Engine Swap: 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340

The Plymouth Barracuda was in its last year in 1974. And it’s one of the few “pony car” nameplates that haven’t made a comeback (Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and Dodge Challenger all have). Though the seller’s car advertises itself as a ‘Cuda 340, there was no such car after 1973, as the 340 had been replaced by a 360. Located in Cleves, Ohio, this sharp tribute (it’s a real ‘Cuda) is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $26,997, reserve unmet. Kudos, “Curvette”, for the tip!

With the performance market cooling off starting around 1971, the ‘Cuda 383, 440, and Hemi were all gone when the 1972 model year opened. The ‘Cuda 340 was top dog for a couple of years until Chrysler replaced it (kind of) with a 360 that enthusiasts don’t seem to get as excited about. A 318 cubic inch V8 became standard fare in the ‘Cuda (horrors!), and that’s how the seller’s Barracuda was built per its VIN. A 727 automatic transmission is also along for the ride.

There wasn’t much to differentiate the 1973 Barracuda from the 1974. The latter came with large rubber bumperettes for enhanced safety reasons, but they have been removed from the seller’s car. The sheet metal here all seems to be original and rust-free, but the B5 Bright Blue paint has surely been redone (and well). The black bucket seat interior looks as good as it did decades and 71,000 miles ago.

We’re told the previous owner had this Mopar for 40+ years, which no doubt covers when the 318 was swapped for the 340. The replacement engine has been rebuilt (when?) and is said to perform quite well. Upgrades include an aluminum intake manifold to support a slew of factory equipment, both mechanical and cosmetic. The word “excellent” appears more times than any other word in the seller’s listing. If you’re looking for a ‘70s ‘Cuda and don’t mind the NOM (non-original motor), these cars don’t come much nicer without being framed-off restorations.