One Upgrade, No Limits: How Would You Transform Your Cuda/Challenger?

[dodj]

Hey everyone,

I'm curious, if you could completely redesign or upgrade one part of your E-Body without worrying about cost or originality, what would it be and why?

Would you go for performance upgrades, modern comfort features, or a unique visual twist? I'd love to hear the different directions people would take and why.

I'll be the boring one. I have a big block four speed so I'm happy with the engine, I have 1.2" T-bars (I think?), adjustable shocks, NT-05 tires, reworked steering box so I'm good with handling..So I think I would go for a properly engineered frame and crush zone structure that would help me survive an impact. Boring I know but it is one thing I think about occasionally when going 60 or 70.

Engineering a complete unibody or frame with crush zones is a major undertaking and not sure it's something you could do without an engineering degree and testing?

Sure..you are 100% right.....but the op said not to worry about cost. I didn't. It would be crazy expensive to do.

[7212Mopar]

Although I really like my Cope Racing SB 727, I don't mind someday upgrading that to a Silversport A41 and swap out my 3.23 rear with 4.10. The combination should give me killer burnout and crusing at 70+ highway speed. My stroked 340 is making good power, suspension upgrades and four wheel disc braking are already done and working great.

[70_440-6Cuda]

Actually, if money were no option, I would go all original interior and exterior, mini tubs, and 1,000 HP 426 hemi with 6-71 sticking out of the hood barely able to idle and a 5 speed for highway driving, big disc brakes and 17" factory style steel wheels ... cant see and cant stop but does nasty burnouts and smells like rubber and raw fuel 

Something like this in a '70...and black

[Brads70]

I'd like to get my seats reupholstered in leather and maybe swap out the A41 to a T-56 , oh and paint the engine bay but other than that I'm happy with my car. 

[dodj]

Actually, if money were no option, I would go all original interior and exterior, mini tubs, and 1,000 HP 426 hemi with 6-71 sticking out of the hood barely able to idle and a 5 speed for highway driving, big disc brakes and 17" factory style steel wheels ... cant see and cant stop but does nasty burnouts and smells like rubber and raw fuel 

Something like this in a '70...and black

All that 'bling'....with steelies and hubcaps..

[70_440-6Cuda]

Actually, if money were no option, I would go all original interior and exterior, mini tubs, and 1,000 HP 426 hemi with 6-71 sticking out of the hood barely able to idle and a 5 speed for highway driving, big disc brakes and 17" factory style steel wheels ... cant see and cant stop but does nasty burnouts and smells like rubber and raw fuel 

Something like this in a '70...and black

All that 'bling'....with steelies and hubcaps..

Ouch!  I prefer steelies and hubcaps honestly... Has sort of a raw purposeful look.  But what do I know??

[RUNCHARGER]

I remember how in love I was in fall 69 when these cars came out. I walk right by modified ones at a car show. What I like is what I have built. Stock appearing, 650 usable HP, beautiful looking stock interiors, Brute force Dana 60s and 18 splines, 3 finger clutches, enhanced but stock design steering, tires, brakes, suspension and stiffened unibody. If I wanted more new features I would just buy a Hellcat and try to figure out how to lighten it.
I appreciate high quality work if adding "new" but it's not the way I enjoy these cars.

[dodj]

Actually, if money were no option, I would go all original interior and exterior, mini tubs, and 1,000 HP 426 hemi with 6-71 sticking out of the hood barely able to idle and a 5 speed for highway driving, big disc brakes and 17" factory style steel wheels ... cant see and cant stop but does nasty burnouts and smells like rubber and raw fuel 

Something like this in a '70...and black

All that 'bling'....with steelies and hubcaps..

Ouch!  I prefer steelies and hubcaps honestly... Has sort of a raw purposeful look.  But what do I know??

I know some like the hub cap look. But in my opinion the '71 'cuda was all about throwing everything at a 'cuda to make it stand out. Shakers, wings, gills, massive decals etc..then top it off with hubcaps? Doesn't work imo.

[torredcuda]

Actually, if money were no option, I would go all original interior and exterior, mini tubs, and 1,000 HP 426 hemi with 6-71 sticking out of the hood barely able to idle and a 5 speed for highway driving, big disc brakes and 17" factory style steel wheels ... cant see and cant stop but does nasty burnouts and smells like rubber and raw fuel 

Something like this in a '70...and black

All that 'bling'....with steelies and hubcaps..

Ya, I get the dog dish look on a 100% stock resto but I just don`t understand them on a car that has numerous other modifications but steel wheels and poverty caps. To each their own but it just doesn`t fit and they look totally out of place, it`s not like that car is  trying to be a sleeper! 

[ebodyproducts]

I wouldn't make any changes to my 71 cuda.  I would upgrade my 70 to a 392 though.

[70_440-6Cuda]

Yeah, on the wheels I am not sure why I gravitate to that look, I think it reminds me of all '80s TV shows!  I don't love the Rallye wheels all that much, and nothing else seems to look right - Torque Thrusts are everywhere and remind me of a mustang, billet seems too modern... you know what they say about opinions!!!

But to be fair, I wouldn't say no to a car with any of them

@ebodyproducts  I am just jealous you have both!

[Katfish]

I wouldn't make any changes to my 71 cuda.  I would upgrade my 70 to a 392 though.

Looks like you need to lower the rear a couple of inches.
The old joke was, "It's faster if you're always going downhill"

[Flatdad]

Having gone through the adventure of fixing rockers, cowl, firewall, floors, etc. AND seeing how flimsy these cars really are, I just want the body engineered to be structurally sound with proper drainage and rust proofing.

[ebodyproducts]

I wouldn't make any changes to my 71 cuda.  I would upgrade my 70 to a 392 though.

Looks like you need to lower the rear a couple of inches.
The old joke was, "It's faster if you're always going downhill"

I like the look with the rear higher.  It's the SS springs that sets it up.  No air shocks.  I see cuda's all the time with the rear lowered and it makes the cars look long and non-muscular.  Just my opinion.

[Katfish]

Your cars look great, I have no room to talk, mine is a POS, 20 footer at best.
It's just always been a pet peeve of mine, don't like seeing the top of the tire.