Value of BS vs. BH and Clone

[LeakyGasket]

I want to take a 318 BH23 car and change out the drivetrain to accommodate a 426 engine.  Is there any difference in value, if all other things are "sort of" equal, of starting with a BS ('Cuda) car versus a BH (Barracuda) car?  In the end, would the BS car be worth more, or is it just about a wash?

[moparmussel]

once you change the car from numbers matching the value ends up being how much someone will pay for your creation.you now have limited the broad range of collectors to someone with the same taste as you to buy.at this point of change the options on the car will help increase the value,disc brakes,sway bars etc.if the car is all there i would restore all stock,get the big bucks and then buy a mismatch car to create a monster!

[MEK-Dangerfield]

You don't mention the year of the car, but the BS would be worth a little more if all else is equal. Given that 318's don't get much respect in the value department you would be increasing the value of the car by putting in a Hemi drive train in my opinion.   


  Mike

[cudadave72]

I feel a BS car will always be worth more than a BH car no matter what you do to it, both cars being equal that is. BS cars are worth more to start off with and regardless of the drivetrain the base car will always have more valve.

[plumcrazy704406]

are you cloning something for yourself or to flip? If your building for yourself, with the hopes of never selling than I don't think it matters. Buy the best starter car you can. Metal cost $$$. If you do the changeover correctly you should have a great ride. Would it matter to me as a buyer? I don't think so, as long as the car is done correctly. remember it's no longer a #'s thing. If your biggest concern is the best bang $$ for the $$, then I wouldn't be doing anything other than a resto on the BS car as it was and probably $ for $ (altough $ figures would be lower in retrospective) you would end up ahead if you look at the % of profit. jmo and yes I may be crazy!

 

[torredcuda]

Once you modify or clone it there would maybe a very slight difference as someone could always restore a BS car and keep it`s value where as a BH car wouldn`t be worth anymore restored than modified-maybe less.

[LeakyGasket]

are you cloning something for yourself or to flip? If your building for yourself, with the hopes of never selling than I don't think it matters.

I am building for myself and own pleasure, but want to retain as much value as possible.  From reading the responses, it looks like a better start would be the BS 318.  I would probably never clone anything else, like 340 or 383, if it had a lot of #s matching stuff, unless I kept all the other stuff.

[360 'CUDA]

The real advantage on starting with a BS 318 car is you get all the fun parts like the 'CUDA only chrome and trim like the double bump hood and rear valance as well as the swaybars.

You wont find any 318 '70 or '71 'CUDAs though. That didn't start that until '72 so only cars with round tail lights could be BS 318 cars

[black71]

i would say that no matter the year a real 'cuda is worht more than an equivilant barracuda. i know if i was looking to buy a real bs would be worth more to me 

[cudadave72]

 

[hotrod98]

Do you already have the car that you plan to use? If so, the BS, BH thing isn't important. If you install a 426 into anything, it can be removed at any point. Just keep the original components to re-install later on. By the time you're finished, you will spend 20 grand installing a 426 into just about anything. That crate motor is missing a lot of stuff. Remember that you will need to change out the rear if it's smaller than a 3/4. That 20 grand you spend will make that car worth about 20 grand more. Been there...done that.
I'm assuming that you have either a 73 or 74 since you're talking about BS 318's.
The 426 will make the 70 and 71 BS cars worth even more since they're the only two years that a 426 would have been available .

[Carlwalski]

When I was looking for a 'Cuda for my custom build (clone is such a bad word and in many cases incorrect  ) I searched for a BS23 car only. Not sure why when I actually thought about it though lol. Same shape, rolling chassis, custom build anyway so why bother? Guess for me it was peace of mind knowing I had my Triple Black 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda. A Triple Black 1971 Plymouth Barracuda just doesn't sound or look as cool, to me. Little items as well contributed to my selection and when I was searching BS cars vs. BH in terms of cost were very obvious with BS cars going for $5-10K more depending. Remember these were only project cars (rolling chassis in some cases).

[LeakyGasket]

No, I don't have the car yet, and I'm looking for a 71.  I'm kinda ignorant and trying to learn, and didn't realize that you couldn't get a 70 or 71 in 318.  I thought I saw some sales out there indicating as such, but not so I guess.  That probably means 340 is my only choice (maybe 383?) since anything else either doesn't exist or is way past my means.  Looks like I may have a bit of a problem here -- my brain is set in concrete on a 71 BS23.  The fender tag must say BS. 

There's a guy in Texas with a nice BH body that I was all keen on until I locked in on 'Cuda.  Darn brain.  It's all fun though.

[Carlwalski]

Nothing wrong with that mate, I was exactly the same with my 71. Well worth it, I love my 'CUDA

[LeakyGasket]

Nothing wrong with that mate, I was exactly the same with my 71. Well worth it, I love my 'CUDA

And may I say, beautiful car.  Is that B5?  My first choice is B5, followed by B2.