Forget About the HEMI, This 1974 Plymouth 'Cuda Small-Block Stroker Sounds Vicious

That's when the third-gen model debuted with a more aggressive design and engine lineup that finally included big-block mills larger than the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8. Sure, the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI and 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB were previously offered in limited-edition specials, but they weren't included on the regular options list.

1970 saw the Barracuda hit dealerships with a massive list of powertrains to choose from. Plymouth offered a pair of slant-six units and no fewer than five V8 lumps with various carburetor configurations. Most of them were carried over for the 1971 model year. However, Plymouth dropped all big-block engines from the lineup for 1972.

Not only did it discontinue the 426 HEMI and the 440 RB, but Plymouth also removed the bread-and-butter 383 from the options list. As a result, the 1972 Barracuda came with just two V8 units to choose from: the 318- and 340-cubic-inch (5.2- and 5.6-liter) small-blocks.

The lineup remained unchanged for 1973, but the 340 was replaced with a 360-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) option in 1974, the Barracuda's final year on the market. Not surprisingly, the 1972-to-1974 examples are nowhere near as desirable as their 1970 and 1971 siblings nowadays. But are these late third-gen 'Cudas terrible?

Well, the entry-level V8 version is nothing to write home about. The 318-cubic-inch mill came with only 150 horsepower in 1974, an output comparable to the slant-six cars of the golden era. But the 360 V8, which was new in 'Cuda that year, was quite potent at 245 horsepower and 320 pound-feet (434 Nm) of torque.

Granted, it was nowhere near as powerful as the HEMI or the 440, but the range-topping 1974 'Cuda was quick enough to run the quarter-mile in less than 16 seconds. And that's nothing to sneeze at for the era. And even though it had lost its big-block engines, the 'Cuda still looked cool during its final year in showrooms.

Moreover, it's a pretty solid option if you want a fast 'Cuda that won't break the bank. HEMI and 440 cars are awfully expensive nowadays. The former fetch in excess of $500,000 in all-original condition, while the latter is already a six-figure gem gunning for the $200K mark. A 1974 'Cuda is way more affordable. And as you'll find out in the video below, you can get HEMI power by upgrading a small-block V8.

Showcased by YouTube's "Nick's Garage," this 1974 'Cuda looks like a nice restoration on the outside. However, the twin scooped hood hides a nasty surprise that turns the hardtop into a muscle car worthy of the golden era. I'm talking about a 360 V8 stroked out to 408 cubic inches (6.7 liters) and loaded with performance parts.

And don't let the smaller-than-the-HEMI displacement fool you; this lump cranks out as much oomph as its iconic 426 siblings. Specifically, the dyno run indicates an output of over 425 horsepower and torque in excess of 490 pound-feet (664 Nm). The V8 is also louder than the mighty 426. Actually, it sounds downright vicious, and I'd take it over any big-block mill from the golden era.

This 1974 'Cuda just drove itself to the top of my mid-1970s Mopar builds. The owner is one lucky (and decidedly happy) chap! Oh, and assuming this rig is a factory 360 manual 'Cuda, it's one of only 430 sold that year. How cool is that?