1969 Match Race ~ 'Cuda 383 vs. 'Cuda 340

i've told this story before here on FABO but i'll relate it again.

when i was in high school from 69-72, i had a "new" 68 fastback barracuda formula s 340 4sp. it had hooker fender well headers; an edelbroc high rise aluminum manifold; a holley 750 dp carb; hurst comp plus shifter; and a 3:91 rear gear. i street raced the car every weekend. there was no common ford, pontiac or chevy that could beat that car. a friend of mine bought a new 69 super bee, 383 4 sp. he and i had friendly races probably once or twice a month. his super bee ALWAYS lost to my barracuda by at least 2 car lengths. you can shift a 340 at 6k all day long AND a 340 will get to 6k MUCH FASTER than a big block will. THAT was always the difference in all the street races i was in - my car would hit 6 grand and i would power shift to the next gear before the other guy. getting into that next gear first was responsible for the two car lengths at the quarter mile point and that was always the same result in a race against a big block - ford, chevy or pontiac.

so the bottom line is - you've got to have something "special" to beat a 340 with a few modifications and a 3:91 rear gear in a 3000 lb. car in a 1/4 mile drag race...