Upgrades galore!

[Longgone]

This winter I took the old engine/trans out of the Barracuda and installed a new rotating assembly that`s just shy of 500 ci`s (which added almost 60 cubes) as well as a ported set of Mopar aluminum heads. That necessitated bigger tubes on the headers and 3" exhaust which I wanted the pipes going into stainless tips. The big tubes make access to #6 spark plug a #$%^&* so I drilled an access hole in the inner fender to get to it.The cherry on top was a Keisler/Tremec 5 spd. with hydraulic clutch. I can`t believe the change this trans has made in the car. I`m running a 3.91 gear with a 2.89 first gear. The car takes off like a rocket and I can go right through the gears and cruise the interstate at 70 mph revving only 2200 rpm. I also added a lightweight Denso alternator that gave me 15 more amps and is internally regulated, so I could remove the voltage regulator. A multi-spark helped out with the low end and in addition I was able to remove the ballast resistor. One major improvement I made was a Flaming River U-joint steering coupler. After a complete frt.end rebuild the front end and steering never felt that good. I removed the existing steering coupler and installed the Flaming River steering coupler and Shazam the car feels tighter than ever. Here`s a couple pics to share with you all of the latest upgrades. I hope somebody can benefit from what I`ve shared here. The trans is awesome!!!

 

[AdamR]

Car looks awsome. I used the flaming river U joint on my car to do th epoer to manual steering swap. Nice piece.

 

[Longgone]

Thanks Adam , I never realized how sloppy the original steering coupler was (even after a rebuild) until I installed the Flaming River piece. Part# FR1506M for manual column to manual steering box. It really tightened up the front end more than any other part I`d replaced there.

 

[slantscamp]

forgive me for my question. it may be dumb. but i take it the coupler is just a replacement of the stock? should i do this piece also when i rebuild my front end. i have power steering and was going to leave it on there. does this coupler work with power steering?

 

[mikedevore]

I like the valve covers, what brand are they?

 

[AdamR]

forgive me for my question. it may be dumb. but i take it the coupler is just a replacement of the stock? should i do this piece also when i rebuild my front end. i have power steering and was going to leave it on there. does this coupler work with power steering?

They make one that will replace the coupler and another for going from power to manual steering. Its about $120 so its not cheap but if your swaping to a manual box and need an adapter anyways its the same price and a better part.

 

[daves66valiant]

Looks awesome. Very nice install of your five speed. The hydraulic reservoir looks like it belonged there all along. I can't wait to launch my car.

 

[memike]

2200 at 70 miles an hour!!! You've got to love that.
Longgone has raised the bar for me! Now you can send it to me
and let me hand you a check for it.
Keep up the good work and don't take any offers for it.

Congratulations Longgone.

 

[Longgone]

I like the valve covers, what brand are they?

Procomp Motorsports

 

[Longgone]

Looks awesome. Very nice install of your five speed. The hydraulic reservoir looks like it belonged there all along. I can't wait to launch my car.

Originally I had it on the right side because the voltage regulator was in the way. When I went to the Denso alternator I was able to remove the V.R. and put it in a little cooler place. Between the M/C for the brakes and the slave cylinder I`ve managed to get brake fluid all over everything in that corner and the paint is showing it! If I ever do things over I`m going with DOT5.