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69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Tue 23 May 2017, 08:12
by Scar
Havent posted for a while and with all the consternation about the Forum vs Facebook etc, I thought the timing was right to let everyone know that there has been some movement on getting the Barracuda up and running. My signature has indicated "in development" for years! :D

So the car has taken through to All American Muscle (AAM) about 3 months ago with the mandate to get her up and running.
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We didnt know if the 383 was running, so that was the first test. The motor was pulled out and bench tested with some loan parts from AAM. She ran!
We proceeded to paint the bigblock in Hemi orange and added some much needed new parts to get her looking like new! Had a debate with Drikus about a Holley vs Edelbrock carb, but eventually went with an Edelbrock 650 on Drikus advice. Would be interested to hear other opinions. Have a Holley on the Chev 350 with no problems. Drikus's view was that the EB is easier to tune with less hassles. Either way, she is looking good!
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Holes in the engine bay have all been closed up and made ready for a nice mat black paint job so that the bright orange motor really stands out and we can get rid of that terrible bright green colour.
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Next step has been upgrading suspension to deal with the heavier engine. Opted for a reinforced original K member instead of a full tubular set up that AAM fabricates typically. Better but much more expensive. Control arms, bushes, shocks, torsion bars all done
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Next question now is brakes. Car had solid discs upfront with tiny calipers that Im sure wont do too well with the new weight and power of the car. AAM typically uses VARI Brakes as their upgrade option but we are talking R20k just for a front set up which I think is a little overkill unless the plan is to track the car! Looking for some ideas or options on alternatives from those in the know.

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Tue 23 May 2017, 21:05
by FairmontGT
Very nice. Did it already have the 383 fitted or are you fitting it now?

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Wed 24 May 2017, 16:52
by Scar
Fitting it now, so all the necessary enhancements and modifications need to be done to cater for the bigger heavier engine

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Wed 24 May 2017, 19:17
by brennan67
Looks neat, like the way you kept some of the bolts silver and not all painted orange. Stainless bolts right ?

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Wed 24 May 2017, 20:41
by ZA Perana
Looks great, I have also heard the EB is much easier to tune than Holley.

Engine looks really good.

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Tue 30 May 2017, 21:29
by bevtiger
Nice car, nice engine too.

I will also be building a valiant charger with a 383 going into the engine bay.

I am also keen to find a place to upgrade my brakes, both on my valiant charger and c-body 383.

Thanks

Bevtiger

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Wed 31 May 2017, 06:47
by Burnthosetyres
That should wallop nicely. Love the shape of the Baracuda!

How long have you been busy with the project?
Planned body color?

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Wed 31 May 2017, 18:59
by ters
Scar wrote:
Tue 23 May 2017, 08:12
Next question now is brakes. Car had solid discs upfront with tiny calipers that Im sure wont do too well with the new weight and power of the car. AAM typically uses VARI Brakes as their upgrade option but we are talking R20k just for a front set up which I think is a little overkill unless the plan is to track the car! Looking for some ideas or options on alternatives from those in the know.
Toyota D4d 4-pot calipers with adapter plate. An ex member on MOG used Ford Granada discs (5x114 pcd...same as later Valiants ;) ) Inner bearing Chrysler, outer Ford... I will WhatsApp you his number?

Ters.

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Sat 03 Jun 2017, 08:31
by Scar
Thanks Ters, will get in touch with him.

Car has been standing for some time, first spending time effort and money on getting the Chevy running nice. The plan is to just get the Barracuda drivable, reliable and safe ie. engine and chassis. Body work Im thinking can come later.......keen to get her on the road!

In terms of colour down the line I have always liked something along these lines:
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Having second thoughts now though. Blues/Grays just seem to be the right colour for these cars!

Re: 69 Barracuda 383

Posted: Sat 03 Jun 2017, 15:00
by IndianaJones
Scar wrote:
Sat 03 Jun 2017, 08:31
In terms of colour...
Funny how you call the engine bay "that terrible bright green colour", but then like it for the outside.
To each their own, in the end you have to like the car so much, you have to look back at it, walking away, but if I could offer my 2c of advise, I wouldn't go that route, at very least, use a colour that was factory issue for the Barracuda, be it a Valiant or US Plymouth colour, or very near such a colour. Some striping could be in order too. But that's just me, don't take too much notice.