70 cuda project underway (update 1/20/08 It runs!)

[72hemi]

Since I sold my 71 cuda last night I am getting ready to start the restoration on my 70 cuda. In case people forgot what the car looked like when I got it here are some refresher pictures. I would also like for some input on which route I should go. THe car is going to be painted sublime green with black hockey stripes, a shaker hood, 18 spline 4 speed, dana rear end, rallye gauges, black interior, and rallye wheels. My dilema is do I go with a 440 six pack or a 426 hemi (actually a 472 crate hemi)? As it is looking right now I can afford to do either. I will be installing torque boxes and the k member skid plate either way. Any input would be appreciated.

[farmboy70]

Are you going with one of the assembled crate Hemi's or a from scratch built Hemi? From what I've read the crates have A LOT of problems. I would look into a scratch built myself.
This is one we are installing that was parts built and test run to be sure of no problems.
Looks like a solid car and a great project, be sure to keep us updated with pictures as you proceed.
Dave

[72hemi]

A friend of mine just got his crate hemi so I will see if he has any problems. I am looking into a from scratch build as well, got a line a several blocks, and the same friend who just got a 472 has a couple sets of heads that I could buy. Does 440 source offer hemi stroker kits?

[4Cruizn]

Wow I'm glad you posted that up cause I had forgot what it looked like.  Gonna be a sweet car when finished!    I have to say that if you have the money and it's within the budget, go with the HEMI!  

[72hemi]

I am going to go with the 440 6 pack because I found a complete date coded engine here on the forums (thanks Bryan) and I have a pair of really nice hi po manifolds that are within a month of the build date of the block and intake that I am purchasing. I also just purchased a really nice set of front and rear door panels off ebay, and will be ordering all of the sheetmetal I need early this next week (shaker hood kit, torque boxes from Harms, trunk pan, drivers inner fender, rear valance from Goodmark). So progress as far as getting parts is being made. Now if I could find an 18 spline (preferably a 1970) 4 speed transmission I would be set.

[farmboy70]

Check with Brewers on the trans ,they have hundreds of trans cores.
Dave

[72hemi]

Thanks I emailed them so we'll see what they say.

[barnfindcuda]

cool project, been asking opinions for mine aswell, i have a 73 so six paxk and hemi is out if i want to make it at the very least a "stock appearing " car, i love sublime , but i really like white interiors with high impact color cars, which way ya going?  hemi or 6 pack is cool, but! hemi is aways gonna be more fun to me, i have a complete 440 six pack ready to go , just waiting for the right car! check out this place for stroke kits www.flatlanderracing.com i belive they have strokers for hemis aswell, no replacement for displacement!  my car is a 340 car but has a 360 in it if i have to get into it i am going to stroke it and make it appear as a stock 340!! i like to drive my cars so i wont go everboard, good luck and i cant wait to see it!

[71340RT]

Looks like a great project. I like the looks of the Hemi but a 440-6 is a great way to go and will have tons of power. Keep us posted on your progress with pictures.

[72hemi]

Brewers is quoted me 2 grand for a rebuilt 18 spline, but they are 5 weeks out, and didn't even mention if they had a non rebuilt transmission that they would sell. So the search continues. I found a transmission on ebay that I am looking at.

[72hemi]

I will post new pictures tomorrow. I got home last night and it was like Christmas all over again. My cuda tail panel trim came, and all of the sheetmetal from Goodmark came as well. I should have more packages showing up in the next few days.

[tb3cuda]

Any progress on the Cuda?  How is the new srt 4 treating ya? 

[72hemi]

The new SRT is great, I can't say enough good things about it. I have not been able to get a lot done on the cuda because I have been helping my dad finish his 72 chevelle. BUt I have been ordering parts, and the engine shipped out today I believe from Texas and should be here next week. I am getting my Year One order together and will be placing that probably Friday, I have spring break starting in a week and a half and plan to knock out most of the bodywork that week.

[72hemi]

The engine for the cuda came today. Here are some pictures of it. Also I have been ordering some more parts and they are on there way. By the end of this week or early next week I should be placing my Year One order. I am so excited. I think the carbs on this engine are for a corvette, because the fuel lines are on the drivers side and the out board carbs are mechanical linkage?

[72hemi]

My parts came from Harms today, and all I have to say is  ! I have not been able to fully unpackage them but they look great. I got their torque boxes and shaker kit. Next week is spring break, so hopefully I will get a lot done on the cuda. I also picked up a gallon of sublime paint for the jams, and a gallon of surfacer.