I suppose it's finally time to put together a build thread. Previously I dumped a bunch of effort into my Jeep, I have since sold it and decided to shine some light on the Barracuda!
The original 318/904 car needs some work, while it did me well with a best of 13.6 in the 1/4-mile, it was just not enough power. The car also needs some help with various areas, "T" area, rear frame rails, some floor repairs, etc. At the moment, the car is coming apart with the following tasks in mind.
Time Frame: ~2 years
- - Drivetrain and interior teardown. Assess what areas need attention due to rust, primarily the rear frame rails, "T" area, front floors are what I am aware of that need repaired.
- Vehicle rewire with aftermarket harness. With an aftermarket gauge cluster, an EFI setup going in, isolating charging circuit, headlights on relays...there isn't much left from the factory. I will be going through and rewiring the car with the wipers, ignition and turn signal switch remaining factory. The rest will be upgraded.
- A 5.7 Hemi has been purchased and disassembled. I have the accessories for it, and need a few bits and pieces. The bottom end will go +0.020" with forged pistons, forged 6.1 rods and a forged 6.1 crank. The factory 03-08 5.7 heads will remain for the time being, but I will be upgrading the bump stick. The long-term goal with the engine is to super or turbocharge it, once the initial expense/labor of the current list is completed.
- Adding Vintage Air A/C
- The 904 is being replaced in favor of either a Viper T56 or a T56 Magnum transmission, depending on the deal that can be made.
- The factory 8-3/4" rear axle will remain, I may remove the 3.91s once I take a look at my cruising rpm with the 0.50 6th gear.
- I will be adding a complete USCarTool chassis stiffening kit. Subframes, torque boxes, inner-fender braces, radiator support
- Engine bay clean up and respray. Once the A/C and Hemi stuff goes in I will patch up the excess holes and clean things up. I'll be shooting the engine bay and possibly the hood myself for the time being.
- Minor exterior modifications. 'Cuda, "raisin bran" hood will be installed, likely 'Cuda or AAR style exhaust
- Minor interior modifications. New headliner, necessary components to compliment the Vintage Air, losing the console for a standalone pistol grip, upgrade to digital speedometer
At the moment, that's my list!
