1971 Plymouth Cuda 440 vs 1968 Chevy Nova SS396 | PURE STOCK DRAG RACE

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  • Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
  • 1971 Plymouth Cuda 440-6 vs 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS396. Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race. Factory Stock Drag Race.
    First car is a 1971 Plymouth Cuda. The other, a 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova. The Cuda has a 440 6-barrel (called a 440 6-pack in the Dodge world), and the Nova has a L89 396 V8 (like the L78, but with factory aluminum heads). The L89 in the '68 Nova Super Sport was rated 375 horsepower, and the 440 6 barrel in the Cuda was rated 385 horsepower. The 1971 Plymouth Cuda has a TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission, while the Nova SS has a 4-speed manual transmission. Rear gearing in the Nova is a very aggressive 4.56, and the Cuda has a 4.10 set. The weight of the Cuda with driver included is 3904 pounds, and the Nova has a 300 pound advantage, coming in at 3604. There were only 129 total 1971 Plymouth Cuda produced with the 440-6 V8. There were only 617 L78 equipped Novas produced in 1968 with a 4-speed (the featured car is an original L78, but the owner is using L89 aluminum heads. It's unknown if any 1968 Novas actually left the factory with L89 heads). Super Stock Magazine tested a '71 Cuda with the same configuration and it ran 13.72 seconds @ 106 mph. Car and Driver tested a L78 Nova SS396 with a 4-speed and 3.55 gears and it ran 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.50 seconds @ 101.1 mph.
    Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race (PSMCDR). FAST Factory Appearing Stock Tire factory stock. Super Car Drag Race.
    Remember, both cars participate in the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race series, so please check out their website: www.psmcdr.com
    Also make sure you find them out on Facebook.
    The rules for PSMCDR are listed below:
    For 1955 to 1979 musclecars built in United States and Canadian assembly plants with a minimum warranty of 12 months and 12,000 miles.
    Any car running faster than 11.50 will be disqualified and will not have a qualifying time recorded.
    Any convertible running faster than 13.50 will be disqualified and will not have a qualifying time recorded.
    Casting numbers must be correct for the year and horsepower claimed including intake manifold, heads, and exhaust manifolds. Blocks do not have to be "numbers matching," but they must be the correct displacement. Overbores up to .070" are allowed. Stock cranks only.
    All Engines - CR 1.5 extra points allowed over advertised.
    The camshaft must be correct for the year, model, and horsepower claimed for the type of lifter (hydraulic or solid). Roller cams NOT allowed.
    The valve train must be factory stock for the year, make, and horsepower claimed.
    The ignition system must be stock, including the distributor, cap, coil, and wires. Points may be replaced with any electronic conversion that fits under the stock distributor cap.
    The carburetor must be correct for the year, make, and horsepower claimed. Jetting and metering changes are permitted. THE CHOKE ASSEMBLY MUST BE IN PLACE AND FUNCTIONAL!
    Cast-iron exhaust manifolds are mandatory and must be correct for the year, model, and horsepower claimed. Internal modifications to the exhaust manifolds are NOT allowed. Under no circumstances will headers be allowed, including those cars that came with headers delivered in the trunk. Pipes must be routed as they were originally for the year, make, model, and engine combination. Mufflers must be stock looking in design, that is, oval in shape. No glasspacks or straight pipes allowed unless installed as original equipment. Maximum muffler inlet and outlet size is 2.5 inches. X & H pipes allowed.
    The radiator must be correct for the year, make, model, and horsepower claimed. No lightweight, aluminum radiators allowed.
    The camshaft must be correct for the year, model, and horsepower claimed for the type of lifter (hydraulic or solid). Roller cams NOT allowed. Duration at .050" lobe lift must be within 1% of factory specs. Lift at the valve must be within 2% of factory specs. Maximum stall limited to 2200 rpm.
    The transmission must be correct for year, make, model and engine of the car. 3-speed manuals may be upgraded to the correct 4-speed if originally available.
    The rear axle must be of the same manufacturer as the car. Any gear ratio is allowed.
    Reproduction tires or radial tires only.You are allowed to run tires one size over stock.
    Factory wheels only.
    Disclaimer: The Cars And Zebras UA-cam channel is a news channel bringing results/news of drag racing with added history of automobiles. All footage/pictures used were either captured by the Cars And Zebras channel, or used for critique purposes under Fair Use.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 306

  • @christeed7447
    @christeed7447 2 роки тому +150

    Im Chris Teed, guy in 68 nova super sport,,,a dude..car ran ok, it has a muncie shifter, handle but, its just a bolt on handle..to the hurst shifter, and linkage,,just still working out some issues with the tranny, have to let off gas, mostly all the way.. to get it in gear.. motors out, getting repaired after a dropped valve , and 4 speed gettin fixed also... should be all back together , shortly , and quicker.. thanks to Cars And Zebra... fun racing the 440 cuda,, quick car.

    • @nathanadrian7797
      @nathanadrian7797 2 роки тому +8

      Well done! You have a beautiful car.

    • @daveb8378
      @daveb8378 2 роки тому +7

      Still a beautiful car!

    • @randyrobey5643
      @randyrobey5643 2 роки тому +5

      It is clear that you are having some issues in the races. Your car should be lethal when you get it sorted out. Best wishes, and thanks for letting us see your car run.

    • @kimmorrison9169
      @kimmorrison9169 2 роки тому +4

      regarding your hurst linkage. Be sure the shifter “alignment” is correct for easier shifting. I also have an L89 Nova with Muncie and Hurst Comp Plus. The tranny was rebuilt last yr and the shifter linkage is out of alignment and locks up so thats next in my list.

    • @tonyelliott7734
      @tonyelliott7734 2 роки тому +6

      I bet the aluminum heads help you out with timing and the 11:1 compression as far as detonation.

  • @brucechargo3127
    @brucechargo3127 2 роки тому +40

    I own the 'Cuda. Big thanks to CAZ's. Keep up the great work. I am working on some "gremlins" in the motor. Hope to be faster next year. Fun facing the Nova. Great matchup.

    • @mrbizmarky1
      @mrbizmarky1 2 роки тому +4

      MPH 110 all 3 runs. Bracket car lol

    • @elijah2078
      @elijah2078 5 місяців тому

      Great running and beautiful car! Mopar or no car!!!

  • @stevethomas760
    @stevethomas760 2 роки тому +7

    Had three buddies that owned '70 Novas 396/375, 4sp cars. Back in the day I owned a '67 Camaro 350, 4p with 4:10 posi. Best running car I've ever owned by a large margin. Took it to the drag strip and one of my runs was against a GTX. I'd been jumping a half a car out of the hole. Spun to much and we were even, I thought oh shit this damm Plymouth isn't even breathing yet. At 3/4 of the way down we were neck & neck. To this day I remember talking to the car "come on, come on"! Got him by a fender, 14:23. Trophy is in the basement. Still brings a smile to this geezer

    • @frakplease3771
      @frakplease3771 Місяць тому +1

      68 SS Camaro 3.73 gears built 350 loved that car baby

    • @stevethomas760
      @stevethomas760 Місяць тому

      @@frakplease3771 A good bud stayed with us for a couple of days. We started talking cars and I brought up my Camaro. I've had some great cars over the years, the Camaro was special/great memories. Yep, it's the one I'd like to have back.

  • @1967davethewave
    @1967davethewave 2 роки тому +30

    This is the classic case of airflow vs torque. That big torquey 440/6 could really get that heavier car moving in a hurry but the Nova being 4 mph faster at the top end, in spite of it's 4.56 gears, shows how those big rectangular port heads move the air. Awesome race and both of those cars are just gorgeous.

    • @LTVX2
      @LTVX2 2 роки тому +4

      Don't forget the 300# advantage and solid cam .. THAT is where the mph came from..

    • @davegeisler7802
      @davegeisler7802 2 роки тому +1

      Nope ! Novas are ugly ... Sorry !

    • @danielslocum7169
      @danielslocum7169 2 роки тому

      very astute analysis.

    • @SealofPerfection
      @SealofPerfection 2 роки тому

      What it's actually a case of is, the Nova couldn't shift. Read the pinned post at the top and you'll see why.

    • @burningblue1254
      @burningblue1254 Рік тому

      Not so much. The 3 deuces flow more top end charge for the Cuda. The end carbs are rated as 500s and the middle 350. If rated as a 4bbl its 990 cfm. The Nova has a 780 cfm. The difference is the 4 speed giving it more legs. If the Cuda had a 4speed with Ronnie Sox driving............

  • @shovelrick1
    @shovelrick1 2 роки тому +5

    Around 1979-80 I had a 71 Cuda 383 pistol grip 4 spd that I broke a connecting rod in so sold it for $75, car was in fantastic condition and I kick myself everytime I think about it

    • @christopherekin1747
      @christopherekin1747 2 роки тому +1

      Rev limiter would have helped that situation.

    • @shovelrick1
      @shovelrick1 2 роки тому

      @@christopherekin1747 I have a Pertronix Flame Thrower III HEI with a digital rev limiter in my 68 Chevelle with a 489 now👍

    • @196924mike
      @196924mike 2 роки тому

      had a 1970 hemi cuda paid $2000. in 1973. Who would have thought they could be so valuable. Had a 440 gtx sold it for the cuda, too slow. but 440's sound so good with stock exhaust.

  • @randyrobey5643
    @randyrobey5643 2 роки тому +32

    I am a Chrysler fan, but I thought the Nova's light weight, super low rear-end gears, and 396/375 Chevrolet engine might be too much for a pudgy car like the Cuda. This is a great matchup between two legendary muscle cars. Thanks to the owners of the cars and CAZ for bringing it to us.

  • @tommycook9620
    @tommycook9620 2 роки тому +17

    That was cool I've grew up with a 68 nova my hole life of 40 years lol dad had a old school 68 nova SS race car from the 80s quarter tubbed and caged then he found me a 68 nova SS small block car both were factory 4 speed cars still have mine just put the steel wheels with the dog dish hup caps and a L88 hood on it something different lol still have my dad's car my dream is to finish it up in his memory I really hope I get it done in my life time hard not having a place to build it now

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому +3

      best of luck, to you, young man.

    • @justina3221
      @justina3221 2 роки тому +1

      Whole*

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому

      @@justina3221 ahahahaha! excellent! I've done the same thing, myself. about a hundred times. I found out the other day that the 3 little dots on the lower right of a post. will let you edit or delete something. yeah, when I see that I've done something like that, I get obsessed with correcting it. Happy New Year and good luck on the dad project. mine died when I was 3.

  • @JamesRS-tk6ep
    @JamesRS-tk6ep 2 роки тому +19

    I agree that it looks like a great matchup. I'm going to root for the Cuda' because I think they are amazing machines, and I always wanted one. Since this one has the 440, it's going to be a great race.

  • @Sforce68
    @Sforce68 2 роки тому +6

    Slicks on both and the Nova wins every time!

    • @donjennings9034
      @donjennings9034 2 роки тому +2

      Equally tuned and equal gears 440 takes it every time.

  • @charlesdalton985
    @charlesdalton985 2 роки тому +18

    Going to pick the Nova, with the L89 option being the tipping point. (EDIT:) More proof the 440/6 is an amazing engine. Two of my favorite engines duking it out - great racing. As always, thank you! 🌮 🌮

    • @CarsAndZebras
      @CarsAndZebras  2 роки тому +1

      🌮

    • @davegeisler7802
      @davegeisler7802 2 роки тому

      The 440 gets out of the hole well , however ive seen countless Mopars with 440/ 6 packs at the drags that just dont hold up on the big end like the Hemi does.

    • @charlesdalton985
      @charlesdalton985 2 роки тому +1

      @@davegeisler7802 True - Torque vs HP (440 vs 426). Still, in the average stop light Grand Prix, the 440 will come out on top, and there’s just something about the 3 carb induction that just gets me every time. It’s emotional as much as logical.

    • @davegeisler7802
      @davegeisler7802 2 роки тому +1

      @@charlesdalton985 no argument the 440 / 6 pack is a stout street racer , but up top she loses to the Hemi .

  • @v.e.7236
    @v.e.7236 2 роки тому +10

    Never had an issue shifting my Muncie M-21 4-speed from 1st to 2nd, it was always the long throw from 2nd to 3rd that was the tricky shift to nail w/ foot to floor.

    • @aphil4581
      @aphil4581 2 роки тому +1

      Never had a problem with mine either, wide open shifts. Close ratio and dual magnetic drain plugs in Corvette C-3.

  • @VIKING-SON
    @VIKING-SON 2 роки тому +3

    Well I actually owned a 1968 SS 327 4speed 411 car that I rebuilt the 327 11:5.1CR fuelly heads and aluminum intake a great car but the 4 speed Saginaw transmission was an issue some times.
    I was stationed in the Army at Ft.Carson Colorado in 1974 and trade the car even up for a 1970 440 six-pack Cuda with the hemi 4 speed Dana 60 rear with the traditional 4:10 gear set-up. Both were awesome cars and honestly the Cuda with Anson traction bars was a slightly faster car but not by much.
    Unfortunately I sold the car in 1986 and regret selling it to this day. I was a real Mopar fan for a number of years and worked at numerous Chrysler dealership for 16 years during the 80's and 90's. I owned a few different vehicle brands back in the day Chevrolet's a Pontiac GTO and then Mopars. Honestly I like all the U.S. brands not a fan of Euro trash or Asian stuff, and I don't care how fast they might be able to go.
    There is no substitute for rear wheel drive US made muscle cars, and vehicles including pickup trucks...
    We make the vehicle Germans and Europeans envy and wish they had...
    Because I was in Germany during the 80's and German males love our muscle cars 😉

  • @rickuyeda4818
    @rickuyeda4818 2 роки тому +3

    In '69, my friend bought a brand n Nova with the L-78 and auto with 4:10 gears. On stock tires, he ran a best of 13:04. Another friend had a '68 GTX which ran a best of 13:55 on cheater slicks 440, auto with 3:73 gears.

    • @stevethomas760
      @stevethomas760 2 роки тому

      A guy I know owned a '70 Nova 350 ci auto with 4:10 gears. A very strong car. Another friend had a '70 Nova 396/375, 4 sp. He asked me to set up a race with the 350 car, "Mike I don't think you want to race him". One of those you lose either way, the 396 should have dusted the 350. A big nooooo

  • @plymouthdie-castreplicas
    @plymouthdie-castreplicas 2 роки тому +6

    Awesome drag race! That's 440 Six Barrel power! Fabulous and badass Fish💪

    • @andrewp1998
      @andrewp1998 2 роки тому +1

      yah , I knew the cuda would take it!!

  • @jayschmahl9206
    @jayschmahl9206 2 роки тому +5

    Nice! That 'Cuda is soooo beautiful and the Nova, wow. I am a Mopar guy but would love both of them. Both winner's in my opinion.

  • @patrickcrabtree3162
    @patrickcrabtree3162 2 роки тому +2

    One of my all time favorite muscle cars hemi Cuda 440. 6 pack.

    • @Brian-dh9lp
      @Brian-dh9lp 3 місяці тому

      440 or the hemi? Which one?

    • @patrickcrabtree3162
      @patrickcrabtree3162 3 місяці тому +1

      @Brian-dh9lp I like the Cuda 440-6-pack although I've never driven one nor have i driven any Cuda. I've only seen them at car shows or t.v. or internet. I also like the 1970 chevy chevelle with either the 396 or that big boy 454 that had some torque and power

  • @mannyr.2756
    @mannyr.2756 2 роки тому +3

    I know a lot of guys feel the need for that manual stick, but the reality is when it comes to drag racing automatic is the way to go, I am not surprised that the manual Nova had issues, if anything it was expected and sure enough that automatic Cuda took him down, but that Cuda was no slouch it got quicker and quicker but the same mile-an-hour impressive!....

  • @CudaRebelsAutoModeling426
    @CudaRebelsAutoModeling426 2 роки тому +4

    After seeing so many GM products having all the fun on this channel its really nice to see another Mopar in the spotlight, especially when its a 'Cuda, my favorite car! That Nova was absolutely stunning and raced like a bat out of hell with that 396 and with such a lightweight chassis! But the 'Cuda with the 440 Six Barrel just blew my socks off especially considering they are so rare, most people are too afraid to race them so hard anymore, or ANY rare muscle car for that matter! this video absolutely made my day CAZ! I love all cars, GM, Ford, AMC, Studebaker, Etc., but iv always had a EXTREME sweet spot for Chrysler Products, I also really respect these people who are willing to show us viewers what there incredible machines are built to do, to drive well and DRIVE HARD! thanks for sharing! :-)

  • @jorgendahl5024
    @jorgendahl5024 2 роки тому +1

    My brother had a 66Chevelle SS396 which was B&B stroked with lightened frame, 12.5 to 1compression, using custom high dome pistons and built 427 heads paired with a Muncie comp 4 spd, 411 rear end, custom built drive shift because the stock ones kept twisting, lightened interior and a few other mods. Dyno showed 648 hp and 535 fp torque. Ran in the 10s.

  • @tonymonastiere8510
    @tonymonastiere8510 2 роки тому +5

    You're not showing pricing of these cars. Bring all that info back, please!
    Today's cars are not even close to that fun factor we had with these 60's - 70's machines.
    Mopar was a nice piece to own!

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому

      right!? I liked how he priced the options.

    • @196924mike
      @196924mike 2 роки тому

      have cts v now . Faster, handling, breaking, mpg, superb. But the 60-70 were so much fun and affordable

  • @robertstevens1537
    @robertstevens1537 2 роки тому +1

    I love it when you go over the Options and Costs, especially the Inflation.

  • @pinkysgarage4517
    @pinkysgarage4517 2 роки тому +2

    What an awesome way to start the New Year.
    Thanks Cars and Zebras!!

  • @danmyers9372
    @danmyers9372 2 роки тому +6

    Going with the Cuda due to the more consistent automatic Trans.

  • @suregrip8853
    @suregrip8853 2 роки тому +3

    Great video, thank you for saying six barrel and not six pack, you know your MOPAR lingo.

  • @360escapades
    @360escapades 2 роки тому +3

    I want to see 72 to 74 cuda races

  • @mtwedt
    @mtwedt 2 роки тому +5

    Great cars and great match-up. Automatics seem to have a big advantage in these races

    • @danpals7678
      @danpals7678 2 роки тому +3

      My torqueflite in my 66 Charger shifts very fast. And chirps into second gear. And that's with a 3.23 rear-end. Just put the pedal down and go.

  • @chevyblue10
    @chevyblue10 2 роки тому +3

    I'm a Mopar man that absolutely loves Novas, (I owned one)...and 440s, (I owned one). The 440 6 packs ruled the streets back in the day and often sent the hemis home, tail tucked between the legs. This one shows why, mid 12s all day everyday. Very impressed with that Nova's times too though. I think it would have done even better with 4:10s.

    • @mikeh.753
      @mikeh.753 2 роки тому

      Until it the 440 went up against an Chevelle SS 454. Than it didn't rule so much. I had a 70 Chevelle SS 454 in the 70's in Orange county California and I raced lots of Mopars with 440 engines including Cudas and not one could keep up.

    • @christopherekin1747
      @christopherekin1747 2 роки тому

      @@mikeh.753 Depends who's behind the wheel and who's doing the tuning. Ronnie Sox behind the wheel would handle most Chevy's.

    • @stefanovichmichael9686
      @stefanovichmichael9686 2 роки тому +1

      Maybe in your streets, but most every where else it was Chevy power that dominated the street.

    • @stefanovichmichael9686
      @stefanovichmichael9686 2 роки тому

      @@liilllllliil9711 Which manufacturer has the most NASCAR wins? Petty did it with a Ford also. Chrysler was heavily backed with factory $$$$ Chevy wasn't, and records show it won far more races across the spectrum than sad case dodge. Check the facts.

    • @mocharger06
      @mocharger06 2 роки тому

      @@stefanovichmichael9686 Look at the Chevys in the early 70s in NASCAR. They had to whine their way to try and make their cars competitive. Destroking the Hemis and the Boss 429s didn't work, so eventually, they took their ball and went home. In the first two years of Pro Stock in NHRA, they made the Boss Fords and Hemi Mopars keep adding weight, until they were no longer competitive. Even in Super Stock, the stop dog was the SS/A and SS/AA, even against the 454 Chevys.

  • @rong4189
    @rong4189 2 роки тому +5

    Good one! The Nova has more potential with 4 more mph but, not easy to do with a 4 speed.

    • @johndeeregreen4592
      @johndeeregreen4592 2 роки тому +2

      The MPH being higher than the ET indicates, this says there are traction issues. His MPH isn't going to improve much; his ET is what needs work. His MPH is more indicative of a car running 12.20s to 12.30s.

    • @rong4189
      @rong4189 2 роки тому +1

      @@johndeeregreen4592 Yes, potential for better ETs at the same MPH, but more difficult with a manual trans.

  • @michaelmyers3892
    @michaelmyers3892 Рік тому

    Back in 1985 I bought my uncle's 1970 Chevelle SS 396 it cost me a small fortune but I remember that car from my childhood and seeing it sit since 1980 I wanted it and I made every sacrifice I could to get that car, well it's 2023 and I still have my baby I am not 100% sure what a factory 396 4 barrel with iron heads puts out but she's all original and I know she launches hard and fast, those little 396 are some great motors

  • @louiskats5116
    @louiskats5116 2 роки тому +2

    Goodday C & Z,
    You know me I am a Mopar Man.
    I had my money on the Cuda all the way.
    Beautiful Nova , that is one beautiful tough Nova.
    It would of been nice if Plymouth made it standard that all Cuda's got the Rallye Dash that would of finished the Cuda off beautifully.
    All the best for 2022.
    Your number 1 Fan in Australia
    Louis Kats from Melbourne Australia ☺ 👍 ❤

    • @christopherekin1747
      @christopherekin1747 2 роки тому

      Australia loves their Mopars awesome.

    • @louiskats5116
      @louiskats5116 2 роки тому

      @@christopherekin1747 Hi Christopher,
      Back in the 60's & 70's they used to make Mopar's in Australia.
      Of course us Aussie's love Ma Mopar ❤❤❤❤
      Cheers
      Louis 👍

    • @christopherekin1747
      @christopherekin1747 2 роки тому

      @@louiskats5116 I'm quite aware and have read that. I understand that Chrysler Australia was quite successful in both automotive and marine production/sales. All the best to our friends in the down under.

    • @louiskats5116
      @louiskats5116 2 роки тому

      @@christopherekin1747
      Thank you
      If you Google
      1970 Valiant VG 770 Hardtop Hemi 6 cylinder numbers matching
      That's what I cruise.
      Cheers
      Louis 👍

  • @andycheek766
    @andycheek766 2 роки тому +1

    Yep that's kind of what it looked like cruising on the weekends back in high school. And Chevys and Fords or Rock solid usually the pour on Mopar products kept breaking things and couldn't get the parts to replace them. Ah the 70s

  • @sr71blackbirddr
    @sr71blackbirddr 2 роки тому +2

    Love that Cuba but Kudos to whoever was banging gears in the Nova some impressive times.

  • @gary9426
    @gary9426 2 роки тому +7

    Looks like another great matchup...I'm going with the Nova, just because of the weight advantage.

  • @srt8rocketship241
    @srt8rocketship241 2 роки тому +3

    Cuda improved every run. Big Block in an E body. Badass , right from the factory.

  • @johndeeregreen4592
    @johndeeregreen4592 2 роки тому +1

    Oh wow, the ET and trap speeds shows that Cuda wasn't having traction issues, whatsoever. Those cars are notorious for not spinning off the line, so it's not a surprise. My dad had one with a built Hemi that would slightly lift the tires off the line (while only running high 10's).

  • @mynameis9057
    @mynameis9057 2 роки тому +2

    I never saw a pistol grip shifter knob on an automatic transmission before. I wonder if the owner modified it to fit or was it a rare factory option? Hmmm. Thanks again.

    • @mocharger06
      @mocharger06 2 роки тому

      It's not a pistol grip shiter. The Torqueflite had a rather large shifter knob.

  • @gristlepounder
    @gristlepounder 2 роки тому +6

    Based on the MPH and weight, those cars are making very similar HP.

  • @1951RKP
    @1951RKP 9 місяців тому

    A friend had a 1969 El Camino with the SS396/375 and his did come with the aluminum heads. It was a great running car for its day. 13.20’s at 110 MPH

  • @WildDiamond07
    @WildDiamond07 2 роки тому +4

    If the '68 L89 Nova didn't have Muncie-itis, it could've been the champ here.

  • @turdferguson4124
    @turdferguson4124 2 роки тому +4

    I’m surprised the Nova didn’t have a much larger weight advantage over the ‘Cuda. 71 big block E bodies are a bit on the heavy side and that body style Nova doesn’t seem like it would weigh much at all, especially with the aluminum heads. The Nova may have been better served by a set of 4.10 gears.

  • @aphil4581
    @aphil4581 2 роки тому

    Had a 1970 440 SIXPACK Challenger slap stick. It really woke up with 4:10 gear Dayna. Smoked the tires in all 3 gears 200+ ft with the stock tires.

  • @clasvirhodes4969
    @clasvirhodes4969 2 роки тому +1

    I always loved mopar 6 barrels. I dreamed of owning a 340 six pack w/ posi 410 gears

  • @bccev770
    @bccev770 2 роки тому +2

    Slick videos man, and beautiful cars👌👌

  • @josephnewcomb5670
    @josephnewcomb5670 Рік тому +1

    That Nova is tough....reminds me of my old 69 Big Block Car

  • @srt8rocketship241
    @srt8rocketship241 5 місяців тому

    Love 'em both. The 'Cuda looks like it's going 100 mph sittin still.

  • @curly27784
    @curly27784 2 роки тому +4

    Muncie shifters were JUNK! When John Delorean put the first GTO specs together, one of his first changes was a Hurst shifter in place of the Muncie butter churn.

  • @Cham_Balam
    @Cham_Balam 2 роки тому +1

    This commentator sounds so cool I'm listening to this at work and I could visualize his awesome commentary! He could be talking about Hot Wheels and it still would be 10/10! Bravo Cars an Zebras Bravo

  • @ct87gn25
    @ct87gn25 2 роки тому +2

    Didn't get a chance to say goodbye chevelle girl. Have a great New Years!

  • @johnjubie7144
    @johnjubie7144 Рік тому +1

    The 440 6 barrels, 6 packs were probably the best value in the whole muscle car era, when tuned properly they were in the top 10 percent, all for about $250.00 upcharge.

  • @illegalmachine
    @illegalmachine 2 роки тому +2

    727 + driver mod gets the win on that one. So consistent.

  • @bobbydavis3723
    @bobbydavis3723 2 роки тому +2

    that hemi cooked the novas goose

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому +1

      lol!

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому +1

      actually it was the 440+6 motor. still a funny as hell comment tho!

    • @markg7030
      @markg7030 2 роки тому +1

      No hemi was used in this pair up.

  • @drmrdude1965
    @drmrdude1965 2 роки тому +3

    Yet heavier than the Nova , better rear-end, automatic transmission 😁

  • @davidcampbell1306
    @davidcampbell1306 2 роки тому +2

    Back when I used to street race in the eighties I used to hear that complaint quite often that I missed a shift from GM owners with 4 speeds.. I had a 69 Pontiac Lemans with a Muncie 4 speed and a hurst shifter. I never missed a 1-2 shift or 2-3 or 3-4

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому +1

      it has to be the quality of the driver. back in my day, one of my buds, had a '72 Road Runner, 4 speed, with an inline ratchet shifter. he missed gears in prolly over half of his races. I had other buds, like you, that never missed one. '68 Mustang and a '69 RR. I'm a 727 guy. I like to win automatically.

    • @CarsAndZebras
      @CarsAndZebras  2 роки тому +3

      The problem isn’t the Muncie transmission itself, but the shift linkage with the Muncie shifter. Notoriously terrible. Yours having a Hurst shifter probably remedied quite a bit of the issue.

    • @Jesus-gh8gm
      @Jesus-gh8gm 2 роки тому

      lol

    • @alanwylie8960
      @alanwylie8960 2 роки тому

      @@CarsAndZebras, I had a 70 Chevelle SS that had the 4 speed Muncie trans and I had all kinds of problems with the linkage until I put the Hurst shifter in and never had anymore problems.

  • @marktwain2053
    @marktwain2053 2 роки тому +1

    With the same tranny configuration, even with the gear ratios, the Nova would have won all three rounds.
    Shifting a manual is a whole different game!

  • @lilredexptsc
    @lilredexptsc 2 роки тому +3

    Mopar baby!

  • @170cuda
    @170cuda 2 роки тому +1

    Well that means the driver weighed over 400 pounds for the Cuda. Listed weight (without driver) is at 3,475 pounds.

  • @WillsSmallEngines
    @WillsSmallEngines 2 роки тому +2

    awesome video, how do you know which cars race together?

  • @1johnnysteve
    @1johnnysteve Рік тому

    So cool the owners chimed in!

  • @craigewen4187
    @craigewen4187 2 роки тому

    Yes man that shifter is an issue .Factory shifters didnt have that issue so id check that before a rebuild and see whats going on or makes the difference.Beautiful car and nice to see and hope to see it back minus the issues .

  • @segarza
    @segarza 2 місяці тому

    Would have liked to see the performance difference with an automatic in the nova. Or a stick in the Cuda. Both cars were very consistent. Nice match up.

  • @bigthunder2860
    @bigthunder2860 2 роки тому +1

    I'm impressed with the Cuda 110 mph 👌

  • @18BIG78
    @18BIG78 2 роки тому

    I am a mopar power fanatic and it was nice to see the cuda step it up but my hat is off to the Nova it's just too beautiful muscle cars shaking it out like we used to when we were young tips to both racers

  • @mikeleclair1308
    @mikeleclair1308 11 місяців тому

    Great track,our company's test track.Mike does a fantastic job of operating a very cool facility.

  • @Jesus-gh8gm
    @Jesus-gh8gm 2 роки тому +2

    No way id have an original junk factory shifter on a drag strip!

  • @bongodave13
    @bongodave13 6 місяців тому

    No losers here. Both cars are gorgeous!

  • @mrkemblegilstrap
    @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому +2

    have you guys been watching the latest Steve Maginati(sp?), Mopar/Junkyard crawl series? or his project stroker police car he's gonna build 👍

  • @1badhaircut
    @1badhaircut 2 роки тому +1

    I’ve had cars with finicky gear boxes and had good results smoothing them out by using MTL from Redline but check with the forums because I’ve only done it with Mustangs and Dodges.

  • @jimhall5472
    @jimhall5472 2 роки тому +1

    Hey, the 396 went 3/4 of a mile without dropping the bottom end, that’s a good day. Beautiful Mopar!

  • @joshuac9996
    @joshuac9996 2 роки тому +3

    69 people watching, nice

  • @stretch54
    @stretch54 2 роки тому +1

    Torque usually wins races and the Cuda's 490 to the Chevy's 415 really shows.

    • @danielslocum7169
      @danielslocum7169 2 роки тому

      40+ cubes.wonder how a simular 427 would do? and then theres that pesky 426 hemi.

  • @georgeharleydavidsonrider156
    @georgeharleydavidsonrider156 2 роки тому +1

    Your videos are great.Old School American Muscle Cars. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

  • @bw3506
    @bw3506 2 роки тому +4

    Those are some fine examples of muscle 💪 💪 right there. Both beautiful cars. Muncie-itis is a new one on me but I feel their pain. I've had a couple 4 speed cars in my time so I know what it's about. Guess the Mo-cubes made up for the weight on this one. Thanks for the sweet vid. 👍

    • @howabouthetruth2157
      @howabouthetruth2157 2 роки тому +3

      Yeah, the Muncie was always known to be inferior. I've always heard guys complain about missing gears due to the shifting being rather sloppy.

    • @CarsAndZebras
      @CarsAndZebras  2 роки тому +2

      I have an extensive collection of vintage car mags, and they always seem to complain about the Muncie in almost every review.

    • @bw3506
      @bw3506 2 роки тому

      @@CarsAndZebras I had a Muncie in my 69 Corvette. It wasn't horrible but it also had 2 sets of holes in the factory shift linkage to make it very short throw on the forward gears. I moved it into them and fine tuned the shifter. Actually broke the stick off the top of the shift block one time. IDK if multiple holes like that was common on other cars or not.

    • @malcolmhamilton5200
      @malcolmhamilton5200 2 роки тому +1

      The Muncie wasn't a Nova's biggest disadvantage. The E70 rear tires were. That's the most rubber they could get into their wheelwells stock.
      I remember these cars when they were new and it was a rare/lucky launch with those solid lifter 396s that they'd hook up on the street or track.
      The Mopar with it's factory pinion snubber, semi elliptical, staggered super stock rear leaf springs and bigger, wider 15"(not 14") tires had a built in advantage hooking up.
      The other advantage was most of it's superior torque(No one every won a drag race with horsepower) was available earlier in the torque band and hung on all the way through the rpm range.
      Never count any 440 out until all 1320 feet are used up.
      Have to say that first pass by the Nova was very impressive. I never saw one run 13s much less 12s, on biased ply E70s back in the day.
      Malcolm Ottawa Valley

    • @johndeeregreen4592
      @johndeeregreen4592 2 роки тому +1

      I am from Muncie, Indiana, so that term had me rolling.

  • @mrkemblegilstrap
    @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому +1

    Happy New Year guys!

  • @joebacarella2829
    @joebacarella2829 2 роки тому

    I had no idea Cudas weighed that much, huge Cuda fan.

  • @sabba_dabba8649
    @sabba_dabba8649 2 роки тому +1

    I normally pull for Mopar, and enjoyed seeing the cuda win, but was kind of rooting for the no go and felt bad for the driver having Muncie-itis lol

  • @geraldlafleur7776
    @geraldlafleur7776 2 роки тому

    Ya baby, that's a strong coda. Especially for a 71 carrying all that weight.

  • @fjohnson9749
    @fjohnson9749 2 роки тому

    Take the synchros out of that muncie and see how easy it shifts. The synchros just get in the way.

  • @stevesvoboda9816
    @stevesvoboda9816 2 роки тому +2

    That 440 is a beast. The Hemi barely edged it out. I think the Nova wins 60' but the 440 reels him in.

    • @hillybillysillysally5086
      @hillybillysillysally5086 2 роки тому +1

      Not a hemi lol just a 440 six pack

    • @stevesvoboda9816
      @stevesvoboda9816 2 роки тому

      @@hillybillysillysally5086 What's your point?

    • @hillybillysillysally5086
      @hillybillysillysally5086 2 роки тому

      @@stevesvoboda9816 why call it a hemi?? Because it’s not

    • @mikebockey4125
      @mikebockey4125 2 роки тому

      @@stevesvoboda9816 , that you said it was a hemi and it’s not. i saw the point right off.

    • @1965l88
      @1965l88 2 роки тому +2

      @@mikebockey4125 No, he didn't say it was a Hemi. What he was getting at was, on the street the Hemi barely edged the 440 out.

  • @mrkemblegilstrap
    @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому +2

    Wow! great cars. great racing. I'm Mopar and that Cuda gave me goosebumps. man, these things ran good!
    hey, I do have a question. I've seen this Cuda before and you didn't mention the pistol grip automatic shifter, that time either. this is the 2nd car in my life that I've seen like this. any thoughts?

    • @danpals7678
      @danpals7678 2 роки тому +1

      I would love to have a pistol grip. Is that available on an automatic?

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому

      @@danpals7678 that's what I've asked every time he's shown this car. nobody has ever said anything. he plainly says, it's an automatic. he shows what appears to be a center console with what appears to be an automatic transmission with a pistol grip shifter. so, IDK.

    • @brucechargo3127
      @brucechargo3127 2 роки тому +1

      I own the Cuda, the Pistol Grip shifter is an aftermarket piece, but I have found it more reliable than the T-handle "Slap-Stick" . It looks cool too.

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому

      @@brucechargo3127 hi! oh, cool! thank you for writing. I thought this mystery would never be solved. dude, your car is absolutely beautiful, for sure. and if it wasn't unique enough, the shifter takes it to another level. I did love the T handle, slap stick. it performed flawlessly in both, the Challenger and Charger that I had 40 years ago. my RR and Bee were both "blessed", (lol!) with column shift. the company that makes your shifter must be small and/or hard to find. thank you for sharing your awesome car and thank you even more for racing it, as was intended when Mopar built it.

  • @Walkercolt1
    @Walkercolt1 2 роки тому

    That's a LOW SQUEEZE California EMISSIONS MOTOR! The ORIGINAL compression ratio was 14.85:1!!! The HEMI was offered up to 15.15:1! Built for 107-110 octane pump gas (Sunoco Blue, Gulf No-Nox, Amoco/Standard Gold Crown, Texaco Super Fire Chief (limited availability), Citgo Super (very limited availability), Chevron Purple, Phillips Super Flite-Fuel (LA) , Conoco Super Dino Extra (LA), and a few others I don't know about in my part of the country when I was a pump jockey. Atlantic-Richfield and Humble and Eastern and West Coast Oil Companies and SOHIO I don't know their brands from say, '65-'71 when super premium leaded gasoline died due to the EPA banning tetraethyl lead in gasoline effectively as an octane booster in pump gas. I pumped a local brand @ 106.

    • @nojunkwork5735
      @nojunkwork5735 Рік тому

      14.85, and 15.15 comporestion ratos? Not hardly. 440 has 10.18, and the Hemi 10.25.

  • @lelomiliken7598
    @lelomiliken7598 2 роки тому +1

    Cuda was biting!! 💥💥💥💨.

  • @skylarsoper241
    @skylarsoper241 Рік тому +1

    A well massage 396 revs way higher than a awesome 440 so if driven right can smoke an 440

  • @williamroberts6803
    @williamroberts6803 3 місяці тому

    I’d take the 396 every time.my favorite engine.

  • @LITTLE1994
    @LITTLE1994 2 роки тому +2

    It already looks the Nova will win.

  • @michaelpierce3246
    @michaelpierce3246 Рік тому

    With these types of cars races are won coming out of the hole

  • @rickbullock4331
    @rickbullock4331 2 роки тому

    Not too shabby for both cars.

  • @albundy8052
    @albundy8052 2 роки тому +1

    The car weight????
    Driver weight 300 lbs or 100 lbs???

  • @peterbedrosian622
    @peterbedrosian622 Рік тому

    both cars are beautiful i wonder how they would run with slicks on them better e/t

  • @ABs70nova
    @ABs70nova 2 роки тому

    Curb weight vs grvw makes a massive difference. nova with small block weigh around 3400lbs with 3 gal gas/ac and bench seats. big block add more

  • @brettmarshall5895
    @brettmarshall5895 2 роки тому

    That race was all about gearing.

  • @vincentsimon4037
    @vincentsimon4037 2 роки тому

    You could tell the shifting was mucked up for the 2nd and 3rd round with the Nova. Did the owner forget how to race?

  • @68dart
    @68dart 2 роки тому

    Awesome , Thanks C&Z

  • @brucedammann1068
    @brucedammann1068 Рік тому

    The 383 and 400 are far better and more dependable than the 440..
    For race and or power the Hemi is King!

  • @Welcometofacsistube
    @Welcometofacsistube 2 роки тому +2

    Mopars; takes one to catch one

  • @josephwirtz8352
    @josephwirtz8352 2 роки тому +1

    Can someone please explain how the winner of the first race was determined?

    • @tabbott429
      @tabbott429 2 роки тому +1

      who crossed finish line first wins regardless of time.

    • @gturbod9848
      @gturbod9848 2 роки тому +1

      Nova got to the finish line first therefore won the first race. The Cuda has a faster time but the Nova left first

    • @joshbenge
      @joshbenge 2 роки тому +4

      The driver of the 'cuda fell asleep at the line. The clock doesn't start until the car moves. The majority of races are won and lost at the starting line.

    • @mrkemblegilstrap
      @mrkemblegilstrap 2 роки тому

      these 3 replies are definitely correct.

  • @steveburlingame1935
    @steveburlingame1935 10 місяців тому

    Im a mopar man but that nova 300lbs lighter and 456 gears shouldve beat that cuda but im glad that cuda won

  • @kma7685
    @kma7685 2 роки тому

    Consistently wins every time

  • @clarkleakins879
    @clarkleakins879 2 роки тому

    They need to find a Baldwin Motion 427 Nova for a nostalgic race.
    The Nova with a Turbo 350/400 automatic transmission would have been a more equal challenge.
    Stick shift has too much variation for the driver launch/gearbox clutch/shift timing. Cuda should have been stick shift too.
    Find a 340 six pack to race a 350 Nova.

  • @Clutch6
    @Clutch6 2 роки тому

    How many minutes between shifts in that nova.

  • @ABs70nova
    @ABs70nova 2 роки тому

    Those trap speeds show there both making over 400hp