Just got myself a 68 Barracuda Fastback!

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evans68cuda

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Hey everyone! I bought a 68 barracuda several weeks ago for as my new project. The car has very little surface rust and only a little bondo as far as I can tell. Right now there's a 318 in it backed by a 904 and 8 3/4. I have an a833 that I'm swapping in and wanted your opinions on whether I should do a 408 stroker or a gen 3 hemi swap. ditching the 4 speed isn't an option so I was wondering cost/power wise, which one you guys recommend. Ive heard of people using an a833 behind a hemi but I already have the stock linkage and bell housing and not willing to get rid of any of it. I talked to an engine builder near me and he quoted me 4-4.5k for a 450 hp 408. So that is my limit currently. Any tips and advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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Hey everyone! I bought a 68 barracuda several weeks ago for as my new project. The car has very little surface rust and only a little bondo as far as I can tell. Right now there's a 318 in it backed by a 904 and 8 3/4. I have an a833 that I'm swapping in and wanted your opinions on whether I should do a 408 stroker or a gen 3 hemi swap. ditching the 4 speed isn't an option so I was wondering cost/power wise, which one you guys recommend. Ive heard of people using an a833 behind a hemi but I already have the stock linkage and bell housing and not willing to get rid of any of it. I talked to an engine builder near me and he quoted me 4-4.5k for a 450 hp 408. So that is my limit currently. Any tips and advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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probably a lot less hassle to go w/ the 408 small block. will be easier to work on than a big block or a late hemi.
 
probably a lot less hassle to go w/ the 408 small block. will be easier to work on than a big block or a late hemi.
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. Much easier with the small block. But are the benefits worth it? It seems as far as horesepower goes it pretty similar
 
For a streeter and a stick, the 360 is all you need; unless you want to stuff in some hi-way gears.Then the 408 is the way-to-go.If it was me it would be a 360,a 5speed,and a starter gear of between 10/1 and 11/1.
A streeter has an easy life; it only has to 60ft reasonably well, and be able to hit between 50 and 60 at the top of first-over; heehee. And it's nice if you can go home for Sunday-dinner at less than 3000 rpm.
Having a 408, means 3.23s are doable; and that means you can put a teensey-weensey cam in her, to hit 60 at about 6200,Shazzam!
You are gonna need some serious traction aides.
3.23s will cruise 65 at a tic over 2500 with 28s
360s need not apply.
 
Love it! Nice solid looking car, and a Mopar lover bringing it back to life. Congrats.
 
Thanks everyone! I'm in love with this bodystyle! Never heard of it until I watched an episode of jay Lenos garage and I fell in love! My mom told me my uncle had one in the 80s but crashed it :(. Turned out to be a formula s!! Anyways. Today I'm pulling the 318 and 904 out and then I'll start prepping the engine bay for paint. This Christmas break I'll be working full time to save up for a 408 to put in front of my 4 speed! Oh and I'm painting some of the interior that's currently blue. It's half blue half black right now so I'm converting it to black because I want to paint the exterior dark green.
 
Sounds like you have a good plan ahead of you. Good luck and Merry Christmas. Maybe Santa will bring you some parts.
 
Welcome to FABO, looks like you are well on your way.
Personally, i would get it running and driving (and safe) first with the car as is and then upgrade as time and money allow.
Drive it and work on it as you go and then save up for a bullet to put in it!
 
Welcome to the site. I love 68 Fastback Fish.

If those are the only two options, then I'd definitely choose 408.
 
Welcome to FABO, looks like you are well on your way.
Personally, i would get it running and driving (and safe) first with the car as is and then upgrade as time and money allow.
Drive it and work on it as you go and then save up for a bullet to put in it!
I defiantly agree with you about slowly building it up but The thing is, cylinder 2 has 0 psi. So that motor is already going to need a rebuild and I don't wanna spend money in that when I want to put a 408 in her so bad. I love stroker motors and I didn't get one for my mustang so I want to for her. Right now thigh it's interior and painting the engine bay. Next will be the motor and trans and then body and paint. Things may change
 
I'm a big block guy. However, if I had a 68 Barracuda, I'd probably be too tempted to build a SS/AH clone factory look or close too it. I know the SS cars are overdone, but they are just so awesome.
 
I'm a big block guy. However, if I had a 68 Barracuda, I'd probably be too tempted to build a SS/AH clone factory look or close too it. I know the SS cars are overdone, but they are just so awesome.
Yea that'd be super cool but my trans is a 23 spline and if I'm not mistaken it will only fit a small block. Plus I'm planning on using some of the sb accessories and brackets for the 408. And my bellhousing. But yeah a big block would look amazing in there.
 
Yea that'd be super cool but my trans is a 23 spline and if I'm not mistaken it will only fit a small block. Plus I'm planning on using some of the sb accessories and brackets for the 408. And my bellhousing. But yeah a big block would look amazing in there.

Your trans will work behind a big block, you just would need a different front case with larger diameter front bearing retainer or an adapter ring. I ran mine decades ago behind a small block.

Seriously, the only thing that matters is getting and keeping it on the road. The best way to go is whichever way will get you back together so you can enjoy it. You don't want a garage queen like mine; under construction for over a decade now.
 
Your trans will work behind a big block, you just would need a different front case with larger diameter front bearing retainer or an adapter ring. I ran mine decades ago behind a small block.

Seriously, the only thing that matters is getting and keeping it on the road. The best way to go is whichever way will get you back together so you can enjoy it. You don't want a garage queen like mine; under construction for over a decade now.
Hmm ok I'll think about it. Possibly a 383
 
It was a 340 swinger that pulled me away from ford 30 some years ago.
Congrats on the barracuda, you wont be missing that mustang.
It took a 440 in a 68 fastback to permanently convert me over from my E body phase.
Your barracuda has a lot going for it already with the 4-speed. Hope to see more of it as you progress.
Welcome to the site.
 
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. Much easier with the small block. But are the benefits worth it? It seems as far as horesepower goes it pretty similar
Yes...408 is easier to work on,unless you need the big block "wow factor " for looks.
 
Yes it is manual steering. I plan on doing some front end work as well. Any suggestions on where to get a rebuild kit?

What I've always done is go with all polygraphite upper control arm, lower control arm and sway bar bushings.
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I do use polygraphite lower control arm bushings for years and many miles with no problems.
However, I use rubber for the strut rod busings.
I didn't like the fact the polygrahite has no give.
I like to compress that bushing a little when installed.

I buy my Moog hard parts locally if possible.
That way when the lower ball joints, upper ball joints and tie rod ends show up at the parts counter, I can look them over and be sure they are made in USA if still possible.
Seems like I did by my lower ball joints on the internet last time.
Maybe from Amazon.

I would also suggest taking time to clean out the cowl..... if it has leaves in it especially.
I've actually used a small hole saw to make access in the front of the cowl and a body plug to close it afterwards.
Air hose and shop vac.
Get the leaves out. Then spray Rustoleum Rusty metal primer all up in there.
Cowls are a rusting time bomb.
 
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