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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Buick 340

Since it is not too difficult to install a Buick 300 instead of a 215, will a Buick 340 go in just as easily? Are the bores the same and, if so, will the 300 alloy heads work on a 340? Taller block maybe? Does the 340 use the same bellhousing as the 300? I saw some pistons on E-Bay that were advertised as 300/340 and it got me thinking.
David
David

You may have a time finding a 340 motor, as they were only around for 2 years. I have seen a few on ebay in the past few months, though. Don't know about the similaries between the two.
Jake

I think this engine line continues through the 340 and 350. Undoubtedly the deck is higher to accommodate the longer stroke, but the '64 aluminum heads may bolt up. However I expect having the heads moved up and out will cause a real problem with the steering.

Jim
Jim Blackwood

The deck height of a 215 is 8.96", a 300 is 9.50", a 340 is 10.15"
and the Buick 350 is 10.18". A better approach is to install a
340/350 crank in the Buick 300 block. A 0.050" overbore and a
Buick 340/350 crank (same stroke) yields 350 cubes out of a Buick
300 block. The mains of the 340/350 crank would need to be turned
down to fit the Buick 300 block. With the aluminum heads Buick
300 head and intake, along with a mini starter you'd have a very
light 350.

I know an engine builder who has recommending this combo for a
couple of years but hasn't found a taker yet. He has a block
available but would need to source a crank.

Dan Jones
Dan Jones

Thanks Dan! That's exactly the kind of info I was hoping for. Now to hit the junk yards for a 300 and a 340/350...
David
David

That's what I was thinking about. And since Mike Moore's successfully installed a 300 a few years back we know that can be done successfully. Keeping the hood original is going to be a trick, but a fuel injection system could be made to remedy that and still give excellent power.

Jim
Jim Blackwood

Dan @ D & D has built a 300/350 & it is installed in my friends '74 BGT. Truley an awsome motor, but building it is not as simple as it might seem. Start with a 300 block, bored .060 over, 350 crank with a lot of machine work. Not sure about the rods & pistons, you would have to check with Dan. I do know that lots of time was spent clearancing the crank throws & the block. I also know that the oil pan needed mods to clear the crank.

Definently do-able, but not simple or cheap, but you end up with a bit over 350 CI & it bolts in in place of a 215 using set back or A/C style mount adapters & clears a stock hood.
Jim Stuart

> Dan @ D & D has built a 300/350 & it is installed in my friends
> '74 BGT. Truley an awsome motor, but building it is not as simple
> as it might seem. Start with a 300 block, bored .060 over, 350
> crank with a lot of machine work. Not sure about the rods & pistons,
> you would have to check with Dan. I do know that lots of time was
> spent clearancing the crank throws & the block. I also know that
> the oil pan needed mods to clear the crank.

Pretty much standard fare for building stroker motors.
Lots of engine builders won't touch a project like that
without charging big $$$. Others like the challenge.

Dan Jones
Dan Jones

Well, if I upgrade from the Olds 215 I think that's the way I'll go. However that should be way in the future as I don't think I'll be wanting a power increase for awhile.

Jim
Jim Blackwood

"...as I don't think I'll be wanting a power increase for awhile.", Jim says on the outside. But on the inside...

Wayne


Wayne Pearson

Anyone want a Buick 300 block and a Buick 350 crank? As luck would have it, a friend just stumbled across a Buick 350 crank and I have a Buick 300 block that I robbed the crank and aluminum heads from. I also have a Buick 300 4 barrel aluminum intake manifold that's in perfect shape.

Jim, if you were interested, I could probably even arrange delivery as I get to the greater Cincinnati area several times a year.

Dan Jones
Dan Jones

Dan,
I found 4 Buick 350s today at a junk yard. Engines are still in the cars, though.
David

Dan, I just might be. That'd be a fun project for the next year or so. How about an email? jblackwood5@insightbb.com

Jim
Jim Blackwood

Jim,

Did you get my email reply?

Dan
Dan Jones

Yes, sorry, things have been hectic here lately. I'll respond immediately.

Jim
Jim Blackwood

This thread was discussed between 09/12/2003 and 16/12/2003

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