Question about 1969 Barracuda

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Colton Baker

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I recently bought two barracudas. One 1968 and one 1969. The 69 was a 383 4 spd car, I believe a formula s. It still has the 8 3/4 rear under it. I'm relatively new to the Mopar world. What options for gear ratios would a 69 383 formula S have come with?
Thanks,
Colton
 
Colton Baker said:
I recently bought two barracudas. One 1968 and one 1969. The 69 was a 383 4 spd car, I believe a formula s. It still has the 8 3/4 rear under it. I'm relatively new to the Mopar world. What options for gear ratios would a 69 383 formula S have come with?
Thanks,
Colton
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Not sure if the 3:23 SG was an option because I think Ma MoPar threw in some 3:23 peg legs under these cars, but 3:55 SG and 3:91 SG were options.
 
A56 said:
Not sure if the 3:23 SG was an option because I think Ma MoPar threw in some 3:23 peg legs under these cars, but 3:55 SG and 3:91 SG were optional.
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Awesome! Thanks a lot. Now to decide whether I stick with the 8 3/4 or spend the money to build a Dana 60
 
Download the parts catalog for your year.
Mymopar.com (free)

It will list all the gears by car etc.
 
Hey Colton, WELCOME to FABO from SoCal.
Depending on your power/torque output you may not need to step up to a Dana. MaMopar used the 8-3/4 on all performance platforms EXCEPT Hemi/4-speed and all 440 six-pack (auto and 4-speed) engines.
 
ocdart said:
Hey Colton, WELCOME to FABO from SoCal.
Depending on your power/torque output you may not need to step up to a Dana. MaMopar used the 8-3/4 on all performance platforms EXCEPT Hemi/4-speed and all 440 six-pack (auto and 4-speed) engines.
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I was thinking of going to a mild built 440 instead of a 383 like the car had originally. But I haven't decided yet. If I decide to go to a higher horsepower application I'll definitely go to a Dana but as of right now it probably won't be anything too crazy
 
Colton Baker said:
I was thinking of going to a mild built 440 instead of a 383 like the car had originally. But I haven't decided yet. If I decide to go to a higher horsepower application I'll definitely go to a Dana but as of right now it probably won't be anything too crazy
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If it is a numbers matching 383 I would keep it. They bring good money.
As for the 8 3/4 I beat the hell out of a stock 8 3/4 suregrip with a very healthy BBM for 4 years with no issues. The rear end is still in the car years later running strong.
 
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Welcome aboard Colton. Cool cars for sure. A little advice if I may? Leave the 383 in it, unless you want to work on that engine. In your own words, "new to mopar". You are in for a world of pain putting a 440 in it. Just cuz it's a big block doesnt mean ANY big block fits in there. 2 different animals.
Good luck.
 
4spdragtop said:
Welcome aboard Colton. Cool cars for sure. A little advice if I may? Leave the 383 in it, unless you want to work on that engine. In your own words, "new to mopar". You are in for a world of pain putting a 440 in it. Just cuz it's a big block doesnt mean ANY big block fits in there. 2 different animals.
Good luck.
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Unfortunately the original 383 isn't there anymore. I have a 383 I could build too but it needs to be bored. I'm still weighing my options as far as what to do with the cars. I'll definitely post updates and project pictures along the way
 
And one more 8 3/4 testimony. Yes the Dana can be stronger no question but that does not mean the 8 3/4 can’t take a beating. I have been drag racing a 8 3/4 spooled 433 with Cal Trax for several years. Stroked 440 making 600plus HP at crank. Figured I would run it till it broke then swap to a Dana. Still running it.
 
Welcome to FABO Colton, Congratulations on the cars would love to see some pics. My old man built a steel crank 440 for his Power Wagon back in the day and it hauled ***, backed by an 8 3/4. Never failed us.
 
Colton Baker said:
I'm near the outer banks and no I found them in Virginia
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Welcome to FABO Colton (my son's middle name). I'm glad you bought those two Barracudas, because on Face Book they kept calling me to come see them. If I had bought them home, with the two projects I have now, it probably would have led to severe body damage-to me, lol.
So, thanks,
Dan
 
Colton Baker said:
I was thinking of going to a mild built 440 instead of a 383 like the car had originally. But I haven't decided yet. If I decide to go to a higher horsepower application I'll definitely go to a Dana but as of right now it probably won't be anything too crazy
Click to expand...

4-bbl 440s, both auto and 4-speed, used the 8-3/4 rearend. Common Suregrip gearing was either 3.23 or 3.55.
The reason the Dana went into the six-pack cars was because they came from the factory with 4.10-gearing.
A mild 440 build should be fine with a 8-3/4.
 
Colton Baker said:
Unfortunately the original 383 isn't there anymore. I have a 383 I could build too but it needs to be bored. I'm still weighing my options as far as what to do with the cars. I'll definitely post updates and project pictures along the way
Click to expand...
383 stroker 431 cubic inches makes for a nice low deck power plant .
 
IMO the 8 3/4 will survive pretty much anything me might put in front of it. SG Dragster Alcohol injected 500" Rodeck. Before the car got slicks it was a sand car with a blown alcohol KB. I know the weight thing. Dual paddle tires and the KB didn't hurt it.
 
Does the stock gas tank clear a Dana 60 in an A body? Might have to got to a fuel cell with the 9 3/4.
 
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