380HP crate or 340

[TrxR]

I have a chance to buy a 340 but I was wondering if it would be cheaper to buy a 380 horse crate engine or build a 340 with 380 horse?? Are there any problems with the crate engines ?? I have heard of problems with the short blocks.

What do you guys think??

PS they want $1000 for the 340 that needs rebuilt( because its old) and they want $5900 plus tax for the crate . Be aware that these are Canadian prices.

[coolcarz]

I would get the 340 do it myself, crate motors,, i hear not good things about them or a high percentage of them are questionable like having to tear them down and check all clearances bla bla bla... you do it your self you might not save money,, depending what ya want out of the motor,, but you know what you got, see what 360 is used, if you were not set on the 340<--- I love 340's though , but i already have 2 if i didnt i might check on 360... or say to hell with it, get a saw and a hemi and make it work.. j/k hope this has done some good for yaz !!

coolcarz
71 340 duster
64 belevdere 340

[mtrv8n]

cheap price for the crate, but you must make sure the 340 is still viable. I threw mine out because it already had two rebores, and no meat left.

[PRO]

$1000 canadian for a 340 builder? GEEZ!!!!!! we really have it good here in the states,340 builders go for $400 or so,a couple things to be check 1st,make sure the deck of the block isnt compromised between the bores,also inspect the lifter bores for failures and cracks other than that it should be ok.I prefer building my own because I can pay attention to every detail,moreso than someone on an assembly line,as far as crates......been there done that wont be there again.....PRO....

[1972roadrunner]

i'm with the others...go with the 340, i haven't heard anything good about crate motors from this board either...plus, i have a 340 that puts out over 450 HP at the flywheel....spent about $4,500 USD, but it was well worth it!!

if you do get the 340, be careful when you rebuild it. make sure the timing chain cover is strait, and not damaged in any way. then, when putting it together, put a generous amount of silicon around ALL water ports, and put it together... if the gasket on the cover leaks (the water pump is on the front of it, and the timing chain/front of the oil pan is on the back side....water flows right through a passageway on the cover...) then water/antifreeze will get into your oil, which sucks cause your bearings fail...

i'm rebuilding my 340 for a second time, cause of that damned cover...anti-freeze tore up my bearings and locked up the motor.... oh well, ya live and ya learn...

good luck!!

[cuda66273]

Build it yourself......crates are full of chop suey