What’s the exact process to identify a real 66 Formula S Barracuda?

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67 had a different engine code for 273 4 barrel, as did 68 but I have never seen a 68 273 4 barrel.[/QUOTE 65-67 only for the 4 barrel engines. I don't have my book handy but I think the HP code is 32 under the AB. I'll look it up when I get home.
 
The 273 4 barrel engine code is in the 68 service manual under VIN Codes, I've seen it. For some reason, 340, I doubt any were made.
 
Alright, here we go. I did more research and found this website that details the decoding process for the 66 fender tag. According to the tag it is a real Formula S car. It’s so cool to find out all the original options!

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1967 was the last year for the 273 four barrel...

Years ago, while at Duke Tufty Dodge in Sioux Falls SD, my parts man noticed the 1968 Parts Manual listed the 273 H/Perf. engine code for the VIN same as 1967, and here it is in my 1968 Parts Manual. Not an argument, just an interesting quirk.

68 VIN Engine Codes.JPG
 
In 1966 the Formula S should have a 150 MPH speedometer and a Tach. However, I pulled tach and replaced it with the standard vacuum gage. Then I ran a Stewart Warner Tach.
 
Years ago, while at Duke Tufty Dodge in Sioux Falls SD, my parts man noticed the 1968 Parts Manual listed the 273 H/Perf. engine code for the VIN same as 1967, and here it is in my 1968 Parts Manual. Not an argument, just an interesting quirk.

View attachment 1715471942
That is interesting. Notice at the bottom, N-340 and P-340 Hi-Performance.
 
I misspoke 65 cars did not but had the tach. Please forgive my old mind.
 
As a matter of fact all S cars should have the 150 speedo
Only in 1966, but to confuse matters the 150 speedo was standard with every 1966 Commando 273 in a Barracuda whether it was a Formula S or not.
 
A 66 273 commando I can't remember seeing one so I can't say much about that one but 66, 67, 68, and 69,s all should have the 150. I still have a 150mph 66 instrument cluster. I'll have to dig it out some day.
 
My 1968 Fastback Formula S 383 Auto had a 120 MPH Speedometer with Tach. My brothers 1967 Fastback Barracuda 273 2 barrel Auto with air had the 150 MPH Speedometer with a Vacume gage.
 
Since the 70's. I bought my 68 from a guy, and I'm all but sure he did not change anything but the rear gears and torque convertor. Everything else was original and untouched. The auto Trans was fried when I got it. My brothers 67 Barracuda was bought from the original owner, and I know he did nothing but regular maintenance. I always thought it was funny that the 383 Formula S had a 120 MPH speedo, while the 273 2 barrel had a 150 mph speedo. We later converted the 67 to a 273 Commando and I know he had it up to 140 MPH.
 
If you had them that long they probably did come from the factory that way. I worked in a gas station in the 60’s and 70’s right between Dodge main in Hamtramck and the Lynch rd assembly plants. And litterally a 1/4 mile from where all the 68 Hemi dart and cuda’s were parked along the fence to be picked up. There were a lot of variations from what was suppose to be. When the line ran out of something and they had a item that worked in went in the vehicle. But most of the formula S that I seen back in the day had the 150 speedo.
 
I seriously doubt it. I can tell when something has been into and I remember that car and still have it. As always, you can think what you will. A speedo was not a wear part back then. I can not remember what speedo the 67 273 4 speed Formula S car had.
 
People did not swap speedo's back then, let alone go backwards from 150 to 120. They used them up and then, usually just bought a newer model. Also when you worked on as many of these things as I have you could always tell when someone had taken something apart. They did not put them back together quite right.
 
Let me clarify my statement for you I SAID if you had them that long you are correct that is the way they come from the factory.
 
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