Question for the Mopar guys re: 1972 340 block

[BillK]

Hey guys,
I have a 1972 340 block that needs a sleeve in one cylinder and will have to end up at .060" overbore. Is this thing worth keeping around or should I put it in the scrap bin ? I don't know how the wall thickness is on these things and if a 72 block is anything that restoration guys would be interested in. I can borrow a sonic tester and check it if it might be worth something.

Any thoughts ?

[MotionMachine]

Don't sleeve it without decking it square first if you have a deck mounted or table type boring bar. They are the worst block for deck height variation front to back. Typically the decks might be close to the same height in the front, but one side will go down, one side will go up when measured towards the back. Worst I saw was a total difference of .034" high corner to low corner.

[BillK]

Dale,
Thanks. By Berco registers off the main bores so that isn't an issue. Just trying to decide if it is worth messing with. I am trying to clean up some stuff I have had sitting around for way too long It is already .040 and had a ring stick or something and tore up one cylinder pretty good. Otherwise its a pretty nice block.

[GOSFAST]

Hey guys,
I have a 1972 340 block that needs a sleeve in one cylinder and will have to end up at .060" overbore. Is this thing worth keeping around or should I put it in the scrap bin ? I don't know how the wall thickness is on these things and if a 72 block is anything that restoration guys would be interested in. I can borrow a sonic tester and check it if it might be worth something.

Any thoughts ?

Hi Bill, that's about as bad a situation you can be in for a fix, I'll give you this tip (from my past experience), walk past it and get another block.

Wouldn't be bad with a sleeve and a finished hole up to +040", beyond that is really risky. I have a few of them here (std bores), they are really "flimsy" castings.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. Hope all is well by you, if the customer "forces" you to go ahead get him to sign a "waiver", can almost guarantee you'll see it back later at .060" and a sleeve! These blocks are still kicking around (at least here on the "island"). On a side note, on "deffmikes" Chevelle block he got a set of 100% "defective" main brgs, been down this road before, 3 times to be exact! The mfr is going to contact me (again) today!

[BillK]

Gary,
Thanks. This is not for a customer. Its a block I have had sitting around for 20 years gathering dust. Trying to clean up some of this old junk. Sounds more and more like it needs to go in the scrap pile.

[PRH]

I’d just sonic test it.

It’s either suitable for use at .060 over, or it isn’t.

[Kenny M]

I have a std. bore 1971 340 block. $350.00 I will also throw in the original "J" 2.02 Heads for a total of $500.00 Plus shipping. These are out of a 71 H code Duster. That a built a Pro touring car.

MCACN4.jpg

[Dave Koehler]

Just a left field idea.
Put it on Craigslist accurately listing what it needs and sell it for 100 bucks.
IF someone buys it they can then pay you to fix it with that signed waiver.
If someone buys it and has someone else fix it, even better!
win/win?
No one bites in 45 days, then toss it.

[Krooser]

Bare 340's are worth $400-700 as a core.

I don't think you'll have any problems getting $200-250 for that block.