What to build? 1973 Cuda

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    Author Topic: What to build? 1973 Cuda  (Read 2300 times)

    Offline Jsoderbe

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    What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « on: January 17, 2015 - 04:37:53 AM »
    Hi guys,

    So, I got a container full of stuff home the other day. In there was a basket case 1973 Cuda!

    This question is maybe premature, since I guess there is a year of body work and paint before I can start with the fun stuff!

    But, I would like to gather up parts. Better to spread the expenses! Please bare with my newbie questions, dont in any way feel obligated to answer ever one of them. But maybe one?  :)


    1. Small block vs. big block? My gut says BB, but I am somewhat concerned about the handling with the added weight. I wont keep it stock, maybe aiming at 500 hp, both with BB and SB.
    2. What about air ride and four link?
    3. Should I go for a new custom k member with modern power steering?
    4. Which is the best value disc brake conversion kit out there?

    Maybe I should say that I am not that concerned with orginality. Yes, I want to be able to return it to stock, meaning the body will be restored back to original condition. But, it is a 318 beater car, no tags left, no trace of original paint, lots of rust, unknown history. So I feel I could make something fun out of it without cutting up an original car that should be kept stock.

    Any thoughts would be very appreciated!


    Regards,

    Johan
    « Last Edit: January 17, 2015 - 04:40:25 AM by Jsoderbe »
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « Reply #1 on: January 17, 2015 - 08:22:20 AM »
    Welcome to the site Johan  :wave:
    Out of curiosity, did you just bid in an auction on a container of stuff and there was a car in it?

    SB or BB? What is most important, corners or straight line? If you want to auto-x, I'd go with the SB, otherwise I'd go BB. While it is nose heavy, you can still make it handle decent.
    Don't know anything about air ride.
    If you can afford a new k member with rack and pinion, go for it.
    Best value for disc brakes is factory 11" I think. Respectable braking power. There is a few threads on this conversion within this site. I'd leave drums on the back. Don't really see any advantage to rear discs unless you are doing your best to reduce unsprung weight for handling purposes.
    You are right about the body work. Unless your name is Alan Gallant, you have several months of grinding cutting welding, lining up panels etc. Should be fun. star a build thread and post pics every now and then  :cheers:
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    Scott
    1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
    2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
    Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.

    Offline Bigfury

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    Re: What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « Reply #2 on: January 17, 2015 - 09:20:25 AM »
    Lot of things to consider!! Where are you located? What is readily available to you? How much of the work are you able (willing) to do? Most important is MONEY. How much are you able to spent? Not how much you want to spent. Things to think about in todays world a SB can be build to make some serious horsepower and your not dragging the extra weight of a BB. Have fun, enjoy try not to get frustrated. Remember it's not only the destination but to enjoy the journey getting there. Have fun and keep us posted. :cheers:
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    Offline dfrazz

    • 1970 Cuda - 1968 Charger
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    Re: What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « Reply #3 on: January 17, 2015 - 10:41:59 AM »
    Other important questions are what is your skill level and what is going to be the primary purpose of your car (street fun, drag, auto-cross, show only)?  Take your time and decide on 1 direction and then start planning.  How much of the body, mechanical and interior work can you do yourself?  Big savings in cost, but you also don't want to go backwards.  This is a great site for help, no stupid questions.  Most of us have been in your spot and built some amazing cars.  Remember, it is your car so really that is all that matters.  My opinion to your questions:
    1. Get a stroker kit a 360, you can easily get 500HP and 360's are readily available and a good price.  Another option is to buy a crate engine, again based on your skill level with rebuilding motors.
    2. Don't go air ride unless you really want to lower the car.  Unnecessary cost.  There are high performance kits from QA1, Hotchkis if you have the money.  Next step down would be places like FirmFeel with good performance parts and a good price. Finally your can go stock or a combo of some performance.  If it is just a street car, don't waste your money on a 4 link rear.
    3. See #2.
    4. Dr. Diff has the best brake conversion kits.  You only need discs up front, again unless the you have a high performance purpose.  You can save money by going with a 2 or 4 piston caliper instead of 6.  There are some parts available at place like NAPA that are not named brand (Wilwood, SSBC) that are a lot less too and work fine for street fun.

    Look over the many builds here and then go have fun!
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    Offline 360FISH

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    Re: What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « Reply #4 on: January 17, 2015 - 01:12:54 PM »
    Greetings and welcome to the site!

    It would be great if you start a post in the restoration section.  I'd love to watch your progress from the ground floor to greatness.  :)

    I have a '73 with 360 and EFI.  Mine is a cruiser for long trips.  It's a good combination.   :burnout:

    Enjoy your build

    Alan
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    1973 ‘Cuda   Semi-Pro Touring
    360 SB - 518/OD auto tranny - FAST EZ EFI - Edelbrock Fuel sump - HHR fan
    Hella H4 headlights on relays - 97 Dodge Avenger seats - Chin spoiler - Bumpers pulled in to ’72 offset

    Build: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=74674.0

    Offline Chryco Psycho

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    Re: What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « Reply #5 on: January 17, 2015 - 02:58:44 PM »
     Brake upgrades I would go to Cass @ Dr Diff
     I feel the big block is the best choice , same power with more durability , add a lot of alum parts & the weight will be similar to a small block weight.
     I have yet to see a good modern steering system upgrade , , front steer there is no proper spindle & often the turning radius is great for drag racing but nothing else  & the car will not turn without scrubbing tires or a 400' turning radius + the strength is compromized , welded control arms will often fail at the welds where stamped arms are all one piece with no fail points .
     You can get a long way upgrading stock suspension & steering parts , Brad has done some amazing things without going to expensive aftermarket parts .
     Air ride & 4 links are similar a good 4 link has 200+ settings , just bolting in a non adjustable 4 link will not be an improvement & 1 customer used air ride & regrets installing it .
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    Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

    Offline torredcuda

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    Re: What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « Reply #6 on: January 18, 2015 - 09:19:20 AM »
    A others have said, need to know your plans for driving the car. Are you just street cruising, drag racing or outrunning Porches on mountain roads?
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    Jeff
    72 Barracuda 340/4spd  Torred
    70 roadrunner 383/auto  In-Violet
    70 Duster 360/auto drag car  (Petty Blue soon)
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    Offline Jsoderbe

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    Re: What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « Reply #7 on: January 18, 2015 - 05:17:00 PM »
    Thanks guys, great thoughts!

    The car will definately be a street car, cruising both in the city and on the highway. I want it low, cool and loud.... :biggrin:

    I am thinking grey outside, matte black rally hood, black interior, large wheels. Considering your ideas a 440 with aluminum heads might be a good choice!

    I forgot to ask if I should go auto or manual? I guess a cruiser should have auto, but I definately want a more modern feel from the automatic. Four speed or more. Any thoughts?

    It might take a while, though. I started taking it apart tonight and it sure is rusty. Everywhere. And, I am not doing the body work myself, which mean a big chunck of my budget will be body work. I do all the fun stuff, taking it apart, sourcing parts and putting it all back together.

    I checked air ride and yikes that was a lot of money. Compared to stock parts! I still need to figure out how to make it drive like a modern car, but there is lots of time to do that.

    Regards,
    Johan
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    Offline dfrazz

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    Re: What to build? 1973 Cuda
    « Reply #8 on: January 18, 2015 - 11:41:01 PM »
    Gotta go manual.  A lot of guys are on the list for a Passon A-855, and rumor has it that they will be caught up on backorders and actually have them in stock in the next few months.  I would call Jamie now and get on the list, he doesn't take a down payment so nothing lost.

    www.passonperformance.com
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