73 Cuda LS Swap
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 248
Likes: 100
So I keep forgetting about this thread. Mainly because I do everything on YouTube now. Which, is Krusty Classics Garage. If you like LS swaps and LS Swap info, thats what the channel is all about at the moment.
But anyways. I've finally upgraded the Cuda. I have given it a much needed front end re do but, I went with coil overs over the factory suspension. All because I wanted to get rid of the torsion bars. They just take up so much open space right where headers would go. Of course putting in an engine that was never meant to go in means header/manifold options was very limited. Since the beginning of this build I wanted long tubes but back when I did the swap I just needed whatever was cheap and would fit. But now, with the torsion bars out of the way I should be able to make a set of long tubes work. Specifically my best bet is a set of 67-69 Nova/Camaro long tubes but we'll get to that when I figure out what I want to do with the rest of the exhaust.
Along with the brand new front suspension I also replaced the entire power steering stuff (gear box, pump and lines) that was a whole debacle by itself as I first went manual then had to go back to power steering (its all explained in a youtube video lol)
Then, for fathers day my wife or as I call her "The Investor" bought me a new set of wheels. So, I went from chevy style uni lug wheels that were rattle canned black and impossible to clean to a fresh set of Mopar steele wheels with ACTUAL paint on them.
The coil over kit is from HDK Suspension. I went with SPC upper control arms so that adjusting the caster/camber is much easier than having to adjust the factory style caster/camber bolts. Before all of this I added a set of single adjustable QA1 shocks to the rear and just those alone fixed the horrible ride in the rear. But now, with the 51yr old factory suspension out of the front that I was daily driving on for 2 years is now updated and at least in the 21st century lol
I believe the coil over shock is too tall but, all in all it rides amazing compared to before. I eye balled the alignment so we'll see if I keep destroying front tires every 5 months.
Also, as I stated way back in the beginning of this thread I wanted a 6.0 in the car. Well I got lucky and now have 2 to choose from sitting in the garage. Both used and worn but, those are my favorite.
I'll post as many pics as I have. If you'd like to see more check out my YouTube.
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
But anyways. I've finally upgraded the Cuda. I have given it a much needed front end re do but, I went with coil overs over the factory suspension. All because I wanted to get rid of the torsion bars. They just take up so much open space right where headers would go. Of course putting in an engine that was never meant to go in means header/manifold options was very limited. Since the beginning of this build I wanted long tubes but back when I did the swap I just needed whatever was cheap and would fit. But now, with the torsion bars out of the way I should be able to make a set of long tubes work. Specifically my best bet is a set of 67-69 Nova/Camaro long tubes but we'll get to that when I figure out what I want to do with the rest of the exhaust.
Along with the brand new front suspension I also replaced the entire power steering stuff (gear box, pump and lines) that was a whole debacle by itself as I first went manual then had to go back to power steering (its all explained in a youtube video lol)
Then, for fathers day my wife or as I call her "The Investor" bought me a new set of wheels. So, I went from chevy style uni lug wheels that were rattle canned black and impossible to clean to a fresh set of Mopar steele wheels with ACTUAL paint on them.
The coil over kit is from HDK Suspension. I went with SPC upper control arms so that adjusting the caster/camber is much easier than having to adjust the factory style caster/camber bolts. Before all of this I added a set of single adjustable QA1 shocks to the rear and just those alone fixed the horrible ride in the rear. But now, with the 51yr old factory suspension out of the front that I was daily driving on for 2 years is now updated and at least in the 21st century lol
I believe the coil over shock is too tall but, all in all it rides amazing compared to before. I eye balled the alignment so we'll see if I keep destroying front tires every 5 months.
Also, as I stated way back in the beginning of this thread I wanted a 6.0 in the car. Well I got lucky and now have 2 to choose from sitting in the garage. Both used and worn but, those are my favorite.
I'll post as many pics as I have. If you'd like to see more check out my YouTube.
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
best images to post on fb
Last edited by 78TranzAm; Jul 27, 2024 at 06:01 PM.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 248
Likes: 100
Figured since I was sitting around today after finally finishing the 70 Torino I ls swapped I'd update anyone that follows this build on here still.
About 3ish months ago I ended up in a little fender bender (Female pulled out in front of me. I slammed on the brakes and swerved to miss her. I hit a truck sitting at a stop light waiting to turn and she drives off)
But that little fender bender which in pics doesn't look like much, practically destroyed what was left of the Krusty front end. Crimpled the fender, destroyed everything behind the headlight along with what holds the healight in place. Destroyed the grille, obviously the bumper, bent the passenger side bumper brackets. Even made the passenger side strut rod pop out one of its bushings.
So, although I had no intention of re-doing the front end ANYTIME soon. I always preferred the 71 Cuda front end. For me, its a top 5 front end of any American muscle car ever made (closer to top 3 for me).
I got lucky and found a pair of new re-pop front fenders on marketplace in houston. I got them for $400! Basically free in mopar land. Both fenders had shipping damage but I didn't care. Popped out a big dent on the driver fender with my diversity hire (hammer) and the passenger side was kind of squished and bent up some. I did though have to pay full price for lower valance and header panel. Got a grille for $750 for my birthday. Long story short, about $2500 later and I now have a 71 front end. I also hit it with a 2x matte clear coat.
pic upload
About 3ish months ago I ended up in a little fender bender (Female pulled out in front of me. I slammed on the brakes and swerved to miss her. I hit a truck sitting at a stop light waiting to turn and she drives off)
But that little fender bender which in pics doesn't look like much, practically destroyed what was left of the Krusty front end. Crimpled the fender, destroyed everything behind the headlight along with what holds the healight in place. Destroyed the grille, obviously the bumper, bent the passenger side bumper brackets. Even made the passenger side strut rod pop out one of its bushings.
So, although I had no intention of re-doing the front end ANYTIME soon. I always preferred the 71 Cuda front end. For me, its a top 5 front end of any American muscle car ever made (closer to top 3 for me).
I got lucky and found a pair of new re-pop front fenders on marketplace in houston. I got them for $400! Basically free in mopar land. Both fenders had shipping damage but I didn't care. Popped out a big dent on the driver fender with my diversity hire (hammer) and the passenger side was kind of squished and bent up some. I did though have to pay full price for lower valance and header panel. Got a grille for $750 for my birthday. Long story short, about $2500 later and I now have a 71 front end. I also hit it with a 2x matte clear coat.
pic upload
