Putting a 426 Hemi in a 1966 Barracuda

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sprinter6591

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I've found a '65 Barracuda, which my wife has fallen in love with. I've always wanted to put a Hemi in the car that I buy (boyhood dreams never die, right?). I don't know how easy it would be to switch the slant 6 out and put my Hemi in its place...or if it is even possible? Thanks for any help. Really glad I've found this site!

ADD-ON-
If this is too hard to be a realistic goal, would an early to mid 70s Duster be an easier install? Or just as difficult? Again, thanks for all your info and help!

FINAL ADD-ON (I hope)

The car will be for street driving, so I need to be able to fit defroster motor, wipers, etc. back in bay with the Hemi? Thanks again!
 
Alot of cutting and fabrication along with a straight axle conversion could probably get it done.
 
Putting anything bigger than a small block V8 in a 66 and earlier Barracuda requires a massive amount of work and fabrication. It's basicly all custom work with no off the self parts to make the swap. Then the real ***** is the small pysical size of the engine compartment. That's where the fabrication needs will come in handy.
 
I believe their is info out their available on how king Richard put together his drag barracuda.
1965 if I remember correct.
I would bet once converted your wife would no longer get in the car. Unless your wife is
braver than my partner. She don't want nothing to do with my Hemi. Says its pretty though.
 
Seems like some did a 43jr clone without having to relocate the torsion bars.
 
Putting anything bigger than a small block V8 in a 66 and earlier Barracuda requires a massive amount of work and fabrication.
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thats totally false. a big block fits quite nicely in there. a hemi will require a bit of cutting i would think. but other then headers its off the shelf stuff to put a big block in an early abody...

64valiant025.jpg
 
Oh but wouldn't it be fun to drive? Well, not really.
 
Who makes a swap kit to put a Hemi or big block in an early A body? What did you use for motor mounts?
 
Pretty sure Schmacher has 'em.

http://www.engine-swaps.com/index.html

That's putting a lot of extra weight (and horsepower) in the front of a small, light car.
Ought to go like hell in a straight line if ya can get it to hook up.
Could get mighty "interesting" if ya want to turn corners, though!
My 2 cents worth...

BC
 
Schumacher and streetmasters make the B/RB in an early A motor mounts. The streetmasyers that i usec were nested U-channel with a bolt for a hinge. One side gets bolted to the biscuit insulator and K member, and the other side rotates up and bolts to the block, tighten everything down when its in. Using hi-po manifolds, you dont even need custom exhaust parts, just the fabbed head pipes. Its tight but it fits. With no cutting. Manifolds even have the proper clearances built in for the steering shaft. Ypu can shim the motor left or right about 1/4 inch for fitment, a stout 340/360/408 would be far easier though and handle getter.
 
64ragtop said:
Pretty sure Schmacher has 'em.

http://www.engine-swaps.com/index.html

That's putting a lot of extra weight (and horsepower) in the front of a small, light car.
Ought to go like hell in a straight line if ya can get it to hook up.
Could get mighty "interesting" if ya want to turn corners, though!
My 2 cents worth...

BC
Click to expand...


Ahhh. Big torsion bars and sway bars and I'm sure you could get it to turn decent. Hell I had 383 bars and ss springs with no sway bars and it wasn't scary to drive on the street.
 
I have a 440 in my 65 and haven't got to the brakes yet. Looks like the valve cover and master cylinder are going to be fighting over real estate. I can't imagine what a hemi fitting very well
 
sprinter6591 said:
I've found a '65 Barracuda, which my wife has fallen in love with. I've always wanted to put a Hemi in the car that I buy (boyhood dreams never die, right?). I don't know how easy it would be to switch the slant 6 out and put my Hemi in its place...or if it is even possible? Thanks for any help. Really glad I've found this site!

ADD-ON-
If this is too hard to be a realistic goal, would an early to mid 70s Duster be an easier install? Or just as difficult? Again, thanks for all your info and help!

FINAL ADD-ON (I hope)

The car will be for street driving, so I need to be able to fit defroster motor, wipers, etc. back in bay with the Hemi? Thanks again!
Click to expand...
The 67 and later A bodies like the Duster you mentioned would be a much easier conversion. Nothing about a Hemi swap will be cheap though. We talking 426 Hemi or a late model style out if a newer car. Probably doesn't matter but just curious?
 
breakstuff said:
I have a 440 in my 65 and haven't got to the brakes yet. Looks like the valve cover and master cylinder are going to be fighting over real estate. I can't imagine what a hemi fitting very well
Click to expand...

I had a 440 in my 64 valiant. Just a standard chrome moroso valve cover. Cleared the master cyl and blower motor perfectly.
 
Have the money to build or buy a Hemi engine right now?

Is the Barracuda in good enough shape to do the swap and be roadworthy, or does it need to be totally restored first?

Do you have a shop or garage with the necessary fabrication equipment and plenty of room to do a build like this?



You need to ask yourself these questions, and if at least two are a "no", then step down your expectations to something more realistic. There's much cheaper ways to make your car much more fun and exciting without swapping in a Hemi. 360's run pretty damn good and bolt right in...
 
This is a '66 model 426 Hemi that I'm wanting to use. The car is restored, less the engine. I have the shop and tools necessary to build it. Just needing knowledge regarding the difficulty of making the swap. Where there's a will there's always been a way, but not sure of the time it would take or the amount of fab work to get it to fit...realistically.
 
Simple example Hemi Under Glass!!!!! What an awesome car to remake! Putting one under the hood is another trick all together.

65Cudalover
 
Thanks for the link! It's definitely given me hope that it's not an 'impossible' mission. You guys are fantastic! Again, I'm so grateful for all your help and ideas. I'll keep you posted on whether I go forward with the Hemi and will post pics to show the finished car in its Hemi glory! If anyone has any more links or ideas. I'd appreciate them all!
 
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