1968 Plymouth Barracuda 340-S Fastback
ET Drag Racer
Here's a photo of me leaving the starting line at Seattle International Raceway (now known as Pacific Raceway) in April 1989. The only thing different about the car is that it now leaves harder and runs in the 11.40s at 118 MPH (best ET: 11.34 at 118.6 MPH). Pretty wild? I used to think so. Now, making a pass down the strip is like a cruise in the country. I must need more speed! About the car...
MAKE:
Plymouth
MODEL:
1968 Barracuda 340 Formula-Sport
ENGINE:
340 CID + .030" V8, OEM forged crank, (polished and shot-peened) rods and (ported) heads, 12.5:1 pistons, Holley 830 CFM carb and Strip Dominator intake manifold, .540/.570" flat tappet cam, Harland Sharp rockers, Milodon 7 quart oil pan, high volume oil pump, top-end oiling restricted.
TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH:
Chrysler A-833 4-speed, using Liberty Gears' Pro-Shifted Hemi internals, aftermarket Liberty Gears aluminum-magnesium-nickel case, Direct Connection aluminum extension housing, old V-gate shifter. 11" heavy duty "scalloped" pressure plate w/ sintered-bronze disc, 45 lb forged flywheel, safety bellhousing.
REAR AXLE:
Chrysler 8.75", 4.86:1 "pro" 9310 alloy gears, spool, Moser axles, 9x28" drag slicks on 15x8.5" Centerlines. The gears last five seasons and then go "bang". Axles last about that long before twisting.
FRONT SUSPENSION:
OEM, using 60/40 shocks and 6-cylinder torsion bars.
REAR SUSPENSION:
Chrysler "Super Stock" leaf springs moved in to subframe, home made pinion snubber and crossmember. Rear body lowered 2" to compensate for added height of taller tires (made a BIG traction improvement).
OTHER:
MSD 6 ignition, fully mechanical tachometer. No rev limiter - just don't miss a shift! Electric waterpump & fan drive w/ homemade electronic thermostatic control. 6-point roll bar and subframe connectors added for safety and chassis rigidity. Plexiglass door windows w/ no crank mechanisms (they still go up/down). Fiberglass hood. Everything of unimportance and consequential weight removed. Race-ready weight - 3,030lb + driver.
MACHINIST:
L.D. (Dennis) Smythe
Skykomish Automotive Machine
150 S. Ann Street
Monroe, WA 98272-2342
Phone: (360) 794-8087
