll probably get more power and torque out of it. The 340 would be my choice. Combine that with a well built 727, and you've got a deadly combo in your Dart that you can cruise with and really let loose when the time comes.

360 - It too is a good strong motor but I have heard that certain year heads (mostly in the trucks) need to be rebuilt as they leak oil. Its the largest of the 3 motors and you can pick them up for the same price as a 318. They make good power with little done to them.

Let us know which way you go.

 

Also, about the 360 vs. the 318/340, it's externally balanced. This means a special converter and harmonic balancer. I too think the 340 would be your best choice.

j

 

does only the 340 have 4 bolt mains between them all?

 

 

Wow I screwed up on that, any way I was gonna say do the 340 but do it right.
Maybe freshen up the 318 and put the 340 in down the road after you get it built.

 

???

 

You say the trans is attached to the 318. Does that mean it is a runner? Could you , in theory grab a set of Schumacher mounts for the 318, change the harness, and drop the 318/727 and go? If so, that will be the quickest way to get the car on the road. Then you can take your time on the 340 to get it done right.

j

 

The only block machined for 4 bolt mains is the Mopar replacement 340 block.

How to Hot Rod Small Block Mopar Engines

 

what he said. Go with the 340

 

so the original 340 didnt have 4-bolt mains?

 

That statement would be correct. I believe the only factory block capable of 4 bolt mains is the T/A block, and it would have to be machined for them.

 

then why is everyone so thrilled with the 340?
even if there are some head problems with the 360, then just put the 340 heads on it and you got some serious power

 

i have a 340 and even though it doesnt run to good it pops and snaps it still rips and frys the tires. they been known if worked over right to beat a big block (that im told). id go with the 340 but thats just my 2 cents lol.