Guest jdllaugh Posted June 22, 2002 Share Posted June 22, 2002 Saw a '78 280z V8 for sale in the morning paper. Red, "show quality," the ad says. $7500. Tempting. After reading the ad I went out and stared at the stripped shell residing in my garage. It's been fun so far, but I know it's going to cost me more than $7500 and take at least another year...... Anybody know this car? Is the owner a member of HybridZ? Got to swing by and take a look. For the research value if nothing else.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jdllaugh Posted June 22, 2002 Share Posted June 22, 2002 Well, I haven't seen the car yet, but I talked with the owner. Would you believe a 340 Plymouth V8 and a Torqueflight transmission? I've never even heard of a 340 Plymouth!!! Can anybody enlighten me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted June 22, 2002 Share Posted June 22, 2002 The 340 was used in quite a few applications but its best known as one of the finer motors to ever grace the fenderwells of a cuda/challenger. Of course this is an opinion, but its one really NICE small block, high winder. Torqueflite venerable old tranny thats literally taxi tested tough. Neat combo, I'd look for a later chrysler overdrive version of the torqueflite if it'll fit if I were buying it. The gearing on Z's make it real tough to hang with a tranny with no overdrive. Regards, Lone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danj Posted June 23, 2002 Share Posted June 23, 2002 JamesL I noticed you were from Tulsa. I didn't know there were other HybridZ guys in T-town. Do you belong to the local Z-car club? I'm expecting to get my 83ZX sbc back from the fabricator in Phoenix in a few weeks. It won't be ready for the street yet, so it will still be a work-in-progress for awhile. If I had it to do over, I would have purchased a converted Z, as you are considering, and then just do upgrades as time and money permits. At least you would be on the road with it. Mine has been in fabrication for almost a year, and I'm not sure what all it will still need after I get it trailored back to Tulsa. I've spent over $10,000 so far and no end in sight. Where in Tulsa are you located? Dan H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted June 23, 2002 Share Posted June 23, 2002 JamesL with the correct aftermarket heads,intake,cam,crank,rods,pistons installed that 340 dodge/plymouth will make as much or more power than the 350 chevy. they can be stroked to 400cid and because of the larger crank to cam distance and longer rods they are easier but slightly more expensive to work on. http://www.mopartsracing.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jdllaugh Posted June 23, 2002 Share Posted June 23, 2002 Dan: I live in the Brookside neighborhood. I looked at the car. It was a ZX. Nice, but not what I'm looking for. I really prefer the two-seaters. I plan to continue with my project. I want the fun of building my own car. When I think about the year it's going to take me, the concern is not the time, work or money involved ( ), but the fact that I have to wait that long to have a serious sports car. I want something fast and fun NOW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted June 24, 2002 Share Posted June 24, 2002 James: My first new car was a '70 'Cuda (Plymouth Barracuda) with a 340 in it. It was one hauling machine. Top end was around 140 mph - drag & gearing limited. HP was a very real 300. I embarrassed many a 390 Mustang and 383 equipped muscle car with it. First set of tires lasted 16,000 miles and the second set lasted 19,000. It is a first cousin to the 318 - both of which are among the finest motors Mopar ever developed. I'd run a 340 against a 350 any time. Phantom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted June 24, 2002 Share Posted June 24, 2002 I second that opinion! I led a very priviledged teenage life - car wise that is. I had a 70 Camaro that I put a warmed over 327 in, but that's just a start. My buddies had: 454 SS Chevelle, 68 GT500 Shelby's (one had a fastback, one had a convertible), 69 GTOs, and an 70 AAR Cuda. Talk about spoiled! The Shelby's were a blast (428 Cobra Jets) straight and around corners, the Chevelles were nice cruisers, but the Cuda was incredible. The guy with the Cuda took the six pack motor out, and put a built up 340, W2 heads, solid cam, nice intake, etc. in the car and a nice manual trans and 4.11 posi rear with some nice traction aids. It turned 12s flat on street tires. To me it was pretty incredible - it ate the Shelbys! The guy was incredible behind the wheel which made the experience that much better. That 340 was one sweet motor. It reved great, and had a really broad torque curve. I think he shifted at 7000 and it was still making great power. Totally streetable too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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