69 Barracuda FB. The next evolution

[gomopar440]

I'm just planting this thread here as a seed for my next Mopar project. It's a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback, ex-race car That I will be picking up near St Louis. The plan is going to be very similar to my previous R/T/A project posted here. It will still be a pro-touring type build, but modernized a bit more. Sorry, not sorry to the purists out there that want a pristine museum quality resto. I'll be driving this car a lot, and I want it to be exactly what I want it to be when it's done.

The engine will be a 400ci B block, stroked out to 500ci, and the initial setup will be carbureted with basic electronic ignition. The first trans will be a TF727, and the axle will be a 8&3/4 Sure Grip. After I get the drivable,

Phase 2 will be to add full modern controls such as EFI, coil near plug (LS style), full roller rocker drivetrain. The TF727 will be swapped out for an 8 speed ZF 8HP70 auto trans out of a 2015-17 Challenger or Charger. The engine and trans updates will make the setup much more efficient and smoother driving. I still have a lot of research to do to sort out the technical details to make it all work, so that's why I'll be starting out with a more traditional engine and trans setup first. The first engine/trans setup will allow me to get kinks worked out of the suspension, body and interior while keeping the car useable before I kick off Phase 2.

I decided to go with this A-body Barracuda instead of another E-body primarily because the weight difference. I'm still going to lighten the Barracuda with a lot of fiberglass body parts like I did with the R/T/A, so the weight advantage will get even better in the end.

Anyway, I'll be starting the project as soon as I can get the car here. Until then, here are the pics from the FB ad.

 

[gomopar440]

I'm thinking of replacing the front end sheet metal with a one piece race front end from VFN. It's a 67-68 part, but will fit if I also use the 67-68 hood. I look the look of the X shape of the center of this front end better than the Y shaped center of the 69 grill anyway, so it's an overall win. For the hood, I'm going to use VFN's AAR style 67-68 bolt on hood.

 

[gomopar440]

I may have found another Barracuda Fastback race car. This one is a '68 and has had the floor, crossmembers and rear subframes removed, However it comes with a full set of fiberglass (1pc front end, hood, doors & trunk lid) and some sheet metal sections (upper cowl and quarters). It doesn't come with any window glass though. The existing body shell is in MUCH better shape than the '69 FB pictured above as it is already blasted and primed. The missing rear sub frame rails is my biggest concern with it. Gonna think on it before pulling the trigger on it.