cuda 3 speed stick-how many?

I do not have a build sheet for my cuda, only have the fender tag. Its a 73 cuda with a 340(E55) and a 3 speed manual transmission(D13). I was able to track down one of the first owners and he told me that the car was ordered that way for drag racing. Apparently the 340 was replaced early on with a 70 340 motor which was too much power for the 3 speed. I was told the flywheel kept coming apart and thus a 727 was bulit for it and put in. Thats how she sits today. I am sorta curious though, as I have never seen a 3 speed behind a 340, are these rare. I am thinking about putting a 4 speed stick in the car but maybe I should go the 3 speed route? Just an idea. Any of you mopar gurus have any thoughts on this. Without the build sheet is there anyway I can find out more info about the car?

Hello, The 3 speed manual transmission was the standard transmission used on barracuda's and 'Cuda's in 1973. However, almost everyone ordered either the optional automatic trans or the optional 4 speed manual trans, which results in the 3 speed manual cars being quite rare. There were 30 barracuda's (BH VIN) with 340 and 3 speed manual in 1973. There were 289 'Cuda's (BS VIN) with 340 and 3 speed manual in 1973. Rare is not the same thing as desirable though, so don't expect the value for your rare 3 speed manual car to be any higher than a car with an auto trans.

I'm fond of the 3 speed manual transmissions because they are unusual in that you don't see them very often. They sort of make a car stand out from the crowd a little at a show. I wouldn't want to own one though. I prefer auto trans for driving, just personal preference. If you like 4 speed manual, then I'd say go for it. The 4 speed cars seem to be worth just a little bit more than the others, even if it's not original, and you'll enjoy it. If you happen to have the original numbers matching 3 speed manual trans, just keep it safe and send it with the car if you ever sell the car, but it doesn't sound like you have the original trans anymore anyway.

If you'd like to know more about the car and you don't have the buildsheet, the fender tag will be your biggest source of info. You can post it here if you'd like help decoding it. Lots of people here enjoy decoding tags. It's also worth checking out Barry Washingtons Hamtramck Historical website, where you can search for your missing broadcast sheet. He collects them and tries to reunite them with their correct cars. He may have other info about your car on file also. You could also try contacting Galen Govier about your car, but I believe it costs money and there is a wait, and in the end it's basicaly the same info you'd get here for free. Moparts is great!

Tav

Awesome, thanks Tav
I dont really care that much about the money thing as the original motor and tranny are long gone. It was something that I always wondered about. Very cool to have an answer thanks again

Wow this is kinda cool as I came on here to find out where I can find seals and Gaskets for a 73 340 3spd transmission in a Cuda we are restoring it is totally orginal numbers matching. Did not know the numbers were so low.

Hi I also have a 73 cuda 340 3 speed!


lets talk

mine is also numbers matching

My Duster is a 340 3 speed stick car. Its not a numbers car as the original drive train went MIA many years ago. I have several 4 speeds, a Jamie Passon 5 speed, and a couple 3 speeds to choose from. After a lot of mocking up and swapping around I ended up going with a 3 speed. Several reasons; It's what the car came with, I have owned and driven a few and actually like how they operate as compared to a 4 speed, and I already had one that Jamie Passon restored for me (he can get you gaskets etc. btw). Mine's behind a 450HP stroker SB, I'm sure it will hold up just fine on the street or at the track although slicks might be a game changer.

BTW, the Passon 5 speed is going into this

Quote:

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My Duster is a 340 3 speed stick car.

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A-230 NP...

Had one OEM in my '70 Duster many moons ago...

It got pounded...

Hard...

(Nice first gear...Second gear is a let-down)..