I've done a ton of research- so now I'm really confused....

hudskit said
Good evening All,

I've just purchased a very clean 66 cuda that while being in pretty good shape also runs terribly. It's a 273 2 bbl car- automatic all original to the car but until I can pull this combination and replace with a mildly built 360 /380 that I already own I was wondering how to make this car a decent driver until I get around to doing the engine swap. My thoughts were as follows: electronic ignition to start- simple Mopar swap out unit - orange box. I've tested the compression - and it runs from 125 to 135 across the board but smokes some when it starts. I've read as much as i could about swapping over to a 4 bbl carb and simple intake to get a better running car - but the initial low compression of the 2 bbl motor makes me think that if i can find a set of "302" 360 heads I can up the compression, get a better fit to the 4 bbl manifold , change to an Isky e4 cam in there and top it off with a small 4 BBl - probably an AFB or similar and still not have to pull the engine itself and get a reasonably decent driver.

Thoughts, anyone?

Nice Barracuda. My 66 Formula S was that same paint and interior. 273 engines were never smog motors. The compression ratio is about 9:1 and the pistons are only about .020 in the hole. 302 heads are a power loss on a 273. Both are closed chamber and without porting 302 heads flow less air. Plus the drivers side exhaust manifold hits the head. You do not need headers. Look at the Commando single exhaust with 2 1/2 inch pipe, straight thru muffler, and a straight thru resonator. It will work with your early A Body exhaust manifolds. To the problem at hand, if you have compression it should run very well. It is either spark or fuel. Use Taylor Spiro Pro wires, new cap and rotor, platinum plugs, new points and set timing to 10* BTDC. Rebuild the carb and make sure the fuel pump is working well. Replace the fuel filter. 273's with 2 barrel pistons are capable of making 265 hp with a small Isky E-4 cam with stock Commando parts. No 360 needed.