Which engine?

Which engine?

  • Build the 2v 273 that I already have into a 'Commando'

  • Try and find an original Commando engine

  • Put in a 318 CID

Results are only viewable after voting.
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65Cudafix

65Cudafix

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FABO,

Background: I'm a retired soldier with no knowledge or experience with MOPARs or automotive restoration and repair. All I know is what people tell me, and people sometimes lie. I sobered up one day and found out that I had purchased a 1965 Plymouth Barracuda, 273 cid 2 barrel carb V8 , automatic for $1300.

IMG_0694.JPG

I've been working on the brakes and taking it apart... Then I decided to buy a "parts car"

IMG_0699.JPG


another 1965 'Cuda, advertised as a "Commando" without an engine because, why not... (It has holes, not rust holes, but thats another question for the exterior trim forum)

IMG_0722.JPG


Since the 'new' 'Cuda has an 8.75 (vs 7.25), a 4 speed, (uninstalled) disc brakes, sway and torsion bars and pretty much no rust, I decided perhaps I should build it first and use the original as a/the 'parts car'...

This lead me to my question:

FABO, do I:

1) put my 273 V8 into my 'Commando' and build it out?
2) try to find a 'Commando' engine to install?
3) buy a 318CID engine from a local auto salvage yard?

#3 sounds like the easiest quickest and cheapest option, unless I do #1 stock without much of a build. If you choose this option I would need to know which type of 318 to get, I hear there are a bunch of them... I believe, based upon total ignorance of the subject that it would be 'easy' and that there are not any really horrible issues, other than having a 318 in a car emblemed as "Commando".

#2 would be the most correct but would be the hardest and most difficult since I don't see any Commando engines for sale here on FABO nor on my mechanic's computer inter web parts site (didn't have any 273 CID engines at all). Also even if one of you fine gentlemen offered me an engine at a reasonable price, I live in the woods of Northern Minnesota and coming to get it would be an adventure. I went 2000 miles (round trip) to Denver to get the 'parts car'.

#1 MIGHT be the cheapest and easiest since I already have it and can start with the engine basically 'stock' and add pieces, parts and upgrades as time and money permit... But the very real possibility is that getting a 4 v intake and carb and upgrading the cam and pistons piece by piece could and probably would wind up costing more and becoming a 'never ending story' and a money pit.

Thanks in advance for you input, and if any of you have an engine or any of the parts required, please let me know what you would want for them shipped to 56461.

65Cudafix
 
Thank you for your service

I would install the 273 into barracuda #2 and get her running, driving and stopping

After that, you can always "build" her up to be a commando, but I've found the best way to keep me interested in a project, is to keep it moving

(And unless you have a numbers matching engine, I don't think the correct displacement really matters)
 
I agree....IF the 273 2 BBL is a good running engine, then start with that and work from there. Sounds like you are on a learning curve on others items. The 'sobering up' part sounds interesting.... LOL
 
diymirage said:
Thank you for your service

I would install the 273 into barracuda #2 and get her running, driving and stopping

After that, you can always "build" her up to be a commando, but I've found the best way to keep me interested in a project, is to keep it moving

(And unless you have a numbers matching engine, I don't think the correct displacement really matters)
Click to expand...
I second that. The 273 is under powered stock, but can be made to be a real screamer for the small valves that it has. Just be careful of what year 273 you are building the early 273's had different angled heads as it relates too the intake mounting up. Before purchasing parts, first determine the cast year of the engine and order parts accordingly. I recently blew my 273 up because I over built it and stressed it out beyond it's capability, so I had a 318 built with the higher compression heads and had the valve seats done up with hardened seats so I could run unleaded fuel without having to add lead substitute in the fuel.
 
I would forget about getting an original commando engine for now. Save that for later if you feel like you need it once the project is done. If you just need to get the car running, find a good running 318 engine and drop it in there. No one will know but you.
 
Thank you for your service!!


Correct me where I get it wrong...........Barracuda #1 has engine , tranny, rear end, already installed, new brakes, some disassembly. Barracuda #2 has no engine, or transmission installed, and in need of further body work.

I vote for putting Barracuda #1 back together and drive it, it's a work in process, but its moving!!

Barracuda #2 sounds like it's got possibilities of it's own.........since you don't have the original "Commando" engine, anything you put in, is an improvement. To "look" like a Commando is valve covers and air cleaner, 98% of the population would never know that it is not a Commando engine. That level of camouflage can get you a long ways, it opens up the possibility of a 318, 340, or 360. If, you wanted to build an honest Commando clone 273, you would need any 66 model year and newer 273, the Hi-Po pistons (Egge Machine, or Kanter Auto), factory 4 bbl cast iron intake, 2 years to choose from, 1966, 1967. Cautionary notes: there are no such thing as "Commando" cylinder heads, they are the same as the 2 bbl heads, there is nothing special about the cylinder blocks, crank shafts, connecting rods, so don't fall for the BS!

Have fun!
 
There is no way to tell a Commando 273. I'd drop the 273 into the Commando car. Install a E-4 Isky cam in it with matching valve springs. Add a double roller timing chain. Next would be a 64-65 4 barrel intake and carb. Close enough. Commandos were 65 also. The intake bolts are smaller and at different angle as 66 up heads. 65 are heads are nice closed chambered heads that flow better than most later heads. Add a 4 speed and you are good to go.
 
360......can be made to look like a smaller displacement LA engine but won't let you down in the performance dept.
 
JBurch said:
Thank you for your service!!


Correct me where I get it wrong...........Barracuda #1 has engine , tranny, rear end, already installed, new brakes, some disassembly. Barracuda #2 has no engine, or transmission installed, and in need of further body work.

I vote for putting Barracuda #1 back together and drive it, it's a work in process, but its moving!!

Barracuda #2 sounds like it's got possibilities of it's own.........since you don't have the original "Commando" engine, anything you put in, is an improvement. To "look" like a Commando is valve covers and air cleaner, 98% of the population would never know that it is not a Commando engine. That level of camouflage can get you a long ways, it opens up the possibility of a 318, 340, or 360. If, you wanted to build an honest Commando clone 273, you would need any 66 model year and newer 273, the Hi-Po pistons (Egge Machine, or Kanter Auto), factory 4 bbl cast iron intake, 2 years to choose from, 1966, 1967. Cautionary notes: there are no such thing as "Commando" cylinder heads, they are the same as the 2 bbl heads, there is nothing special about the cylinder blocks, crank shafts, connecting rods, so don't fall for the BS!

Have fun!
Click to expand...

JBURCH,

Thanks, good advice, but I should have mentioned that Barracuda #1 (Blue w/ 273 Auto) has cancer on her frame, which previous owner welded.. She also has some skin cancer on her fenders. So, I get to learn welding and auto body repair... And I figure that will take me some time because I'm a slow learner, and I'll probably screw it up, maybe many times, which is why I decided to buy #2, she has minimal rust issues (plus other fine attributes previously listed, like the 4 speed :D), or maybe it was the whiskey I don't really remember exactly why I bought another 65 Barracuda when the first one isn't/wasn't running yet (ya know my wife ask me why I did that)... Either way once I cure #2's holes (long story) which could/should take an afternoon I can get her in for paint, or I could then practice sanding on her for a week or two first just because... while #1 would/will need front frame rails and fenders replaced/fixed, which I feel will be more intensive.

BTW thanks for the correction on Cylinder head thing, I was thinking piston head and misspoke, evidence that I really don't know what I'm talking about. I guess did know the part I referenced, just got the name wrong :BangHead:. #2 came with the Commando valve covers so would only need the air cleaner for camouflage. Only problem is 35 years in military has instilled in me that you shouldn't wear badges you didn't earn, so having the Commando V8 emblem on the fenders without even an attempt to build up the engine (or swapping for a bigger 318 CID) seems wrong, but the whiskey can help me with that :).

Thanks again for the advice, rest assured I am having fun and I'll be bragging about my ride here on FABO if I ever get one running...

65Cudafix
 
I wasn't in the military, but do thank you for your service. I agree with your statement about wearing badges you haven't earned. My 65 formula S is true and has the commando V-8. I'm proud that it will be restored to the original condition.
Still gets me though when the first question asked, does it have a hemi? When I say no, the hemi didn't come in the 65 barracuda, they walk away.
 
Happy Memorial Day and thanks for our freedom. The 4 barrel version of the 273 has higher compression pistons and a slightly bigger cam. Other than the dual point distributor, 4 barrel, air cleaner, and valve covers, everything else is the same. The 4 barrel cars had performance exhaust also. If you want to restore the Commando car you can use the 2 barrel engine and build it to 4 barrel specs. It will still be correct. There are no body serial numbers on the early engines so being "numbers matching" is not a issue.
 
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Since a mild built 318 would have about the same HP as a Commando 273, Hp is Hp so wouldn't be false advertising.
 
toolmanmike said:
Happy Veterans Day and thanks for our freedom. The 4 barrel version of the 273 has higher compression pistons and a slightly bigger cam. Other than the dual point distributor, 4 barrel, air cleaner, and valve covers, everything else is the same. The 4 barrel cars had performance exhaust also. If you want to restore the Commando car you can use the 2 barrel engine and build it to 4 barrel specs. It will still be correct. There are no body serial numbers on the early engines so being "numbers matching" is not a issue.
Click to expand...
I thought today was memorial day?
(Still a great idea to honour our veterans, but I think today is to honour our fallen heroes )
 
Also look for a used late 80's 318, factory roller cam and with fuel injection should have very little cyl wall wear. add a factory commando intake and carb, it would be a great driver.
 
65Cudafix said:
FABO,

Background: I'm a retired soldier with no knowledge or experience with MOPARs or automotive restoration and repair. All I know is what people tell me, and people sometimes lie. I sobered up one day and found out that I had purchased a 1965 Plymouth Barracuda, 273 cid 2 barrel carb V8 , automatic for $1300.

View attachment 1715052041
I've been working on the brakes and taking it apart... Then I decided to buy a "parts car"

View attachment 1715052043

another 1965 'Cuda, advertised as a "Commando" without an engine because, why not... (It has holes, not rust holes, but thats another question for the exterior trim forum)

View attachment 1715052044

Since the 'new' 'Cuda has an 8.75 (vs 7.25), a 4 speed, (uninstalled) disc brakes, sway and torsion bars and pretty much no rust, I decided perhaps I should build it first and use the original as a/the 'parts car'...

This lead me to my question:

FABO, do I:

1) put my 273 V8 into my 'Commando' and build it out?
2) try to find a 'Commando' engine to install?
3) buy a 318CID engine from a local auto salvage yard?

#3 sounds like the easiest quickest and cheapest option, unless I do #1 stock without much of a build. If you choose this option I would need to know which type of 318 to get, I hear there are a bunch of them... I believe, based upon total ignorance of the subject that it would be 'easy' and that there are not any really horrible issues, other than having a 318 in a car emblemed as "Commando".

#2 would be the most correct but would be the hardest and most difficult since I don't see any Commando engines for sale here on FABO nor on my mechanic's computer inter web parts site (didn't have any 273 CID engines at all). Also even if one of you fine gentlemen offered me an engine at a reasonable price, I live in the woods of Northern Minnesota and coming to get it would be an adventure. I went 2000 miles (round trip) to Denver to get the 'parts car'.

#1 MIGHT be the cheapest and easiest since I already have it and can start with the engine basically 'stock' and add pieces, parts and upgrades as time and money permit... But the very real possibility is that getting a 4 v intake and carb and upgrading the cam and pistons piece by piece could and probably would wind up costing more and becoming a 'never ending story' and a money pit.

Thanks in advance for you input, and if any of you have an engine or any of the parts required, please let me know what you would want for them shipped to 56461.

65Cudafix
Click to expand...
I have a 1987 318 with an Edelbrock intake on it for a four barrel carb. The motor runs, but has some cylinders that are down a bit on compression, and a lifter that ticks once in a while. If you would be interested in this, I will let it go pretty cheap when I get my big motor done this summer sometime. I live north of the city's about 25 miles, North of anoka. This being said, a better running 318 may be a better option for you if you can find one.
 
I vote for getting car number one running and driving with the original 273. I would drive it as a beater daily driver while working on car number 2 and restore that one. I'm kind of all into having as many Mopars that run as I can.
 
318 will make more power than a 273, all else being equal. 45 cubes in bore is huge, and that's the only difference. Besides, much easier/cheaper to find a good 318. But while your searching, I'd include a 360 into the search. Why not? they hold a 42 cube advantage on the 318, and 87 cube advantage over a 273
 
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