Questions Regarding 383 Barracuda Engine Compartment

zebra3 said
Hello All,

I have been looking for a 1967-69 Barracuda for some time now, and have mostly focused my searches on small blocks due to the amount of negativity I read online regarding the handling characteristics and downsides of having a 383 or 440 in an A-Body. However, I have found someone selling a 383 Barracuda that I am enamored by, and hope that some of you guys can educate me.

The official Plymouth booklets for the car that were sent out in '67 state (regarding the 383): "And the engine compartment's so full of engine that there just isn't room for power steering or air conditioning."

Is this true? Could one not install one of the Borgeson power steering kits or something similar made from scrounged parts? Is there no way, due to there not being clearance, to install "classic air" or better yet, get together all the parts from junk cars to install an AC system, if you were willing to go to the effort and expense?

Thank you in advance.

They just didn't want to take the engineering time to put it on, that's all. Power steering became available in late 68, my 68 383 4-speed GTS has it. The founder of the GTS registry had a 69 383 4-speed GTS convertible he had the dealership put A/C on using all factory parts. Everything is available to put power steering and A/C with factory or aftermarket parts on a big block A-body. And don't read all the hype about the handling characteristics being poor, of course it will be a bit worse than a small block A-Body, but you can make it better again with aftermarket parts...