68 Barracuda

Posted By: ESP47

68 Barracuda - 05/28/09 03:49 AM

I recently purchased a 68 Barracuda with a slant 6 and a 3 on the tree. It's in pretty good condition. I already have a slant as my daily driver and I want this to be my V8 project car. My dream would be for it to have a 340 with a 4 speed. I don't know much about the V8 world and I was just wondering if you guys could give me any tips on what it takes to change to a V8. I know I'll be needing a new tranny, rear end, suspension etc. Just wondering what the pros, cons and best ways of going about it are. Thanks!

Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: 68 Barracuda - 05/28/09 04:44 AM

You can either use Schumacher motor mounts on the Slant k-frame or change the k-frame to a V8 style, or spend lots of money and get an Alterkation!

You can use the stock suspension and just change out the torsion bars and the 9" brakes to 73-up A-Body single piston disks, and use an 8-1/4 from the same donor car for the rear so you will have big bolt pattern all around. Lots of options out there, depending on how crazy you want to get.

You will need an A-Body 4-speed, bellhousing, floor hump, shifter, and linkage. You can use the pedals already in the car. Brewers has everything you need except for a driveshaft. You will have to get another steering column or just remove the tree handle. The swap is really pretty straight-forward, all it take is money...

Posted By: klunick

Re: 68 Barracuda - 05/28/09 09:24 PM

Quote:

You can either use Schumacher motor mounts on the Slant k-frame or change the k-frame to a V8 style, or spend lots of money and get an Alterkation! You can use the stock suspension and just change out the torsion bars and the 9" brakes to 73-up A-Body single piston disks, and use an 8-1/4 from the same donor car for the rear so you will have big bolt pattern all around. Lots of options out there, depending on how crazy you want to get.

You will need an A-Body 4-speed, bellhousing, floor hump, shifter, and linkage. You can use the pedals already in the car. Brewers has everything you need except for a driveshaft. You will have to get another steering column or just remove the tree handle. The swap is really pretty straight-forward, all it take is money...

One thing Rhino forgot to mention. The V8 k-frames changed from 72 to 73+. You want the 73+ in my opinion. Doing a frame swap is much cheaper than the Alterkation. I am not slamming the later as I have it for the Superbee and it is great. But, for most of us, a k-frame change can fit the bill. The +++ of going with the 73+ is you can run factory disc brakes, Get the proper LCUs with the tabs and swaybar goes through the frame and eliminates some wheel travel issues, All the front suspension pieces are readily available including Idler and Pitman arms, and you get the bigger bolt wheel pattern.

Posted By: Jim_Lusk

Re: 68 Barracuda - 05/28/09 10:10 PM

You don't need to swap the k-member to run factory disc brakes of any year, but that doesn't mean the swap to the spool mount doesn't make sense.

Posted By: furious

Re: 68 Barracuda - 05/29/09 08:37 PM

I have made this swap a few times. My 68 Barracuda vert was originally a /6 car. Used a v8 k frame from same year a body, and added the 75 duster disc brake set up.
Added an A-body 8 3/4, and bought big bolt pattern Moser axles.
I didn't go the stick route, but it would have been more fun.
Good luck with it!

Posted By: 69L78Nova

Re: 68 Barracuda - 05/30/09 03:02 AM

Quote:

The V8 k-frames changed from 72 to 73+. You want the 73+ in my opinion.

I guess it depends on what youre doing with the car. the 73-76 K's use a spool mount, which is a better mount, but looks very funny in a pre-72 A-body. Also, dont be stuck on a 340. Theres nothing magical about a 340. keep your eyes open for a 360. Built equal for equal, the 360 will always come out ahead.