360/380 crate vs. edelbrock rpm

[highspeeddirt]

I was going to drop a 360/380 crate motor into my 73 Duster but I now know I could keep the original 340 engine, rebuild the bottom end and fit Edelbrock RPM heads, cam, and carb/intake for the same money. It would also have Competion Cams roller rockers, forged 9.5to1 pistons, internal balance etc. The car will be used for mainly street with some strip action and has an A833 4speed and 3.55to1 suregrip rear. Any advice on this setup in comparison to the crate motor would be most appreciated.

[dewme5]

well, I have the crate motor. if you are going for a daily driver. I dont know if you could build something that got more power, AND better mileage. Ive put over 30,000 miles on mine. no problems.. well, not until i put the twin turbos on it. even then, its only been head gaskets. The combo you rattled off sounds mighty impressive. for bolt in and go, the crate would win. but you can build something either better, or cheaper. if you can get some good deals, why not build it yourself.

[DartMan360]

The crate motor would be your better choice I think. You can just drop it and go. We have a 4.56 gear and it gets around 14mpg. We run constant 12.50's with a best of 12.46 and their is a little bit more in the motor to go. All though if you are looking for a 340 that is already done he have one for sale. Its a 69 block that is .30 over. Motor is complete and ready to run. Has 273 heads and mild cam. But you said you would put the Eldebrocks on anyway. We are asking 1400 for everything.

[rumblefish360]

I would say create engine if an easy swap is needed with as little down time as possible. I went the create short block and RPM package up top.
With 3.55's, I would not get to big of a tire. Just wide.

[mtrv8n]

If the 340 has not yet had a rebuild, and has some meat in the cyl walls, i'd rebuild it. Woulda done mine but itwas 0.40 over when i got it. I went with the crate only cause a rbuild wasnt in the cards. I do like the crate,tho.