engine choice?
 

i am building a 67 cuda right now, and have a question. if I call it a 67 i can run the 273 2 barrel or if i say its a 68 i can run a 318 2 barrel. What would be the better combo?

Re: engine choice?
 

The 318 BBD 1-1/4" has a larger venturi according to the NHRA specs.
The 318 has 45 more cubic inches, more or less.
The 318 can run the 308 and 576 heads, but may not be an advantage with 1.78/1.50 valves. I'd guess you would end up with the 302 casting heads for either one.
The 273 has slightly more valve lift, about .010" or so.
The 318 pistons are probably easier to come by if you are low-buck like me. Unfortunately, NHRA still lists the flat top piston for the 1968-1971 318s but they came with the four valve notch pistons. I sent in a set of pistons for approval but never heard anything back from Pat Cvengros. Too bad I threw away those 1969 318 pistons 30+ years ago. I looked for one NOS piston but never found one.
The 273 is rated at 162 HP and the 318 is at 182 HP.
It looks like the 318 gets a dual plane intake vs. the flat single plane for the 273.
I'd say the 318 would make about 50 lb-ft more torque, but may not rev as high? Not many guys running the early 318s. There is a guy from NY or someplace up that way running a 1973 Dart with a 318.

Re: engine choice?
 

that may the reason, why no one is running the 318 combo

Re: engine choice?
 

Check out the Featured Flyer in last weeks Dragster!

Re: engine choice?
 

This is a no brainer. Get a 69 grille, header panel and tail lights. You will need a later dart hood. Then run it as a 318 this is solid 1.00 under or more player.

Re: engine choice?
 

Paul, is there an advantage of the 1969 Cuda over the 1968 Cuda with a 318? I'm assuming that is the 1973-6 Dart hood, preferably the Dart Lite hood.

I guess there are some guys running the 318. From the latest "SLOW averages".

Q/SA
69 Dart 5044
1969 Dodg 318 230 172 13.8 13.238 -0.562 T K-1 Q

5746 Q/SA 68 Plymouth
1968 Plym 318 230 182 13.8 13.092 -0.708 TK-1 Q

Not sure why the 1969 318 is rated at 172 HP and the 1968 318 is 182 HP, but maybe that is why Paul suggested the 1969 Cuda trim. Sam Capizzi is the guy with the 1973 Dart with the 318.

Re: engine choice?
 

Will there be any problem adapting the later hood to a 67?

Re: engine choice? Hood and Grill Choice?
 

I changed the title of your post. You will need the 1969 Barracuda hood (or 1973-6 Dart hood), front valence and grills. Here's a 1969 coupe.

https://ccpublic.blob.core.windows.n...oupe-std-c.jpg

Re: engine choice?
 

None at all.

Re: engine choice?
 

Thanks Paul for all of the input, you have been a great help.