Which engine?

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!

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