1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda Engine Bay Resto Thread at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

The ‘Cudas 340 engine was next up for paint preparation. The parts were stripped and cleaned, and new gaskets were used on reassembly. The bottom end was inspected when the pan was removed, and we noted that the engine is in fact numbers matching to the car and is original. Very cool.



The engine was cleaned and prepped for paint and rolled into the booth.

Chrysler 340s of this vintage are all painted assembled, and the color is a medium blue.





The paint flowed out really nicely, this is straight out of the gun.



The accessories were stripped and painted the appropriate original colors as well, and the reassembly began.



The front accessory drive was painted low-gloss black, and here, the pulleys, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and alternator are installed.

Any update/finished pics? After going through all that work I'd have replaced the water pump just out of precaution. It would have been a snap with the engine on the stand.

Yardley wrote: Any update/finished pics? After going through all that work I'd have replaced the water pump just out of precaution. It would have been a snap with the engine on the stand.

Yes, we did install a new water pump and returned the original to the owner so that he could possibly have it rebuild someday to retain the correct casting.

Back in the car, the A/C lines, blower fan, heater control valve, and resevroirs were all reconditioned and reinstalled.



More engine parts and details installed.




Soon, the engine was ready to return to its home in the ‘Cuda’s nose!



More firewall details. Brake components replaced or restored as needed, as were the wiring harnesses and hoses.



…. AAAAAND TOUCHDOWN!



Note the tape and towels to help protect the fresh paint from “whoopsies”.