My 1970 Barracuda 383 convertible, BH27NOB, is 1 of 36 383 four barrel cars built for '70, according to several sources.

There were 3 different 383's available in '70 for Barracudas. Two were L code (5th digit in VIN) - the 290hp 2bbl and the 330hp 4bbl. The other, the N code, 383HP 335hp engine that was standard in all 1970 'Cudas.

The total production number of 36 has lumped/combined these two very different 4bbl versions together - the L code and the N code. The difference is the 440 cam & color coded springs installed that adds the 5hp. I have only seen one other BH27N in past 19 years of research - on the net awaiting a resto. I have seen maybe 3 BH23 & 4 or 5 BP23 Gran Coupe HT's that were N code 383's - so I know they were built/exist, mine being just one survivng example.

None of the Mopar mags or books even acknowledge the N code 383 that was standard on 'Cuda was also the most powerful optional engine for BH23/BH27/BP23/BP27 - 727 auto and 4 speed cars, not even dated 1970 factory dealership Barracuda brochures mention N code as even an option, stating the 330hp L code was most powerful 383 for Barracuda...so very few were built, very few remain today.

My car was ordered with A/C, and the engine is painted a blue, not a trace of hemi orange on it anywhere, as in all HP 'Cuda engines should be. I recall an article or quote years ago by GG that a car ordered with A/C the engine is 440/350hp blue and not 440HP/375hp hemi-orange, even the air cleaner is blue, not black wrinkle paint.

This includes the BH and BP 4 speed cars - as a 3 speed was not available for N code for '70, right? Topic must also include the 1970 Challenger V8's (non-R/T's) maybe even SE's too. The confusion exists somewhat by assigning 383 2bbl and 4bbl's the same L code in VIN? Any thoughts guys?