engine choice?

[James L Miller]

Right, the LD4B was the 273 intake, D4B for the early heads with the different bolt angle. We better not talk anymore about the intakes with Billy Nees on here watching.☺

Now you got me thinking about converting my street car (1969 Barracuda, 340, 4-speed) over to a stocker again. Since it is an original 340 car I didn't want to put a roll bar in it. My racer friends thought I was crazy wanting to race it without a roll bar. With the 160 MPH "Stockers" out there, they have a point. I figure the 318-2bbl combo would drop me down to R/SA where I wouldn't need the roll bar. If I put a roll bar in it, I might as well build a 383 for it. It has less HP than the 340 with basically the same AVS, bigger valves, slightly better heads, more cubes, etc. More weight on the nose though.

[Coleydog]

Originally Posted by James L Miller

Right, the LD4B was the 273 intake, D4B for the early heads with the different bolt angle. We better not talk anymore about the intakes with Billy Nees on here watching.☺

Now you got me thinking about converting my street car (1969 Barracuda, 340, 4-speed) over to a stocker again. Since it is an original 340 car I didn't want to put a roll bar in it. My racer friends thought I was crazy wanting to race it without a roll bar. With the 160 MPH "Stockers" out there, they have a point. I figure the 318-2bbl combo would drop me down to R/SA where I wouldn't need the roll bar. If I put a roll bar in it, I might as well build a 383 for it. It has less HP than the 340 with basically the same AVS, bigger valves, slightly better heads, more cubes, etc. More weight on the nose though.

But, with the E heads and intake it should be close to a 318 in weight. BB heads flow way more than a J head and can ring em just as high as the 340, got straight pushrods and easy tear down. Only limitation is valve to piston clearance with the good cams. Do a bolt in roll bar. But A 318 would be easier on drive line componites and tires. A lot to decide.

[kansas stocker]

I don't think tech will buy a bolt in roll bar.
Pete

[Coleydog]

Originally Posted by kansas stocker

I don't think tech will buy a bolt in roll bar.
Pete

Not the bar, the 6x6 plate it's welded to.

[David Lee]

Originally Posted by kansas stocker

I don't think tech will buy a bolt in roll bar.
Pete

when did the rules change? Thi sis from the 2008 rule book

Unibody cars with stock floor and firewall (wheeltubs permitted) may attach roll bar with 6-inch x 6-inch x 0.125-inch (1/8") steel plates on top and bottom of floor bolted together with at least four 3/8-inch (0.375") diameter bolts and nuts

[James L Miller]

2016 Rulebook, "Unibody cars with stock floor and firewall (wheeltubs
permitted) may attach roll bar with 6-inch x 6-inch x .125-inch
steel plates on top and bottom of floor bolted together with at
least four 3/8-inch bolts and nuts, or weld main hoop to rocker sill
area with .125-inch reinforcing plates, with plates welded
completely. Also, the roll bar may be welded to frame connectors
that are fully welded in place and are 1 5/8 inches x .118-inch
MS or .083-inch CM round and/or 2 inch x 2 inch x .058 MS or
CM rectangular."

[kansas stocker]

Just another thing I've learned today.

[Dwight Southerland]

I believe that you will find, however, that all the braces and side bar must be welded to the car. I ran into that way back in 1980.


Jim Hale's current car is a 383 small valve, small carb combination - 1966 Belvedere Station Wagon.

[Michael K]

Originally Posted by Coleydog

But, with the E heads and intake it should be close to a 318 in weight. BB heads flow way more than a J head and can ring em just as high as the 340, got straight pushrods and easy tear down. Only limitation is valve to piston clearance with the good cams. Do a bolt in roll bar. But A 318 would be easier on drive line componites and tires. A lot to decide.

I believe the 69 383 Barracuda is at 295 hp. That's 4-5 less than the 340. With the Edelbrocks...maybe 300? Positive deck height with no valve relief is a limitation, and no aftermarket connecting rod available anymore (Eagle has larger than stock side clearance).

[Frank Castros]

Jim Hale ran his '67 with a 383 in G/SA and didn't too bad with it before he sold it.