74 barracuda resto mod NEWB HELP/ADVICE

[tophboyfresh]

Hey, just bought my first classic, a 74 383 auto barracuda. I'm looking for advice for best performance (engine, tranny, suspension, brakes etc.) For the best price. I know that very broad, but any recommendations on a beasty set up, or sites to look through what would be beneficial. Thanks.

[tophboyfresh]

Pic

[EMCD]

Nice. I lightly restomoded my Cuda. I did a SB 408 stroker, performance rebuild of my 727 tranny, 3.73 regear. I kept the original suspension, but upgraded the TBs to PST 1.03" & bilstein rcd shocks. I also did torque boxes and weld in frame rails. The biggest bang for the buck was the TBs and shocks. Best of luck and go slowly on the rebuild or the budget goes off the deepend quickly.

[JpRngr]

What are you after for your car? Are you looking to ProTour it? Keep it stock appearing? Looking for modern fuel injected drivetrain or more stock carbureated? Need more info as to how you plan to use your car and what your expectations are.

Corey

[tophboyfresh]

Going for stock look, I've always wanted a 71, and I know that's a chunk of change to change the whole front end. Fuel injected, thinking newer hemi but I guess the goal is 500+hp and enjoy driving it rather than it sitting around. I've had opinions about a stroker.

[JpRngr]

Well, seeing as how a stock 6.1L hemi is rated at 425HP, 500 is a very easy goal for one. Cam and headers should get you there and still be very drivable. Biggest thing will be figuring which direction you want to go in getting it into your car. Do you want to go with stock subframe or aftermarket. Lots of things to figure out to get that engine into your car. Fuel, exhaust, wiring and computers, transmission, mounts. If this seems like a lot, maybe better idea would be a fuel injection setup for your existing engine and some go fast items for it?

Me, I chose the 6.1L route. Still building it though.


Corey

[GoodysGotaCuda]

What's the budget and do you plan on doing all of the work yourself?


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[tophboyfresh]

I figured around 15k, I intend to. Dad just retired, so that should help

[GoodysGotaCuda]

You'll be in a 6.1L swap for about $10,000 alone if you keep EFI and get an engine for about $5,000. Transmission can go mild to wild, a small block 727 will bolt to the Hemi with minimal work and will be the most cost effective option.

Trans aside, anther $5,000 can get you some brakes and a hotchkis suspension setup. You'll need to find some wheels outside of that $5k as well, probably.

$15k won't get you close to an aftermarket K member, rack & pinion, Hemi swap, big brakes, bigger wheels, late model OD trans, etc.


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[tophboyfresh]

Ok. So maybe 20k lol. This definitely gives me more  insight about prices for the future. Thanks.

[EMCD]

I turned my 72 into a 71. It's lightly restomoded, stoker motor, regeared, new suspension, interior, paint and body work all in about $28k. I got a great deal on a Cuda in pretty good shape that didn't need a lot of work. That what saved me. If I bought the car at market value I would have at least $40k in the car.

[IMNCARN82]

since you already have a 383. Maybe get a nice 440 to make the swap easier and maybe more cost effective.  Frame connectors are a must.  I agree go hotchkis.  Don't like willwood brakes.
nice cuda!   Looks like someone ditched the bumperettes and tucked the bumper(s)    MORE PIX YO !
 
17" mustang 5 sp0ke wheels off CL would be cheap.   Cruise it around and modify it as you go. That's what I did until the fever set in.  Lot's of good advice around here, This place is a great resource. These guys know everything.

R/T

[cjd automotive]

I've helped a few customers with 'Cuda's with the same goals as yours.  This is the direction I push them, but this is just my opinion.  I always recommend the Gen 3 swap versus trying to build the "old" engine that is in the car.  You can get a complete VVT 5.7 395 HP truck engine for around 2K.  You can't build the old motor to 400 HP for half that.  MS Gold control for $1200, and your done.  You'll need engine mounts, retrofit fuel pump and lines, etc.., but still very reasonable price for the power and drivability your gaining.  Next is the OD.  Gotta have one!  Manual trans is the easiest, TKO fits without tunnel mods and T56 will require tunnel/torsion crossmember mods.  Automatics get more complicated.  Nag's can be used, fit in the tunnel, but control is, well, not ideal, and they do not have a slip yoke, so $800 custom driveshaft with slip joint.  Standalone systems are available for $800-ish to control the Nag. Now, I have recommended the 4L80E, and before everyone freaks out on the Chevy trans, remember the Nag is a Mercedes unit.  Adapter is available to run the 4L80 behind the Hemi, control is available from everyone, it's a very good trans and holds 800 ft. lbs. stock.  Trans will run you about 2K, adapter about $800, and control a few hundred. Suspension/brake upgrade are a must.  For a driver, I would recommend the Hotchkis TVS over any of the K frame replacements.  Brakes can be as simple as the later OE disc swaps or aftermarket hub/rotor/caliper packages. 

[Archialfa]

Great info!! 

For a driver, I would recommend the Hotchkis TVS over any of the K frame replacements. 

CJD, what would you recommend for the rear suspension? Hotchkis leaf springs or going for a 3-/4-link aftermarket solution like QA1?

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Great info!! 

CJD, what would you recommend for the rear suspension? Hotchkis leaf springs or going for a 3-/4-link aftermarket solution like QA1?

What's your goal? There are plenty of fast cars with well matched leaves and a good driver. The cool thing to do is run coilovers, but most don't know how to set them up unfortunately.


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