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?

Sounds like you own a really rare and cool car.

The "N" code and E63 on the fender tag only tell you the car came with a 383-4bbl; it does not tell you which version, 330 horse or 335 horse, the car actually recieved. Many sources incorrectly list the 68 and 69 H code and the 70 N code as the HP version of the 383.

You need the broadcast sheet to know which engine assembly was installed.

"L" is the code for the 2bbl 383. I don't think I've seen a source that lists the "L" code for a 383-4bbl 330 horse car.

L code is always two barrel, N code is four barrel...An L code with a four barrel means someone changed the intake & carb...

My Challenger is an N code non R/T (JH27N0B).
The engine is blue if its an automatic and would be orange if it had a 4 speed.
I'm pretty sure a 3 speed manual would have been available, when I was looking for a convertible in the mid 90's a guy offered to sell me a '70 R/T 383 vert with a factory 3 speed manual, although I never traveled to see the car in person.
Here is a picture of a '70 N code 383 B'cuda that I saw a few years back. It was a gran coupe though.

Engine on that FY1 Barracuda.

I have the original BCS.

Anyway, the 1970 Plymouth service manual is one source, it states: N=383HP & L=383. The broadast sheet gives the N and E63 code.

E63 being the code for 4bbl - E61 being code for 2bbl. The N is code for 335hp 'Cuda 383 engine?

The fender tag agrees w/ broadcast sheet, dash VIN, VIN # under radiator decal & cowl. The last few digits of VIN are also stamped on pad on block. Everything matches.

There were 59 383 2bbl BH27 L code cars built with 727 auto.

I knew there had to be N code Chally V8's too!! Awesome, and the photos of that Gran Coupe are too cool, thanks so much for posting them.

I didn't know about the 383 727/blue, 383 4 speed/orange, where did you hear or get this info if you don't mind my asking?

All N codes are E63...Not all N code/E63 are 335HP it depends on Transmission, A/C If you cuda is a 4spd non-A/C it got the 335hp engine...

This totally conflicts with the 1970 Plymouth service manual and Pymouth 1970 Parts catalogs that states all N VIN code 383's are HiPerformance 335hp and all others 2bbl & 330hp)are L code!!!!!!

Where did you get this info if you don't mind my asking, I've never seen anything like it before and it totally disagress with everything Mopar printed for their service departments to order the right replacement parts (cams, springs, etc.) Is it a 1970 dated Mopar document??

The 1970 dealer brochure never mentions the 335hp engine as optional for a 4 speed Barracuda or for any Barracuda.

Either way, thanks for at least shedding light on this topic, you may be 100% correct...it would be no wonder the autos were painted blue, if they weren't HP motors to begin with, and the 4 spds orange if they always were.

Someone mentioned once that the cam should be measured to see if it was to 1970 440HP/375hp specs and the corresponding color coded 440HP valve springs checked to their color. I don't know how to measure a cam, don't think you can. Thanks bro!!

Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself or others that your car is "rarer" than it is.
per GG's "white book" (should be fairly accurate ) built to US specs:

1970 Barracuda convertibles with 383 2bbl (automatic only) BH27L0B = 59
1970 Barracuda convertibles with 383 4bbl (automatic) BH27N0B = 36
1970 Barracuda convertibles with 383 4bbl (4-speed) BH27N0B = 17
1970 Barracuda convertibles with 383 4bbl (3-speed) BH27N0B = 6
also:
1970 Barracuda Gran Coupe convertibles with 383 2bbl (automatic only) BP27L0B = 54
1970 Barracuda Gran Coupe convertibles with 383 4bbl (automatic) BP27N0B = 66
1970 Barracuda Gran Coupe convertibles with 383 4bbl (4-speed) BP27N0B = 18
1970 Barracuda Gran Coupe convertibles with 383 4bbl (3-speed) BP27N0B = 2

This would also mean that an original numbers matching BS23 or BS27 'Cuda & original JS23 & JS27 R/T Challys - if you got the automatic and 383 you didn't get a Magnum or Super Commando engine, and I don't think there is an original owner out there that can say this is a fact.

I've never seen a 330hp engine in a 1970 R/T or 'Cuda?

All 'Cudas and all R/T's all had HiPo engines...4 speed or not. I think there is a hole in this answer...big time, and still room for lots of debate. I think this info you provided is false in these ways. IMO - what do you think, is there any truth in what I've stated, let's hear from someone that knows for sure. I knew this might be a hot topic of debate so don't take what I've said the wrong way. cool! that green chally vert you've got is bad [Edited by Moparts - Keep it clean] and you do know what you're talking about.

The b'cast sheet holds your answer:
What is the 3 digit number under ENG on line 4?
What is the 2 digit number under CARB following it on line 4?

1970 N code 383s were both 335hp orange HPs with HOLLEY carbs & 330hp blue with CARTER carbs.

383 automatic - E, C & B-body - with A/C (H51) & w/o ECS..... blue engine 330hp
---------- Carter 4732S ----------part number 3418 540
383 automatic - E, C & B-body - with ECS (N95)................... blue engine 330hp
---------- Carter 4734S ----------part number 3418 541

383 automatic - E & B-body - with ECS (N95)..................... orange HP engine 335hp
---------- Holley R4218-A ----------part number 3418 543
383 automatic - E & B-body - with A/C (H51) & w/o ECS....... orange HP engine 335hp
---------- Holley R4369-A ----------part number 3418 562

Post deleted by 69DartGT

It's late...very sorry to act like this to new friends here...just hate to be accused or implication of anything other than trying to find an answer eluding me nearly 20 years.

My H51 car did get a carter carb, the part number you supplied is my original carter carb.

The engine code is 086 - so the 3rd digit is a 6.
The carb code is 40 - so the 2nd digit is a 0.

Yes, this must explain what version, I've not been able to decipher the engine codes in line 4 on BCS.

May help prove the 335hp engine was optional on base BH/BP & JH/SE, something every Mopar mag and book neglects to inform or produce an example for our viewing pleasure and authentication in the hobby. I've seen a million 'Cuda's & R/Ts and no base model 383 cars that get exposure. If I've been rude and obnoxious, many apologies...

I have a JH Challenger Convertible with N code, I will pull the build sheet tonight and post those codes. I am curious, hopefully someone can tell us what they mean. I also have the original carb 4218 Holley with N95 on the car. I went through the same thing before starting the resto, and decided to keep it original instead of another R/T clone.

Looks to me like you are not reading Dan's posts.They are not confusing.An L Code car is a 2bbl ...not a 4 bbl.Galens production figures are taken from the 1970 SG 30's...an option and accesories report printed every year that breaks down all the options by percentage points.As stated ..the N code cars could have either the 330 or 335 horse 4 bbl engine....the SG30's do not differentiate between the two.I've seen 3 N code converts come up for sale in the last 3 years...only one had AC,one had the 335 horse eng with the 355 perf axle package and one had no fender tag.The actual production figure for these cars is probably closer to 50 as the 36 figure is for US cars only....does not include Canadian cars or Export Cars.