Quick changes to make my 340 roar
02-12-2009 | 05:40 AM
#1
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Quick changes to make my 340 roar
So basically i have a 71 340 Duster. Im looking for changes that will give me more performance and look better. Im looking at new suspension but im not sure what kind. I need 4 new tires and i want a nice set of fat tires in the back. I want a nice paint job and i like the idea of the black hood with "340" going diagonal in the corner with the stripe going down the side leading to "340". Color schemes anyone? Also, whats your opinion about traction bars and ladder bars? what about a 6 pack?
02-12-2009 | 06:45 AM
#2
thinkin with me dipstick
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 930
Likes: 2
From: sw desert
i remember reading a while back that the traction bars dont work on old mopars due to some leaf spring design that is unique to them. on my 8 1/4, i have the mp adjustable pinion snubber. as far as suspension, i went ahead and got all new components along with polyurethane bushings. you can't go wrong with a set of bfg radial t/a's. with sizing -if you have a discount tire, they will take the time to test fit different sizes.
oh - sub-lime looks awesome on an old a-body...
oh - sub-lime looks awesome on an old a-body...
02-12-2009 | 07:26 AM
#3
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
Likes: 200
From: Goffstown, NH
Lets start with performance. You've got your intakes, carbs, headers, full dual exhaust with x-over pipes, ignition upgrades, cams, pistons, heads, tranny shift kits, etc. Since you've already got a carb and exhuast, I would look into an intake for it and ignition upgrades (coil, wires, orange box). Next I would take a look to see what is out there for shift kits for the 727 tranny.
As far as suspension goes, john is right with the poly bushings. Belltech, Hotches, Addco, are all good companys a long with Mopar Performance. I would get a set of solid (or really thick at least) front and rear sway bars. They will help you out with corning a little more. I good set of stiff rear leaf springs with some poly bushings are always good. I don't think you will need to look at ladder bars unless you are pushing out some serious power out of that 340 you've got. For the front, replace the coils with a well known company, most you can get as a complete kit for the front. Also get a good set of shock all the way around.
Check your posi unit to make sure that it is still good. The can wear out and start to lose their grab over time. There are rebuild kits out there for them.
Once again though, its your car, do with it what/how you want. You've got a great base to start with though.
As far as suspension goes, john is right with the poly bushings. Belltech, Hotches, Addco, are all good companys a long with Mopar Performance. I would get a set of solid (or really thick at least) front and rear sway bars. They will help you out with corning a little more. I good set of stiff rear leaf springs with some poly bushings are always good. I don't think you will need to look at ladder bars unless you are pushing out some serious power out of that 340 you've got. For the front, replace the coils with a well known company, most you can get as a complete kit for the front. Also get a good set of shock all the way around.
Check your posi unit to make sure that it is still good. The can wear out and start to lose their grab over time. There are rebuild kits out there for them.
Once again though, its your car, do with it what/how you want. You've got a great base to start with though.
02-12-2009 | 07:30 AM
#4
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
Likes: 200
From: Goffstown, NH
As for tires, there are a lot of choices out there. Look around for what fits your needs/wants. Make sure you pick a tire that suits how you are going to drive the car. You don't want to put drag radials on and drive it every day and in the rain.
02-13-2009 | 09:16 AM
#6
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i use it mainly to go to work (less than 1 mile) like 3 times a week. and during the summer i use it 4+days a week. I bring it to a car show that is about 20 miles away about every other week. Any sort of links with what i should buy would be great.
02-13-2009 | 01:24 PM
#8
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
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From: Goffstown, NH
intake - http://store.summitracing.com/partde...6&autoview=sku
dizzy and orange box - http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
sway bars - http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
and - http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
This here is a small list of the basic stuff that you could install. You don't have to go with these items.
dizzy and orange box - http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
sway bars - http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
and - http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
This here is a small list of the basic stuff that you could install. You don't have to go with these items.
02-15-2009 | 08:03 AM
#9
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i havent drag raced it yet because they're are no drag strips on Long Island. 
I plan on making trips like twice a year to CT or NJ to drag race though. When i do drag race it im expecting it to do a little better then a completely stock 340 Duster. With the bigger carb, 3.91 gears, and new tranny, i think it'll run faster. I havent driven the duster more then 20 miles away from my house. It is basically just a town car. The car's RPM rarely goes over 3000 unless im shifting it my self. At around 3000 the car is going about 50-60 mph. Not sure on the exact mph.
I plan on making trips like twice a year to CT or NJ to drag race though. When i do drag race it im expecting it to do a little better then a completely stock 340 Duster. With the bigger carb, 3.91 gears, and new tranny, i think it'll run faster. I havent driven the duster more then 20 miles away from my house. It is basically just a town car. The car's RPM rarely goes over 3000 unless im shifting it my self. At around 3000 the car is going about 50-60 mph. Not sure on the exact mph.
02-15-2009 | 02:04 PM
#10
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From: Goffstown, NH
I would just stick with a bunch of add ons in the lower RPM range (5500 RPM and lower). Since your not really going to be getting on it like you would at a drag strip, there is no reason to spend the money on high end power.
Lok for intakes that range from idle to about 5500 or 6000. I'm kind of partial to Edlebrock, they always seem to fit just right. I've had Holley and Weiand and I had nothing but problems.
Lok for intakes that range from idle to about 5500 or 6000. I'm kind of partial to Edlebrock, they always seem to fit just right. I've had Holley and Weiand and I had nothing but problems.
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