Small Block vs Big Block in Charger cruiser purchase

[QQBlue1]

I was just on the phone with my insurance company and because I remembered reading this thread I happened to ask the rep about insurance rates. All they care about is the VIN number. If I was to buy a car with a 440 VIN, for example, my rates would go up a whopping $36.00 every six months.

 

[73runner]

Wow... It's like asking which you like best .... Blondes or brunette

If your building it for yourself and want it to handle a bit better around town and just feel a bit better overall, I'd build it with a 340/360 up to the horsepower and torque you want.

I've had both small and big block 73 b bodies and the 440 was great as to right foot torque response. ... No question.

But turning and braking always let me know I had a lot more weight up front. This meant a little more brake wear and suspension wear on ball joints, bushings etc. Gas mileage was fairly crappy for both in comparison to today but completely up to your left foot. Best on both were 10/14 city/hwy for the 440 and 14/19 for my 318. 340 gets me a little less than the 318. That is purely a function of thermodynamics and physics of moving mass through space and within a certain time. But given the amount of driving we do on our beloveds, gas mileage is pretty immaterial unless it's your daily driver. IMO.

I agree that the 318 has that "only a 318" stigma and that this is very undeserved and unfair characterization. 340/360 less so. 440 and 383 have the pedegree of being the top of the line engine and roadrunner pedegree that their historic use bring...

Both are excellent and buildable to whatever you want so... You just have to ask yourself who you're building it for, how do you want it to feel and handle and who you want to please.

For me all those answers were "me" and I went with a small block... But I still have and love my 440 in my wagon.....

No wrong answers my friend...




Ride was about the same with the advantage going to the larger engine even with the heavier torsion bars they need.

 

[Bb70charger500]

Small blocks are great I have both a 557 hp to wheels 440 Charger and a 485hp the the wheels 340 charger the 440 gets no-5 mpg the 340 still gets around 12 as long as you stay out of the secondarys I have more fun in the small block car it's cheaper to maintain and get parts for it. And it's more reliable then the big block . Now these are both built motors (yes I know the big block could get more power but don't need it) I shoot for 500hp to the wheels and if I get there great if not I'll tweak it if I need more .
But the small block car rides and Handel s so much better then the big block car I have nothing agent's big blocks you get a lot of hp for not A lot of money /work. I've also run 318's and 360's .
The 318 is a great little motor for a driver but hp isn't on the menu unless you get a poly motor ,a 360 is good you can get some power out of it but I would expect much out of them you'll get the power but the motor doesn't like a lot of extra . My 360's I build them around 300 hp to the wheels not much over that you just need to pick a route leave the 318 in it for now and think about it a big block swap requires a motor mount conversion kit or a new k frame so keep that in mind too good luck

 

[UKPlymouth]

Interesting thread. Charger500, any chance of posting the build on your 340- some impressive numbers there.
As for me I have no choice for my Roadrunner as its an original 340 car and I won't change its pedigree for a big block. One of our guys is currently selling a bunch of 440 motors and 727s for just £1200 (UK) as rebuild units so you can see why I might be tempted!
That said, roads down my way are twisty and the 340 makes the car nimble and quick. I have a shift kit and tend to manually shift it quite a bit.holding it in second gear whilst revving north of 5,000 rpm can be a blast!
As for the 318, I had one in my truck, wouldn't have one in a 'muscle' car as its just too slow despite being a great unit for reliability.