Crankshaft selection for a small block mopar 340

[James L Miller]

It depends on the power and rpm level you will be running. On the low end, there are the factory cast nodular iron cranks, factory steel cranks (340 and also 318 and 273), then the aftermarket cranks, forged and billet. The factory forged 273 and 318 cranks don't have the holes drilled in the end rod journals like the 340 crank does. They had lighter rods and pistons, so I guess they left out drilling out the crank. I have a 1967 273 crank out of my Dart. They have a smaller torque converter register on the flange. So, if you go with a stock forged crank, I'd stick with 1968 and later if you are running an automatic.

[George Mirza]

68-72 340 steel crank will do it. 73's are cast and will be more $$$ to balance etc. Made sure it's not cracked and it's strait.
318 crank's are a different weight, a steel one will work, but will need some balance work.
There are some aftermarket ones out there, Eagle comes to mind, I'm not sure how they would be for a racing application.

[Sam Capizzi Jr]

I've been looking at an eagle cranks. Anyone use a eagle cast crank? Car makes about 450hp or so