Recommendation Requested

[427_racer]

I've never owned a classic car and I'm hoping to have the opportunity soon.

I would like to have as close of an experience as I can to what someone would have had in the early 70s. Sounds, smells, driving input, etc. I would also like something that's easier to keep running well - and I know that's all relative. I also want it clean and straight, something that shows very well.

Car of preference is a Cuda, and ideally a 71. Doesn't have to be numbers matching but I would want period correct and authentic appearance.

What would be the ideal engine / trans combo for "relative" ease? I'm guessing a 340 or 440 with 4 bbl, no six-packs? I'm good with a manual trans but open to either the A833 or 727. Love the idea of a tribute Hemi but that might not be as good of a cruiser and more difficult to tune?

What would be the best way to find it? I currently follow Classiccars.com, Autotrader classic, Bring-a-trailer, Hemmings and some MOPAR facebook pages.

Appreciate the input, and especially if there are experts you can connect me with for my search.

[1970 cuda Joe]

I found mine or should a friend of mine found the one I burchased on Facebook Market Place. I will say you have to be careful there because of scammers. Mine was an ok deal but needed lots f work to make it complete. Not a numbers car but fun to drive. 440-6, 4 speed, ps,pdb, rally gauges & 3.55 rear. It had been repainted years ago & just sat. Paint prices are killer so good paint might be at the top of your list to look for. Good luck on your search.....Joe

[tparker]

Wow, that is a list. LOL. Running well is indeed a relative, but I think for that authentic 70's experience, you will need some break downs. LOL. Also Period correct for many of these cars is to start swapping stuff. I take it you want something with few mods and hot rodded.

The 318 may be an engine be a good choice if you just want a driver and ease of parts availability and lower price points. I pulled mine out years ago cause I wanted more  umph and was intrigued by the T/A Challenger and they were not common in my area in the late 80s. The 440 would be the higher performance logical option.

You will have a choice of auto and manual trans. I think the Manual is supposed to be more "bullet proof" but the 727 is no slouch. For racing I talked to someone that actually preferred the 904. Not that it was stronger but he felt it was better for racing. For daily driving the advantage to the manual is that it is a 4 speed and that will rev lower on the freeway. the 727s are 3 speeds. Overdrive units can be added, but that isn't period correct. The bigger motors have 8-3/4 or 9 1/4 rears. You will probably want one of those. There are many different gearings depending on what you want to do with the car. Low 3's for the gear ratio would be adequate for normal driving and higher 3-4s for more excitement, but with trade off of top speed.

The other thing to consider is what type of a car? A standard no frills car or one that stands out. I was just watching a movie and they had a barracuda or challenger and it was completely plain jane, and about as exciting as a duster. Then there are others that are painted in high impact colors and have big engines and tires. Cuda's are more performant and desired and hence more cash.

I have no idea where to score one. If you go to the normal places you will probably find most people will be asking top dollars. Also I saw some horror videos on Uncle Tony's youtube vid where people bought "restored" cars from classic car shops and these things were wrecks and had serious safety issues. The best option is to get involved in groups and meet as many people as you can and see if you can find a lead. Some people on this  site post ads they find on other sites, and often people will comment on those vehicles if they seem suspicious or are incorrect.

I would also add that I think the days of deals are gone. Pretty much everyone knows what they got and want top dollar for it. If a deal looks too good, I would be wary. There are a few good people out there but not many. E and B bodies demand premiums and isn't a cheap to get into. Good luck. Share pics when you find the one.

[blown motor]

Sounds like you're not looking for a trailer queen but rather something that looks good and is in good mechanical order. Google 71 Cuda for sale and see what comes up. If you find one that you are seriously considering go and see it IN PERSON first. Or hire an inspection service if it's too far away for you to do it yourself. As far as sounds and smells like way back when, loud exhaust and no catalytic converter. I bought my first classic in 2012, a 74 Challenger with a 340. I had to laugh the first time I smelled the exhaust from it. "Oh ya, that's what real exhaust used to smell like." Good luck with your search.

[JH27N0B]

If you're in not too much of a hurry and any larger shows are near you, car corrals at Mopar shows can be a good place to find cars with motivated sellers.
Car auctions are sometimes good places to look also, but with caveats.  On the plus side, there's multiple cars of your quest to choose from, all in one place.  And wise and patient buyers do sometimes end up on the winning side of a car at a good price. The negatives are you can't get under the cars to check the undersides, or test drive.  Many perfumed pigs, and auction shenanigans like shill bidding cars up to an inflated price hoping a sucker bids higher. Buyer beware and do your homework!
I prefer 340s overall but thermoquad carbs can be sketchy.  The 383 is a solid mill, but thirsty.
In my little fleet I have a 383 with a 727 and 3.23 rear, and a 440 6 pack 4 speed with 4:10.  The 440 actually seems to use less gas than the 383!

[427_racer]

I found mine or should a friend of mine found the one I burchased on Facebook Market Place. I will say you have to be careful there because of scammers. Mine was an ok deal but needed lots f work to make it complete. Not a numbers car but fun to drive. 440-6, 4 speed, ps,pdb, rally gauges & 3.55 rear. It had been repainted years ago & just sat. Paint prices are killer so good paint might be at the top of your list to look for. Good luck on your search.....Joe

Thanks Joe. Did you have a lot of experience with carbs before your six pack? How often do you have to play with the tune to keep it running well?

[427_racer]

Wow, that is a list. LOL. Running well is indeed a relative, but I think for that authentic 70's experience, you will need some break downs. LOL. Also Period correct for many of these cars is to start swapping stuff. I take it you want something with few mods and hot rodded.

The 318 may be an engine be a good choice if you just want a driver and ease of parts availability and lower price points. I pulled mine out years ago cause I wanted more  umph and was intrigued by the T/A Challenger and they were not common in my area in the late 80s. The 440 would be the higher performance logical option.

You will have a choice of auto and manual trans. I think the Manual is supposed to be more "bullet proof" but the 727 is no slouch. For racing I talked to someone that actually preferred the 904. Not that it was stronger but he felt it was better for racing. For daily driving the advantage to the manual is that it is a 4 speed and that will rev lower on the freeway. the 727s are 3 speeds. Overdrive units can be added, but that isn't period correct. The bigger motors have 8-3/4 or 9 1/4 rears. You will probably want one of those. There are many different gearings depending on what you want to do with the car. Low 3's for the gear ratio would be adequate for normal driving and higher 3-4s for more excitement, but with trade off of top speed.

The other thing to consider is what type of a car? A standard no frills car or one that stands out. I was just watching a movie and they had a barracuda or challenger and it was completely plain jane, and about as exciting as a duster. Then there are others that are painted in high impact colors and have big engines and tires. Cuda's are more performant and desired and hence more cash.

I have no idea where to score one. If you go to the normal places you will probably find most people will be asking top dollars. Also I saw some horror videos on Uncle Tony's youtube vid where people bought "restored" cars from classic car shops and these things were wrecks and had serious safety issues. The best option is to get involved in groups and meet as many people as you can and see if you can find a lead. Some people on this  site post ads they find on other sites, and often people will comment on those vehicles if they seem suspicious or are incorrect.

I would also add that I think the days of deals are gone. Pretty much everyone knows what they got and want top dollar for it. If a deal looks too good, I would be wary. There are a few good people out there but not many. E and B bodies demand premiums and isn't a cheap to get into. Good luck. Share pics when you find the one.

Lol on breakdowns being part of the experience.

Yes, I want something with original type drivetrain and enough power to be fun. Heart says 440 or even Hemi (tribute), but I'd be willing to listen the case for a 340. I'm not planning on racing, I've had fast cars,  with a 50+ year old classic I just want it to look good and sound good and be a fun experience.

Are any of the retailers better than others? For example Vanguard up in Michigan looks pretty legit.

 

[427_racer]

Sounds like you're not looking for a trailer queen but rather something that looks good and is in good mechanical order. Google 71 Cuda for sale and see what comes up. If you find one that you are seriously considering go and see it IN PERSON first. Or hire an inspection service if it's too far away for you to do it yourself. As far as sounds and smells like way back when, loud exhaust and no catalytic converter. I bought my first classic in 2012, a 74 Challenger with a 340. I had to laugh the first time I smelled the exhaust from it. "Oh ya, that's what real exhaust used to smell like." Good luck with your search.

Yes, I want a driver but a very nice driver that is authentic to the time period. I'd be ok with a 318 with a drivetrain swap, and possibly even a Barracuda made into a Hemi Cuda tribute. I would plan on an inspection so recommendations on MOPAR guys who know their stuff would be great. Not for all the fender tag and VIN stuff, but who know what to look for in terms of overall condition, drive-ability, reliability.

I hear you on the exhaust, I had an long tube header, no cat bullet muffler turn of the century muscle car with a big cam so I know that smell. I want it again, but this time with a Cuda.

[427_racer]

If you're in not too much of a hurry and any larger shows are near you, car corrals at Mopar shows can be a good place to find cars with motivated sellers.
Car auctions are sometimes good places to look also, but with caveats.  On the plus side, there's multiple cars of your quest to choose from, all in one place.  And wise and patient buyers do sometimes end up on the winning side of a car at a good price. The negatives are you can't get under the cars to check the undersides, or test drive.  Many perfumed pigs, and auction shenanigans like shill bidding cars up to an inflated price hoping a sucker bids higher. Buyer beware and do your homework!
I prefer 340s overall but thermoquad carbs can be sketchy.  The 383 is a solid mill, but thirsty.
In my little fleet I have a 383 with a 727 and 3.23 rear, and a 440 6 pack 4 speed with 4:10.  The 440 actually seems to use less gas than the 383!

Appreciate all that, the 383s don't get to seem much love, I suppose worse performance AND efficiency would help explain why lol. That said, maybe looking for a 383 could work to my advantage on pricing? It could still give me an authentic experience.

Agree on MOPAR car shows, unfortunately I just haven't been able to find any near me (Austin, TX). I might attend a national MOPAR car show this year. Thinking about attending Houston MECUM next month but no 71s showing up yet.

[RUNCHARGER]

I've owned these cars since they were almost new. Because I've owned them when they were still current my level of acceptance is pretty high when considering the driving experience.
My recommendation to a younger potential owner is first of all to buy an original combination car. Meaning a 340, 383, 440 with a stockish combination suspension and brakes (meaning uncomplicated but upgraded with larger torsion bars, better shocks, stock style but larger disc brakes etc). Single 4 barrel carbs used to be trouble free but these days can be a bit touchy to start with the newer gas. I would recommend a single 4 style efi setup and absolutely a modern ignition system (meaning no points). If you live in a hot climate I would also recommend a modern A/C system like Vintage Air.
These cars did fume a bit especially with the carbs and hot cams. The EFI will help wih that and are easier to tune when you are unfamiliar with carbs (OEM carbs were done about 37 years ago!).
Myself I can be happy with a stock 833 4 speed or a 727 but you have to build the engine right and select the correct rear gear to be happy with them. You may consider an aftermarket trans with OD just to make that go easier.
Personal choice but for me why would I want to own an old car but expect the experience and wiring/computer drama of a new car. That's why I like the old powertrains but with a few simple upgrades that will let you experience the old car experience but with fewer headaches dealing with systems that are antiquated.

[427_racer]

I've owned these cars since they were almost new. Because I've owned them when they were still current my level of acceptance is pretty high when considering the driving experience.
My recommendation to a younger potential owner is first of all to buy an original combination car. Meaning a 340, 383, 440 with a stockish combination suspension and brakes (meaning uncomplicated but upgraded with larger torsion bars, better shocks, stock style but larger disc brakes etc). Single 4 barrel carbs used to be trouble free but these days can be a bit touchy to start with the newer gas. I would recommend a single 4 style efi setup and absolutely a modern ignition system (meaning no points). If you live in a hot climate I would also recommend a modern A/C system like Vintage Air.
These cars did fume a bit especially with the carbs and hot cams. The EFI will help wih that and are easier to tune when you are unfamiliar with carbs (OEM carbs were done about 37 years ago!).
Myself I can be happy with a stock 833 4 speed or a 727 but you have to build the engine right and select the correct rear gear to be happy with them. You may consider an aftermarket trans with OD just to make that go easier.
Personal choice but for me why would I want to own an old car but expect the experience and wiring/computer drama of a new car. That's why I like the old powertrains but with a few simple upgrades that will let you experience the old car experience but with fewer headaches dealing with systems that are antiquated.

Appreciate all of the insights. A big part of the appeal to me is the nostalgia. I might change course after experiencing all of the drawbacks of a 50+ year old car, but I also understand what I'm getting into.

If I was to stick with 70s era technology, what engine / combo / gear combo would you recommend?

[RUNCHARGER]

I would look for a 340, 383 or 440 car. 340's handle a bit better, 383  cars are most common and I like the 440 torque best. I prefer a 4 speed and 3.23 gears will let you run the highway just fine and still be not too bad off the line (the 440 will give an edge here).
I've built lots of Hemis, some original and some swapped and they're an animal and draw a lot of attention. However they cost alot more, are harder to work on (Headers and valve sets) and don't handle as well especially with iron blocks and heads.
There are a few tricks bolting a Hemi together and making it run correctly (it pains me when I see a mediocre one) but a chimpanzee can make a 440 run hard. The upside of a Hemi is that the buyin is painful but when you sell it you can generally recoup it no problem.

[1970 cuda Joe]

I found mine or should a friend of mine found the one I burchased on Facebook Market Place. I will say you have to be careful there because of scammers. Mine was an ok deal but needed lots f work to make it complete. Not a numbers car but fun to drive. 440-6, 4 speed, ps,pdb, rally gauges & 3.55 rear. It had been repainted years ago & just sat. Paint prices are killer so good paint might be at the top of your list to look for. Good luck on your search.....Joe

Thanks Joe. Did you have a lot of experience with carbs before your six pack? How often do you have to play with the tune to keep it running well?

I did better with it once I understood the system. There's a lot of tuning tips for the 6 barrel. I would've rather had a 340 with a single 4v but it does get lots of attention at the shows....Joe

[1970 cuda Joe]

Although nothing is correct on the car it was still important to get the car to look like it did in the day. It has stock exhaust & poliglass tires. The car wasn't painted it factory light green but the previous owner went with a high impact colour. It is a true 340 cuda. I like them looking stock. It's still a work in progress. It was a good car as no sheet metal has been replaced with the exception of hood & rear valance. Came out of Wisc..Joe

[427_racer]

I would look for a 340, 383 or 440 car. 340's handle a bit better, 383  cars are most common and I like the 440 torque best. I prefer a 4 speed and 3.23 gears will let you run the highway just fine and still be not too bad off the line (the 440 will give an edge here).
I've built lots of Hemis, some original and some swapped and they're an animal and draw a lot of attention. However they cost alot more, are harder to work on (Headers and valve sets) and don't handle as well especially with iron blocks and heads.
There are a few tricks bolting a Hemi together and making it run correctly (it pains me when I see a mediocre one) but a chimpanzee can make a 440 run hard. The upside of a Hemi is that the buyin is painful but when you sell it you can generally recoup it no problem.

Appreciate the insights.

Just curious, when you say the Hemi is an animal what exactly do you mean? Driveability? Tunability? Do they have vacuum issues and stall easily? Super heavy clutch?