66 Formula S barracuda

[360VF]

Hi all - first time poster,

Looking at a 66 formula S for sale.
Having recently sold my last Aus 'A' body have been trolling the net for a big block 'C' body barge - but this particular car seems to keep calling out to me.

Not overly familiar with the '66's (A good mate has a sweet 64 1/2) just got a couple of generic questions to start me off.

- the exhaust - late '66 (April/May build) should it have the rear resonator or had they gone to a more 'subtle' exhaust by then (this one does not appear to have the rear resonator)? Does anyone repop these?

- the 273 - assume solid (mechanical) lifters?

- car currently has stock rims (Size - 5.5x14?) and trims - but would be looking at a set of rallyes for it. What would be as big as you could go without rolling the lip? The last Aus Valiant sedan I had (1969 - same as US) had 8x14 aftermarket on the rear, with 245/60 series and rolled lips but they scraped like the proverbial going around corners at anything over moderate speed. I was thinking 7x15 with 225/60 tyres may be pushing it. The car still has the original 4inch wheel spacing, I've come across a couple of suppliers that list 7x15 as being available in the early bolt spacing - but how readilly available are things like centre rings and LH lug nuts to suit?

- finally, the car appears to be all original sheet metal, some small battle scars, one owner (documented) with only mods being a later model carb, and aftermarket elec ign. Interior needs a minor clean up (tears in drivers seat, stiching loose on the rear) but dash is unmarked 137k miles (looks a bout right from the interior and engine bay shots I've seen). Basically a fairly clean non stuffed with example. Has front disks, 3.90 suregrip and factory AM radio - 64 thou question - whats a reasonable price?

Regards
Noel

 

[66cuda-s]

Hello, Welcome!!

Yes, they had the rear resonator in the rear for the 66 Commando (Formula S) engine. The exhaust has probably been changed (!).

Yes, solid lifters.

The wheels/tires you'll have to get from someone else. Yes, 14X5.5" rims on the Formula S.

Sounds like a good car. You should check the fender tag to insure it is a true Formula S. You can also look for obvious things like the 150 mph speedo and the tach in place of the performance indicator. Also, the Formula S had a sway bar in front. On the engine, the finned valve covers and four barrel are indicators. But, best to check the Fender Tag... a 7 under the F is the Formula S code.

Have fun!!

 

[360VF]

Seems to tick all the boxes based on that description - thanks!

 

[cudamark]

66cuda-s answered most of your questions but here's a few more.... Yes, they make reproduction resonators for the 273 4bbl cars. I've seen a few on E-bay. There is also an NOS one somebody wants an ungodly amount for!
As for the tires/wheels, a lot will depend on how centered your rear axle is. I've seen a 2" (50mm) difference in tire clearence from side to side on some cars. If it's reasonably centered, I've put 225/70/14 and 215/60/14 tires on the stock 14 x 5 1/2 wheels with no rub as well as 9/26/14 slicks on 14 x 7 deep dish mags but I had to message the lip just a little to make sure I don't cut a tire. You can't tell from the outside as I didn't change the opening shape. There are some wheel companies out there that have (or will make) wheels up to 18" with the small bolt pattern but you'll have to take width and total diameter in consideration unless you want to cut. LH lug nuts are impossible to find in some wheel types. You may have to swap to the RH type if you use them.
Reasonable price? How high is up? I don't know what your market is for those cars in your country. I've seen restored ones here for under $20K U.S. Runner/drivers for $3-12K depending on condition and builders for a few hundred to $6k. If your deal falls through and you still want one, I have a loaded '66 Formula S builder that I'll sell for $3900.
Thanks, Mark

 

[360VF]

Thanks Guys,

Based on that the price seems resonable - from what I've seen yould call it good driver quality I suppose - but has original engine, never been apart so is the sort of thing I can 'tinker' with and do some minor (reversible) upgrades to - like better sway bars, bebuilt front end and the abovementioned rallyes. Market wise out here they are a bit of an 'oddball' the early fishes (but not to me), so you need to find someone who wants one.

Also - was a16:1 steering box part of the formula 's' pack - or did they have the 24:1 or intermediate 20:1 box?

Good basis for a resto later on - little body work and no rust makes a happy restorer!!

 

[SSVDP]

I say go buy it! The early fish cars are a good value but can be difficult to sell. In Febuary I sold a really nicve driver '66 Formula S with auto trans, drum brakes and the correct exhause resonator for $5000. I was moving and needed to sell it quickly so I might have gotten a bit more in nicer weather but it was still a good deal for me and the buyer.

There's great documentation at the Early Valiant/Barracuda site:
http://www.earlyabodyforum.com/board/messages/394/407.html
For example:
Formula S Features:
·235 hp Commando 273 V-8 Engine
· Carter aluminum 4-barrel
· 10.5:1 compression dome-top pistons
· high lift, high-overlap cam
· dual breaker points
· solid lifters
· special intake with unsilenced chrome air cleaner
· black crinkle Hemi style valve covers with aluminum fins
· chrome Hemi style PCV valve
· Hemi style ignition wire grommets
·Rallye Suspension Package
· 16:1 fast ratio steering box
· 5 leaf rear springs
· over-size front torsion bars (.87”)
· front anti-sway bar (13/16”)
· firm ride shock absorbers

· Tachometer
· 10” drum brakes
· 6.95 x 14" Special Blue Streak tires
· Heavy Gauge Wide-Rim 5.5" x 14" Wheels
· 14" Bolt-On Design Wheel Covers
· 2” chrome lug nuts
· Formula S Badges
· 2 ¼” Low pressure exhaust with chrome tipped resonator

Barracuda options:
· 8 ¾” Sure-Grip 3.23:1 differential
· front disc brakes
· automatic transmission
· power steering, power brakes
· safety padding
· front seat belts
· rear seat belts (1966)
· back-up lights
· variable speed wipers and washer
· AM radio w/antenna
· true-round 16” wood grain steering wheel
· racing stripes
· day/night rearview mirror
· side mirror, remote side mirror
· tinted glass all around
· air conditioning
· vinyl roof (1966)

 

[cudamark]

I say go buy it! The early fish cars are a good value but can be difficult to sell. In Febuary I sold a really nicve driver '66 Formula S with auto trans, drum brakes and the correct exhause resonator for $5000. I was moving and needed to sell it quickly so I might have gotten a bit more in nicer weather but it was still a good deal for me and the buyer.

There's great documentation at the Early Valiant/Barracuda site:
http://www.earlyabodyforum.com/board/messages/394/407.html
For example:
Formula S Features:
·235 hp Commando 273 V-8 Engine
· Carter aluminum 4-barrel
· 10.5:1 compression dome-top pistons
· high lift, high-overlap cam
· dual breaker points
· solid lifters
· special intake with unsilenced chrome air cleaner
· black crinkle Hemi style valve covers with aluminum fins
· chrome Hemi style PCV valve
· Hemi style ignition wire grommets
·Rallye Suspension Package
· 16:1 fast ratio steering box
· 5 leaf rear springs
· over-size front torsion bars (.87”)
· front anti-sway bar (13/16”)
· firm ride shock absorbers

· Tachometer
· 10” drum brakes
· 6.95 x 14" Special Blue Streak tires
· Heavy Gauge Wide-Rim 5.5" x 14" Wheels
· 14" Bolt-On Design Wheel Covers
· 2” chrome lug nuts
· Formula S Badges
· 2 ¼” Low pressure exhaust with chrome tipped resonator

Barracuda options:
· 8 ¾” Sure-Grip 3.23:1 differential
· front disc brakes
· automatic transmission
· power steering, power brakes
· safety padding
· front seat belts
· rear seat belts (1966)
· back-up lights
· variable speed wipers and washer
· AM radio w/antenna
· true-round 16” wood grain steering wheel
· racing stripes
· day/night rearview mirror
· side mirror, remote side mirror
· tinted glass all around
· air conditioning
· vinyl roof (1966)

Some of the info here is wrong or misleading. All the '64-7 273 engines had solid lifters from the factory.....not just the 4bbl. ones. Same with the plug wire grommets. All the '66 Formula S's I've seen and own have 6 leaf springs. A quick ratio manual steering gear was an option. Front and rear seat belts were standard equipment in 1966 as were backup lights and variable speed wipers. They also had options of: bucket seats, console, rear window defogger, emergency flasher, hand brake warning light, AM-FM radio, and rear speaker.
Thanks, Mark