Currently I own a 1965 Pontiac LeMans with the original 326, and I love it. My question is, would it be worth selling my fairly heavily modified Pontiac for a 1972 Plymouth Scamp with the 340? Can I turn this Scamp into a quick car for a decent price? I have ALWAYS wanted a Mopar muscle car. I know that the HP the 340 put out was decreased in 1972 due to emissions standards. From what I've read, it's just a matter of changing the compression. The car should go from about 240 HP with a 4-barrel carb to about 295 HP if I set the compression back to 1971 levels. Is this something that would be worth my while? I know that there are so many other factors involved, but this is my main concern. Thanks!

http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/2864119490.html

 

above all do NOT, NOT get rid of any stocks parts. and be careful and dont mod the wheel wells, cause if it was to be used at NHRA the wheel well has to be stock, ie tire clearance. generaly the 340 is a hi po engine. the carb is a thermoquad, not a bad carb, but DONT let it get in a fire, it will be messed up. dont let just anyone overhaul it. DONT mix TQ parts from any other year, it IS a tricky carb to do. it might use some gasoline, it would not be a good daily driver. if it had to be a daily driver , change to a AFB, ie carter. OEM or after market.

 

You could swap in a bigger cam crank and stroke it to a 416 like I did to my '71 Demon. Put on aluminum heads and it will move quicker. Keep all the original parts.
FF