Project 'Cuda (begins)

[mrbill426]

We finally got the time and nerve to tear into our (for now stock) '72 'Cuda.
If you all don't mind I expect I'll be asking all kinds of questions along the way, the first being engine removal.

The last time I pulled an engine it was a big block in a 4-speed B-Body, and it was easier to remove the engine/tranny as a unit. I would like to do the same thing with this 340 'Cuda, rather than mess with that 727 under the car. Is it just as straight forward as the B-Body was? Are there any (safe) short cuts I should know about? As I recall, the Road Runner had to be raised up fairly high on stands to get the engine out; same for the 'Cuda?

I'm asking on this thread because it's going to be a stem to stern "performance" project. If I'm required to post elseware I will.

Thanks!

[rumblefish360]

Nope, your posting in the right section for sure.

In swinging out the engine, I have yet to support the car on stands. The engine hoist by itself is fine and the removale is straight foward. Easy as pie.
I have an engine tilter that is a cheasssy unit, but help big. Just make sure you disconnect everything. Linkage, fuel & tranny lines, ground straps, distrib. wires etc....

I allways like to remove the tranny with the engine. A 4spd is a drag to do. A auto tranny is easy by compare. Beware of the kickdown linkage though. Also the distrib. since it's in the back of the engine. Chock the wheels.
After that....

Have fun!

[moparots]

Yep, I like to pull the motor and tran in one unit also. I just put a 360 and 727 in my Charger, yesterday. Everything went well until I put the motor/tran back in the car and the motor puller would not extend far enough over the engine bay (it kept hitting the bumper) about 8 inches short!
Brand new motor puller too!

I had to strap two 2x4s to the end of the lift to get the motor over the motor mounts. I guess thats a curse we Mopar lovers have to deal with, cars with hoods as long as entire cars today. Theres a good 2 feet from the fan to the front of the bumper in a 73 Charger

IMO....When putting the motor back in leave off the oil filter and maybe even the water pump and main pully also the distributor..makes it a lil easier.

[mrbill426]

Thanks for the tips, guys, it's been about 25 years since I did this. Luckly my wife likes cars too, beacuse she's gonna be wrenching right with me!

[rumblefish360]

LOL, I also should say, a good height adjuster would be to take off the tires. That should drop the car a bit. Just rest the body on the tires so theres some clearance.

OR, get a couple of freinds to sit on the car. Ha ha ha

[mrbill426]

Well, when I was in the service, we would let most of the air out of the front tires on bigger trucks so we had better underhood access.

[moparots]

Thats Great about the wife... mine is the same way... when I met her she knew more about cars than I did... She drove a 1968 Charger for ten years before I met her. BUUUUUT she spends a lil more time inside now that we have a 5 month old........... "ankle biter"

[rumblefish360]

"ankle biter" That is funny. Congrads.
I think you were responding to a different post though. This is in reply to my post on what my wife said on having many cars...Oh, Bill said that.

[eckertt@epri.co]

Mr. Bill,

We seem to have a lot in common. I am only 2 years older than you, and it was about 25 years ago that all I ever did after hours was building and playing with 68 and 69 Mopars. But stopped all that around 1980 when I left California. (68 Barracuda, 68 Charger RT, 69 Charger RT, and 68 GTX all were sold for only $700 each.)

But 3 years ago, my youngest son Andrew, now 17, showed an interest in Detroit Iron, so we bought a 72 'Cuda with 318 and have been restoring it. We have taken most of it apart, sand blasted the heck out of it, etc.etc. and will be finished for Spring 2005. It is going back together as a 360/904 and we have rebuilt almost every system on the car. This chat room has been a great help. Many people here are super great, especially dwc and rumblefish. (OK, watch for some head swelling)

Unlike your wife, my wife hates the 'Cuda. But my son loves it. I am not the expert that most of the other guys here are, but I do have recent experience on the exact same car (72 Cuda). So, in addition to posting here, you are also welcome to email me at eckertt@epri.com. I only access this account on weekdays 8 to 5.

Somebody else alluded to it, but I want to reinforce: REMOVE THE DISTRIBUTOR BEFORE YOU PULL THE MOTOR. Otherwise, you are guaranteed to destroy the distributor. Too bad we don't live closer.

Tim Eckert
72 Cuda 360/904

[rumblefish360]

Thanks Tim. I'll be sure to hit the relief valve on the side of my head daily. Doin a resto with your son must be great.
Like Bill, my wife and I get into it some times. She helped me do my first engine. Grabed a piston and rod assmebly and insisted on installing it. And then them and then a head and so on.
We still tinker around. Her job demands clean hands. Most people would shutter at a RN with grease on there hands.

Later this summer, I hope to have mine up and running again.

[4406RR]

good luck keep us posted on the progress

I guess I am the only one here who don't pull the motor with the trans.

But I am a little spoiled these days