Stirring up a hornets nest

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Tadams

Tadams

Tadams
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I'm certain to have a lot of opinions here. I read so many post where engine swaps are being considered in A-Bodies. I was at Farmington drag way this last week and was discussing restoration of my 65 barracuda. He told me I should jerk that 273. Commando out and put a real motor in it and have some fun.
I have no intention of doing this unless I find a real problem with what I have. Not planning to go to the strip except as a spectator. Are there any reasons I should consider a different path. Not saying there is anything wrong with dropping in most horses
from what I have read the 273 commando should provide all of the horses I will need.
Comments invited and welcome

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Well I guess it depends on your expectations. If the thing is "as built" original, and you want to keep it that way, then do so. You can make a 273 run pretty snappy.

Yet another alternative is to put something different in there, "dress" it like a 273, and hide the original under the bench "for later"
 
Tadams said:
from what I have read the 273 commando should provide all of the horses I will need.
Comments invited and welcome

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Well what are your needs? Purely subjective when it comes to the enjoyment of your car.

If you need to run with all the strokers and big blocks, then you're in for a difficult and expensive journey. If it's just to have fun with the car regardless of how quick it is, then keep the 273.
 
Just have fun. Enjoy cruising around and enjoying life.
 
I would leave it the 273 is a fun dependable little driver. When you start increasing HP you end up dumping more money in and it becomes less of a fun cruiser.
 
I think it will be awesome. I plan on installing the floor pans tomorrow, weather permitting.
 
Yep. I guess the reason I ask the question is that lately I have had so many people telling me I should put a real motor in it and have some fun. The one guy at the drag races was just adamant about putting in a motor with some real horses. From what I read, the 273 will provide me with enough horses and durability for what I have planned.
 
My 273 had the same power to weight as a 68 383 Road Runner. It was not stock, but not radical. The guy is ignorant. The 273 in your car will have plenty of power, get great gas mileage, and be completely reliable for years to come. I've had most engines and the 273 HP is one of my favorites.
 
From what I understand, some of them early 273's were hot. High compression etc. I remember a guy in the neighborhood had a 66 Barracuda with the 273. It was a sharp cruiser, ran good too.
 
As dad told me and it is true Keep trying to go faster and you will never enjoy it because you will always be working on it.
 
Awesome. Great information from you guys as always
 
A lot of people just enjoy belittling others choices, to make themselves feel better. You will love the performance of the 273 and the unique sound it has. Thank him heartily for his opinion.
 
I love my little 273 Commando. It really starts coming alive about 3500 rpm! I plan to keep it, but will rebuild it eventually. While I'm in there I'll put a little oomph into it. Just a little, lol. I also run 3.55 gears so it starts winding up pretty quick!
 
I am looking forward to finally finishing the car and getting out of the garage
I have the new exhaust including the stock resonator waiting to be installed.
That will probably drive my new neighbor who has a road runner with a hemi
I think it will be awesome,
 
Tadams, keep your 273 Commando in the car. The 273 Commando with an Automatic trans. in my 'Cuda with 3.55 Suregrip will turn the tires easily from a dead stop, and chirp them again going into 2nd gear unless you really baby the car taking off. If you kick in the passing gear at 30-40 MPH you better hold on. For a street engine it can't be beat. I also get around 18 MPG if I drive it gently. Have fun!
 
I went through this same discussion/debate/insults and decision. I rebuilt the 273- warmed it over a little and have had a lot of driving.

My friends who have chased horse power (3 over 500 hp and yes, I am often jealous) - (over heating issues)have trouble in traffic, have trouble with to many stoplights/signs) The cars do require a lot of work and change to management the horse power

Build it how you like it
 
I can hardly wait to finish mine. I have a complete exhaust system including the resonator to install once the paint is finished. That will probably drive my new neighbor crazy
he has a road runner with the hemi it came with
He always says if it's not a hemi, it's not worth driving
 
Yep guys, I have no intention of changing mine unless something bad happens to it. I haven't been able to drive the car very much, but from what I can tell, it will take me to the cruise in or car show just as well as the hemi. May not be the show stopper, but that isn't why I purchased the barracuda
 
I like how the 273 Commandos run especially with a 4 speed manual. A stroked 360 with big intake valves will make a lot more power and torque for the same size and weight if that's what you want to do. With aluminum heads and intake it might even weight significantly less. It's up to you to decide what you would like.
 
I'm not sure of the gear ratio of mine. Stock with automatic transmission, I'll have to check that and see. I'm getting excited, shame I retired and went back to work a couple of days a week to help a friend. Finish today and off till Saturday. Hoping the rain holds off so I can mow the yard early and then back the car out of the garage to weld in the floor pans
 
And you guys know how I feel about 273's. Mine isn't radical but runs strong and such fun to drive.
 
SSVDP said:
I like how the 273 Commandos run especially with a 4 speed manual. A stroked 360 with big intake valves will make a lot more power and torque for the same size and weight if that's what you want to do. With aluminum heads and intake it might even weight significantly less. It's up to you to decide what you would like.
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Really, in an Early A street car. You would need slicks to hold a stock class 360 with stock heads.
 
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