1974 Cuda 5.7 Build

[Alexcuda]

Thought I should start a little build thread to document some of my progress. I picked up a 1974 e58 360 Cuda in 2017 just north of Vaughn Ontario. It had been sitting in the second floor of a barn. The engine was dismantled. We were able to fill up the tires and roll it right out. I have more pictures of where it was in the barn I can add later. Overall the car was in decent shape, being my first project I didn't know much.

[Alexcuda]

As I started to disassemble the car I realized the 360 needed alot of work. I want to drive this car and for my needs realized a 5.7 would be a good option. I then bought two different cars a roll over 2009 5.7 challenger go mango auto that was running and driving and a 2015 5.7 that had caught on fire with 5000km on it. I bought the 2015 to salvage the 6 speed manual tr6060 for the project. Both cars were parted out. The 2015s engine was junk it had been filled with water but the tranny and suspension were in great shape.

[Swamp Donkey]

Cool.  Looks like a good starting point so far. 


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[b5cuda]

Nice!  I'm slowly but surely doing a similar project, '73 cuda with 5.7 and 833 trans.

[anlauto]

Interesting one to watch...

[Alexcuda]

I followed goodysgotacuda build and it had some great info, kind of why I figured I should document mine aswell. If it helps one person it was worth the effort! First thing I did once the car was disassembled was reinforce the transmission mount area and add an extra piece for support. I also played the side of the frame rail that extends up to the front where the extra piece ties into.

[Alexcuda]

I then purchased a set of Doug's headers to see how they would fit with the stock tr6060. They will need to be modified to fit around the starter since on the stock challenger the starter is on the passenger side. The Doug's headers have lots of room for the starter on the driver side if you were to buy an aftermarket bellhousing. They slightly touch the torsion bar on the passenger side. Not a big deal that will be addressed when I modify the headers. I also had to fabricate a mount to attach the rear of the tranny to the tranny mount that I made. I set the tranny at a 3 degree angle if I remember correctly.

[Alexcuda]

Once I had the tranny mount made I decided to work on the tunnel and shifter placement. I was able to use an aftermarket Barton shifter for the tr6060 to set the shifter into a reasonable position. I've never done any sheet metal work but slowly picked away at it. I bought a sheet metal break, bead roller, English wheel and a mig and went to work. I wanted to be able to replace most of the panels myself.

[Alexcuda]

After the tunnel was done I was able to start work on some of the other panels. I bought a rotisserie that was setup for a Mercedes and modified it to work with the cuda! I needed to attach a winch and pullies to be able to move it. It was cheap enough and did the job! Better than laying on your back.

[anlauto]

@Alexcuda are you going to need a new clutch for your project ? I have one coming in soon....I'm just in Georgetown Ontario...

https://forum.e-bodies.org/whats-it-worth/15/new-hemi-clutch-and-manifolds/19579/

[usraptor]

Nice project. Considering you haven't done sheet metal work before I'd said you're doing just fine.     I always admire people who have fabrication skills.  Looking forward to watching your progress.   

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Lookin' good 

[Alexcuda]

Started by fixing some holes, driver floor, passenger and driver rear floor, driver rocker and a few other small spots overall it was in decent shape. I used a frame jack to straighten alot of the small stuff on the bottom. The rear leaf springs plates were blown out and rewelded from the rear side at some point in its life. I ended up buying new rear quarters off of kijiji, and new trunk extensions and outer wheelhousings.

[Alexcuda]

Alan I am good on the clutch right now, I will probably change my throwout bearing assembly but my clutch only has 5k on it and looks good!!

[anlauto]

Alan I am good on the clutch right now, I will probably change my throwout bearing assembly but my clutch only has 5k on it and looks good!!

Thanks for getting back to me....I have no idea what these parts might be worth, but they will likely end up on KiJiJi