another newB

[digger]

Hi everyone! I'm the new guy here. I'm really interested in first gen cudas. I hope I can get some help here with a couple questions like what is the biggest engine I can put in the cuda. I was told a 424 is to big to put in without doing drastic mods. I'm wondering what everyone else has in their 1st gen. Any knowledge is appreciated.

[jimynick]

Welcome to the site. Mopar built many A bodies, like you describe, with RB big blocks, so the factory mounts and gear is out there for any semi-reasonable sized variant- or Valiant, if you prefer. 

[brads70]

    Welcome!

[anlauto]

 The first Barracuda was in 64, the first Cuda was 69, so what body style are we talking about ?

[Oldschool]

Welcome aboard...      I have a 528", soon to be a 572", HEMI in my '69, so it can be done...       

[digger]

Thanks guys! I should've been more specific. 1964-1966 Barracuda A frame fastback. The engine compartment does look fairly tight, some people have mentioned that they needed to make modifications to fit the larger motor in it. I would like to have more than the stock 273.....obviously

[js29no]

welcome to the forum a 340 or a 360 would work in a car like that just fine.

[anlauto]

That is why I asked...The 64's would have less room then the 69's....Personally I would stick with a stroked small block

[js29no]

  less trouble 

[roadman5312]

        Welcome       I love the hi po 273 4V motors backed by 4 speeds. Solid lifters from the factory, could really twist some R's.

[digger]

Thanks for the replies eveyone. I'm still looking to get my hands on one that is pretty solid. All the responses really confirmed what I have previously heard. I'm sure I'll have a ton more questions as I get what I'm looking for. Thanks again everyone!

[Bullitt-]

one on my local craigslist that looks, at least from the pics, to be a pretty good deal.
http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/5069955521.html

These early models don't accept big blocks readily, was reading recently http://www.allpar.com/model/cuda.html

[moparman82]

Welcome aboard!'  A stroked 340 (416) would fit just fine and be waaaay more motor than you would ever need hahaha. Unless u are building a drag car

[Chryco Psycho]

the 64-66 was very tight , in 67 up the engine compartment was made much larger to accomadate the 383 & ultimatley the Hemi in 68 , the early Cudas are tough , really small block only will fit but you can build a very respectable 408 or 412 small block based on a 340 or 360 block , trying to stuff  any big block in there will be a lot of work , you would not be able to run headers at all unless you remove inner fenders etc .

[js29no]

wouldn't a small block make a car like that handle better! a big block would make it front end heavy and fell off balance.