Hi,

I have a 71 Barracuda. I want to change the engine. It has a perfectly fine running 318. But, I want (need) more power. What would you suggest? What costs should I expect?

Here is a picture of my car.

http://www.oldridescarclub.com/image...7s+72+Cuda.JPG



thanks,
valpip

 

Your post says 71 'Cuda the link says 72 'Cuda , your question says 318 and the billboards say 340. Is this the right car?

Instead of a engine swap, how bout adding a supercharger. Total cost will be less and power can be much more.

Good looking car you posted.

 

you could go the supercharger way like crazy said, or just put a bigger engine in
but, if the 318 is running good, you can really sup it up

 

Thanks, it really is a 71 and it had the 340 badging when I bought. So it is a little confusing. I was going to change the badging once i decided on the engine.

I have been told that if I change the engine it would make it more valuable, is that true?

 

The value of the car would only be changed if someone wanted a 71 convertable and didnt care about the motor.

The car looks great and if its the original motor it would hold its value but for some reason 318s are always over looked. Those are tough motors and can be modded.

Someone asked is this was the right car. I dont think after 71 you could get a convertable.

If the motor to your car is the original one I would maybe take it out and store it and then get another motor.

The 400s can be built with some wicked power with a stroker kit. The 440s can be made with a lot of power as well.

If you go small block look for another 318, 340, 360 and maybe a new Hemi out of a wrecked car.

Im not sure what would be cheaper to build as anything with more HP will always cost.

Im wanting 700-800 HP out of my 440 for my Coronet R/T not sure if the wallet will let me ever do that but I can dream about it.

Take a look at paxton super chargers if you go that route Mr.Norm did.

 

You are correct 71 was the last year for the convertibles. Thank you all for giving me options to think about. I'll keep you posted on what I decide.

The only thing i know I'm going to do right now is put in a floor shifter.

Valpip

 

I put a 440 in my 67 GTX clone. The key word here is clone. My numbers don't match, my fender tag is for a Belvedere II, plus I plan on keeping the car till I die. If yours is a matching numbers car, it will hold it's value better if you don't make changes. If you are going to make changes, save the old stuff and don't change anything you can't easily change back. You have a very nice ride, so do like Crazy says and bolt on a super charger. Those small blocks can spool up much higher than the big blocks.

 

How can I tell if it is a numbers matching car?

 

get the numbers off of the engine block and post them here
we can help ya there

 

awsome car, the vin numbers stamped on the pan rail on the passenger side of the block just above the oil pan, look and youll see a flat machined surface, there will be some numbers stamped in it like,A1B1007839 , the numbers should all match your vin tag on the dash. if not then its not the correct block to your car.

 

Thanks for the information. I'll check this weekend. Happy new Year to you all.

 

oh great another dream car of mine I offically hate you lol just kidding man nice car

 

Welcome and Really Nice car.