Do the 300 and 340 share many of the same parts? In particular: Valve covers Distributor exhaust manifolds Also, do those nice Offy finned valve covers that were posted last week fit the 340 as well and if so where is the best place to get them? (Those are cool!) Thanks!
The distributors are the same, as I have a 350 distributor on mine. The exhaust manifolds are different. 350 headers will not fit a 340. I think that the valve covers are also different. The crankshaft and connecting rods are the same. Think that's about it.
Harry, Thanks for the reply. I recently found a 300 in a local yard and was wondering if I should pick up spare parts for my 340. In particular the valve covers, exhaust manifolds and distributor. I was under the impression that the 300 and 340 may be the same as far as these parts are concerned. Just wanted to be sure before spending money on something that won't work.
Rick, First to answer your questions, in order: Yes, the 215/300/340 valve covers are interchangeable. Watch for differences in wire loom mounts, PCV and filler holes, though. 300/340 interchange. The 350 distributor will fit (EI, too) with some grinding of the intake manifold and the use of allen head manifold bolts for clearance. 215/300/340 have the same port spacing and valve sequence. Manifolds should fit. There are differences in all years depending on the type of choke heating. The '64 had coolant heated choke, no manifold stove. the '65-'67 300 had a manifold stove setup on the right manifold. Yes! Try YearOne For more detailed info see the following thread: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11401 Cheers, John
John, Thank you! That is exactly what I needed to know. Now if only there was an aluminum intake for the 340 (well, at least one that had runners that weren't too small for the 340). :TU:
John, Thank you! That is exactly what I needed to know. Now if only there was an aluminum intake for the 340 (well, at least one that had runners that weren't too small for the 340). :TU:
John, The reason I stated that the 350 distributor is the same is that I bought MSD's Buick SB billet distributor which is advertised as fitting the 300/340/350 engines. It dropped right into my 340 with no grinding involved. Of course, that is not the same product as the actual factory distributors, so thanks for adding your correction.
Harry, Are you happy with the MSD? I've got to replace my distributor, as the bushings are worn a bit and I'm getting some wobble. What was the final cost to get it up and running? JMC
We're out of luck there. On the bright side, the stock 4BBL manifold is probably as good as any aftermarket product (other than weight) and responds well to port matching. Also, a lot of the 350 external parts fit the 215/300/340... water pump, maybe engine mounts, brackets, etc. Helps to keep life sane when the kid at the counter can't concieve of cars built before 1967....or whenever the computer list cuts off....LOL. Punch a pub? .... you mean you wan' me to look in a book? How medieval, man! JMC
