'Match Race 1969' 440 'Cuda vs 440 'Six-Barrel' Road Runner

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69 Cuda 440

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Match Race 1969

A Mopar Battle between each '1969 1/2' Mid-Season Production
Straight-Line Missle.

The 440 Engine was little different in each car, but with the weight
difference it was fairly close in Weight-to-Horsepwer.
 
Got to go with the A body on this one, Sox did too.
 
Shipping Weights

Fastback Barracuda.....440 'Cuda.... 440/375HP ....#3279 lbs = 8.74 Wt/Hp


Road Runner Coupe...440 'Six Barrel'....440/390 HP.... #3530 lbs = 9.04 Wt/Hp
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An issue here, as the 440 'Cuda was available with the 3.91 Gears as the maximum option.

The Road Runner came through with 4.10 Gears.
 
I think the a12 roadrunner only because of better exhaust flow 4 speed and 4.10 rear gearing compared to 3.55 auto just my opinion
 
NHRA Horsepower Changes for 'Stock Class'
----------------------------------------------------

The 'M-Code' 440 'Cuda was rated at 375 HP.

But later, the Horsepower was factored down by the NHRA to 356 HP.

The 'A-12' 440 Six-Barrel was rated at 390 HP.

But later, the Horsepower was factored up by the NHRA up to 410 HP
 
Lots of Fresh-Air Breathing

th



Faux Hood-Scoops and 'nose-heavy'

th

 
69 Cuda 440 said:
The 'M-Code' 440 'Cuda was rated at 375 HP.

But later, the Horsepower was correctly factored by the NHRA down to 356 HP.

The 'A-12' 440 Six-Barrel was rated at 390 HP.

But later, the Horsepower was correctly factored by the NHRA up to 410 HP
Click to expand...

it may have been rated at that but have you seen original M code pipes? they are squished almost flat right after the manifold. it couldn't breathe though to make 375.
 
Production Release Dates

440 'Cuda...................................(January 1969)
Road Runner 440 'Six-Barrel'.....(February 1969)

The 440 'Cuda was to be classed in 'C/SA'

The Road Runner 440 'Six-Barrel in 'D/S or 'D/SA'

Though each 'straight-line' Missle Car could be street-driven, they
both were built with Drag Racing in mind as their primary use, in either the
'Stock Class' or 'Super/Stock Class'.
 
I'm not sure what the class rules were, but the rumor is when the 69 cuda was 1/4 tested by one of the mags they slapped some slicks on and broke into the 12's. then again the a12 dropped 12's as tested.

From All-par
"Car Life tested the 'Cuda 440 at 0-60 in 5.6 sec, and 14.0 @ 103 in the quarter mile. They were disappointed; they just couldn't get the car to hook up, it kept spinning the tires instead of racing down the track. (Car Life, June/69). Another period road test, reprinted in Musclecar magazine, backs up the 14-flat quarters, but they also tried it with ten-inch slicks, and ran low 12s."
 
the 69 440 cuda would run low 12s high 11s with headers and slicks.
traction was a major problem for the cuda.
heads up it would be close, but I think the roadrunner wins in stock trim.
 
Seeing what I am seeing, Gears and weight the roadrunner was, (I did not know they was so light) and weight transfer I am going roadrunner on this one.
You all sold me, I know the first 60' will make or brake my opinion...
But way did Barracuda hold the fastest marketed car for Sox & Martin for 3 years ? Stock..
 
Out of the 'Factory' and off of the Dealership Showroom Floor.

The 69' 440 'Cuda with E70 x 14 Tires = {6.25" Width x 25.92" Diameter}

The Road Runner 440 'Six-Barrel' with G70 x 15" Tires = {6.75" Width x 27.70" Diameter}

Best Performance Results in Stock Trim, with a "Performance Tune-Up"

The Road Runner
* 4-Speed..........12.91 @ 111.89 MPH
* Automatic........13.47 @ 106.63 MPH

The Road Runner with the Dana Rear and 4.10 Gears, without a doubt
could 'Hook Up' much better than the 'light behind' Cuda.

Note; The Road Runner 440 'Six-Barrel' came through with the 727-B Torque-Flite
Automatic {#2801544}, which was a 426 Hemi 'Beefed-Up Automatic' with 'special
internal components' - and also the 11" 426 Hemi 'Torque Converter' which was rated
at a 2400 to 2600 RPM Stall-Rate.

Note; The 440 'Cuda was equipped with a still sturdy 727-B Heavy-Duty Torque-Flite
Automatic {#2801541} from the 440 Super Commando, but the 10.75" Torque Converter
had a 2000 RPM Stall-Rate.
 
Stock vs. Stock...........with 'no' Modifications or Tire Changes

"GULP", the 440 'Cuda is in trouble and in no way could beat the 4-Speed Road Runner 440 'Six-Barrel'.

a12roadtest7.jpg
 
At US131 i would run 12.90/13.00's with 28x9 slicks, cast iron manifolds, hydraulic cam, and 4-speed
 
One thing is for sure... both drivers would finish the race with big, dumb grins on their faces.

Does anyone have the curb weights handy on these cars? I suspect that the weight disadvantage for the 'Bird wasn't that big of a deal.
 
A12 hands down...get the Cuda some fender well headers and things get more interesting.
 
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