65 Barracuda Strip to Street/Strip build

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Deucemopar

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After attending Drag Week '16 last year, it pushed me over ... wanted to get back on the track. Did some drag racing in late 80's/early 90's - then military duties, family, life came along. Which was great but now the bug is back.

Our goal is to get to a 10.0 sec index runner. We didn't want to use any of the cars we own now (installing roll bars, etc.) and wanted something different. No offense to others but it's a sea of either Mustangs or late F bodies. (Understand why and it's good for the sport. But let's spice it up).

So we found locally a 1965 Barracuda that was built as strict drag car (11.5 sec) in mid 90s. They did a great job (and body is solid) but it's time to update it and shave 1.5 seconds.

We've been working on car since October. I completely re-wired it, installed Speedwire relay and switch panels, Painless relays for all lights and accessories, horn, turn signals and flashers to get it registered for street.

Currently has 360 (LA) with built TF, 5k stall, 4.56 Dana rear, Old school "electric" water pump, no alternator and couple ages fans.

Now it's to update/upgrade the motor/trans and their accessories/components.

We initially thought of stroking the 360. But have changed course a bit on that. Jamming in a big block? If we're going to be different - well .... lol

We are traveling now for work for next 3 weeks - the car is at shop now. Great shop (and friends now) who pick up where my skill set ends. Lol.

You can see some pics in link above and my gallery.

Below are some pics shortly after we picked her up. I'm on iPad at hotel. Sometimes it appears to me the photos are 90* off rotation. But are not. I will check on regular PC when we get to office and fix if they're messed up.

This is great site. I've been lurking here for a while and obtained some great info! Thanks everyone.

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Few more pics.

Needed new, larger fuel cell. And pulled out original headliner.

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Thanks!

Its become quite endearing car. Hard to explain. Lol
 
Long to short. For the motor and such we decided:

383 stroked to 431, Ross pistons, H beam rods, Scat 4340 crank, Trick Flow heads, Harland rocker arms, custom Bullet cam, solid roller, Melling oil pump, and Edelbrock Pro-Flo XT intake.

To finish off: Meziere relocated (radiator mounted) water pump, 170 amp Mechman alternator, and Fuel Tech 5.0 EFI (rail). Also will take look at trans (refresh prob) and install JW ultra bell SFI on trans.

Rotating assembly take ~4 weeks. So won't be much to update for a bit. Goal is to get her on track by end April. Some testing. Maybe some cal tracs will be in store. We'll see how she runs.

When work begins I'll get pics rolling !
 
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Engine is at machine shop ... all cleaned up, .030 over, and honed. Should be picked up next week - once get final specs on cylinders we'll order pistons ... still 4 week wait ... hope its just that ... lol

I'll go over to start helping with prepping for the install. Work will be calling us out on road for April ... so trying to get ahead of everything as best possible.

Some pics of wiring I finished before she went to shop.

Once all mechanical stuff is done we can pretty her up a bit more. ;)


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This a a cool project.....looks like it is gonna be a blast.
good luck at the track.
 
Thanks guys!!

Going to be some weeks before anything is realized ... but we'll keep the pics coming.

Also need to learn now how to use the GoPro .. lol.
 
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Block after checking, tanking, decked, honed and painted. Ross said we should see pistons first week March!! Sooner than expected. OEM caps are going.
 
All internals ordered and should be arriving next week. Milodin has 3-5 weeks BO on their 8k RPM external oil pump kit .. argggh. Trying to find someone who has it in inventory.

But at least can get motor together ... and decided to just get cal tracs now ... so they can go in as well.

Will get some more pics soon.
 
All internals ordered and should be arriving next week. Milodin has 3-5 weeks BO on their 8k RPM external oil pump kit .. argggh. Trying to find someone who has it in inventory.

But at least can get motor together ... and decided to just get cal tracs now ... so they can go in as well.

Will get some more pics soon.
looks serious !
 
Cool project. The roll bar looks like it's heavy, just the way it looks?
 
Cool project. The roll bar looks like it's heavy, just the way it looks?

Ya - they're steel .. not chrome moly. 90's stuff. ;)

I was told the car weighs 3200 with the driver ... I am guessing I've got 30 lbs on the guy ... lol.

Would like to keep it no more than 3250. New motor block will be bit heavier but heads much lighter.

Will be interesting after its complete and we weight it.
 
Specs on heads and cam:

Trick Flow heads - 6161T784-C00. Combustion chamber 78cc/240cc intake runner/74cc exhaust runner /2.190" intake valve diameter/1.760" exhaust valve diameter. Good for lift up to .700.

Camshaft Howards Cams - 721883-08. DURATION: 263/269 at 050, LIFT .675/.650, LSA 108 degrees, valve lash .022"

~3500 - 7500 rpm range.
 
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Crank balanced, pistons in and being worked on ... was sent wrong connecting rods (stock wrist pin size, need RB/Hemi size - can see one in pic) ... so little more wait time, then check all clearances and finish balancing rods and pistons. At least by then the cam and heads may be in. :)
 
Well. New, correct rods came in ... but builder not happy with crank. Doesn't like a couple journals .. perhaps bent a little (dropped in shipping most likely) ... Scat sending out another.

Rather be picky now ...

Tires and rims should be in soon so we'll do some measuring and get it Cal tracs spec'd.
 
The first crank was bent. We just got second one in ... and my buddy (builder) just texted me video of it rolling nice. Next week he'll have it balanced and short block done ... woot. Heads and cam suppose to arrive by end next week too.

MT ET street radial pros came in and mounted. Needed to see before figuring out which cal tracs to order. Old tires rear tires were 29.5/11.5/15 - the big rake was needed because they hung out of the wheel well lip. The MT's are narrower and we should be able to get at least part of wheel tucked in and rear lower.

I like the ol school rake look ... but of course functionality has to come first ... lol. She's tubbed but mini. Maintained OE frame rail with inset hangers for leaf springs. Losing some footprint (and height ... we have to see what that does with 4.56 rear .. prob not huge ... losing maybe .75" ) but figuring/hoping new rear end set-up will more than make up for it. Did confirm it has some nice Strange axels.

I'll try to get some more pics ... y'all have great weekend!
 
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Rotating assembly balanced and in. Heads should be in Monday.

Getting the intake ready for injectors and fuel rails.
 
Cal tracs on. Stance changed quite a bit. Lol

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Need to get rid of those last stickers on body.
 
Latest update. Going with 270 Trick Flow heads.

Did full suspension and brake check up. Along with Cal Tracs, replaced all rotors and pads, shocks all around, and new idler arm ... rest of the steering solid.

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