A Tale of Power and Innovation: The Mopar 340’s Journey
Let’s dive into the world of classic engines, shall we? The Mopar 340, a legend in its own right, started its life on the drawing board as an ambitious upgrade to the already commendable 318 V8 from the LA family. But why settle for ‘pretty good’ when you can aim for ‘stellar’? That’s exactly what Mopar had in mind. They took the 318’s 3.906 bore and cranked it up a notch to 4.04 inches. And guess what? They didn’t even touch the stroke. The result? A beast with a bigger heart… I mean, engine displacement.
The Magic Under the Hood: Unveiling the 340’s Power
Now, imagine this: an engine that roars to life with up to 275 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque. Sounds impressive, right? But hold your horses—literally. Hot Rod peeked under the hood and found even more muscle: 320 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, to be exact. Street racers and muscle car enthusiasts, eat your heart out. This engine wasn’t just a powerhouse; it was the heart of iconic rides like the Dodge Charger and Plymouth Road Runner. Fancy a bit more exclusivity? The Six Pack version of the 340, reserved for the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda, was the cherry on top of this high-octane cake.
The Inevitable Sunset: The 340’s Demise and Legacy
But, as with many great tales, there was a twist. The stringent emissions regulations and the oil embargo of the 1970s threw a wrench in the works, bringing a premature end to the 340’s production. A tragic end? Perhaps. But like a phoenix, the Mopar 340 rose from its ashes in the resale market, commanding prices that would make your wallet weep. Yes, this piece of automotive history comes with a hefty price tag, but for a slice of muscle car heaven, many say it’s worth every penny.
[Featured image by Bidgee via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 2.5 AU]
