Questions Regarding 383 Barracuda Engine Compartment

A big block A body actually has better weight distribution than a big block E body. Same wheelbase (Barracuda to Barracuda, or Dart to Challenger) and the E body has more front overhang and less rear overhang. So where did the evil handling myth come from? You gotta realize that even in the late sixties there were a lot of old school automotive journalists who were offended by the idea of putting a big motor in a small car.

As for the exhaust manifolds, I never knew that there were two different driver's side 68 manifolds. But I do have 67 and 69 383 A body exhaust manifolds. Most people assume that because the 67s had less rated horsepower, its manifolds were worse than later ones. The exhaust manifolds, though, weren't the difference between the hp rating of 67 vs 68 vs 69. Long story which I won't get into here (heads, intake, carb and cam). I will just say that I've always thought the change in the driver's side manifold was to make room for power steering (which my 69 Cuda 383 has). Just looking at the 67 vs 69 manifolds visually, it sure looks to me like the 67s would flow better. Have not backed that up with actual flow or dyno testing, though.

I second the above opinions on manual steering. Shoot, I'm 73 years old and can still drive my Hemi Charger with manual steering. Like all manual steering cars, only try to steer while the car is moving, not dead stopped. I laugh when I see someone back up with the front wheels cocked all the way in one direction, come to a stop with the wheels still full turned, and then try to turn the wheels the other direction while remaining stopped. Trick is to straighten the wheels while still backing, and then move forward, any more turning only after you're moving.