1974 Cuda Stroker RIPS! - Fairy Tale or Horror Story?

[@PlymouthVT]

"I have to drive it hard. That's why I'm here" lol...put that on a t shirt please. Beautiful beastly car. You lucky bastard.

[@davenorman8251]

Nick has that "Ooo Baby" look on his face as he dumps the clutch.

[@billrook6165]

I love Nick's sinister chuckle when he breaks 'em loose. LOL

[@NicksGarage]

😈

[@rodrigocampos510]

😂

[@andrewthomson2228]

Hi from Scotland, it's 10 to midnight and as a truck driver I am about to leave the yard on my 14 hr shift,but couldn't go until I watched the end of yet another great video,I love Nicks youthful enthusiasm,all the best.

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks for hanging out. Have a safe shift. 👍

[@HiTechOilCo]

@Nick's Garage - Nick, the Barracuda's right front tire/wheel has so much negative camber, the car can drive on its side! Holy out of alignment!

[@kevinm9838]

Having Nick build your motor and drive your car, is like the ultimate Mopar honor!

[@rodrigocampos510]

Yes, indeed. I am in line waiting on the Legend! Mr. Nick Panaritis

[@minnesotatomcat]

I have a feeling there’s gonna be more people looking for Nick to build them a bored and stroked 360 after these videos, very impressive small block power! 👍

[@nealrehm6900]

Very cool muscle car neck! Back in the day, 1974 out on interstate 75 just in to Kentucky I had an impromptu race with a yellow Cuda magnum. I was driving my 1970, hugger, orange, formula Firebird 400 4 speed with my brother in the right seat. The yellow Cuda had three people in it, and with a nod of our heads and nobody on the road we decided to hit it! It wasn’t from a standing stop, we slow down to about 50. I don’t know how we both hit it at the same time, but we did it three times. What I remember is that the Cuda left a huge cloud of blue smoke/oil every time! It was worse when he decelerated. This went on for about 5 miles. On the third jump I’m looking at the Cuda and I’ve got a lead on them by maybe 10 feet what I didn’t realize was there was an old farm truck coming up on the entrance ramp that was only doing maybe 40, I was hitting 135 ! My brother sees this green old farm truck and says he’s going to pass, he’s going to pass, and just about that same time I see this truck!! I push in the clutch and bear on the brakes. The Cuda, who is in the same lane as the old farm truck comes around me, and does the same thing! I I wind up, taking the shoulder of the road on the left fishtailing a bit while the yellow Cuda is covering my windshield with droplets of oil! My brother is white as a ghost, holding on for dear life. We both go around the green pick up truck as we’re passing through 80, we get back into our respective lanes and nobody else is on the road except me the yellow Cuda and a green farm truck about a mile behind. We both slow down to about 60 and we look at each other and realize, we’ve both had enough! The Cuda gets off at the next exit, probably to fill up his engine with oil! I was probably 25 years old and there’s a reason why insurance companies don’t give us really good rates when we’re young. Love your channel I watch it all the time. NWR

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks for sharing. This story should be put to music!

[@nealrehm6900]

What kind of music,maybe stairway to heaven! Or sympathy for the Devil!

[@victordjinn632]

@@nealrehm6900 I was thinking "Eastbound and Down-Jerry Reed".

[@nealrehm6900]

That would be good to sings how I always had a citizen band radio and all my vehicles! And still do!

[@minnesotatomcat]

There’s not many cars from 1974 that still looked good but the Cudas still had it! 👍

[@darrellsomers5427]

The SD 455 pontiac fire bird ran in the 13 seconds stock with low compression,it weighed more then the 74 cuda ,if you have a slowpar if it doesn't have hemi heads or good aftermarket heads it sucks lol power will always be in the heads I think nick sucks he couldn't even get 350 HP out of a boss 302 lol ,and the 340 that slopar guys think is so great nick had to do head work and an after market cam to get 1 HP per cubic inch lol

[@minnesotatomcat]

@@darrellsomers5427 how many engines have you rebuilt to 1:1 or better?

[@Bige4u]

Now thats what you call... enjoying the fruits of ones labor.

[@timbullough3513]

Old Jim Rockford would approve those U turns

[@hurtlocker6611]

thats the nicest 74 Cuda ive seen , just love that paint job.

[@NicksGarage]

It is a real head turner.

[@Orcinus1967]

Is that original paint? Anyone know what color?

[@robertwest3093]

Big block power in a small block package. Can't beat that!

[@ed.puckett]

I love it when Nick goes "heh heh heh" after romping on an engine. Like a cat's purr, and Nick is satisfied.

[@chriswalshe499]

Yeah he does. It's his post-burnout heh, heh, heh.

[@nickolasbullington1643]

That opening was cinematic gold!

[@JohnnyAFG81]

Man this Cuda hits hard! The owners are definitely going to feel the need to power!

[@NicksGarage]

We hope they love it as much as we do.

[@tomfry131]

That was awesome some more videos of that. She is sweet

[@baird5776mullet]

Thanks for the Demo Nick, i had a 69 roadrunner 383 auto in 1975 the same color as that one with a white vinyl roof.

[@OlSgtLove]

I know one thing for sure ...The owner better be super careful when putting the pedal down on Goldalox , cause she'll hookup and get away from you if not careful ... What a beautiful and powerful Cuda !!!!!!!

[@360escapades]

73 cuda here. 340 3 speed manual. The Forgotten Cuda

[@NicksGarage]

This one will be hard to forget.👍

[@360escapades]

​@@NicksGarageI meant my car. :)

[@blinkie1523]

Awesome intro George and sooooooooooooooooo fitting for a Cuda of this calibre.

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you like it! Thanks Blinkie.

[@jayweiss4378]

I have a 73…. Nothing flash…Makes me smile just seeing it in the garage

[@TheDutchPathFinder1]

Those rear tires definitly have seen better days.....but thats the way the cookie crumbles huh? 🙂

[@NicksGarage]

When you own a car like one of these, tires are like socks at summer camp. They don't last long.

[@scottd4426]

Give the kid a ride Nick . poor Nico is drooling on the side of the road for a ride . Show him whats possible when you do a job properly and with passion

[@gulfy09]

Just a ride in the passenger seat only for now..

[@nateschneider936]

My Dad has a 70 Cuda that he built a 408 stroker for...very similar to this. It rips! Those small blocks wind up so fast. I love it.

[@curto9664]

hey nick, we used to call them "daily doughnuts" ! yes what a beautiful beast!

[@susanholiday7347]

I just 🎉 ❤️ that Gold Cuda!!! It has it all and beautiful, too! Thank you, Nick, for a big job, done well.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Haven't saw that look on Nick's face since the 427 Yenco Camaro...its a Winner.And George you did an excellent job on this video your narration at the beginning of the video was Top Shelf.

[@FreedomRock44]

Nick you are like a kid in a CANDY store!!!!!!! NICE RIDE!!!!!!!

[@buckykattguitar]

The E bodies are my favorite. I usually prefer a Challenger, but with this color, the Cuda is gorgeous.

[@michaelstansfield319]

Big blocks ruled back in the day, but with modern induction, heads, exhaust, and stroker kits, small blocks have really shown their potential for awesome street performance.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

302s,327s,340s and a few 350s hurt a lot of big block feelings

[@justralphajerseyguystuckin3671]

OMG - This Car is AWESOME in Every Respect....the owner is now a Lucky guy by taking it to you Nick... I LOVE IT !

[@randylear8264]

Nick I’m 64 years old and I drive my 24:24 Mopars like you did with this beautiful Cuda. And they hold up with no problem. That 360 stroker is a beast. Thanks for taking us along. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[@johnwhelan723]

Beautiful color of the Cuda

[@benjudy4406]

May as well put some new sneakers on that dream Ride before it leaves. George, I can’t say enough about the Narration and videography on this one. We’ll Done my friend!😊

[@lautburns4829]

When Nick smiles, you know it’s great!

[@Matt-rq8ci]

loved the intro narrative

[@ronaldbertin9455]

Always was a small block fan, mostly GM , BUT I NEVER HAD A 318 , OR 360 FAIL ME . OWNED A FEW

[@garyslentzii2796]

That looks like a lot of fun. I sure miss my 71 Satellite. Can't afford one these days. 😢

[@ecleveland1]

That is going to be such a fun car to cruise around in.

[@eddiea3782]

That 'Cuda is a beast! Gorgeous. 😍🤩

[@mikechiodetti4482]

The owners are going to say; "I FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED!" Good one Nick! A thorough test to verify all is good! (and a little fun too!)

[@JimmyArfanis]

What a beast. It sounds amazing! I feel Jeff, I bought a 70 Lemans thinking it was a 400 and it was actually a 350. I was only 17 and knew nothing back then

[@wildbill5126]

Gorgeous Plymouth Cuda, Nick Well done Sir.

[@doughelmle6575]

And kudos to george on the awsome camera work!!!

[@NicksGarage]

Much appreciated.

[@scottkovacs7634]

Love the way you build these mean street machine's

[@2264ish]

Happy Halloween to the owner, your getting a really nice treat!!

[@mikestackhouse9001]

Loved George's intro to this machine! It definitely is going to turn heads and will be a real joy to drive. Performance+ and under control means many years of enjoyment on the road. Remarkable build Nick👏👏👏

[@onedayiwillmakesomecontent]

It looks a lot like the colour Holden put on the VT SS Commodore in Australia. Tiger Mica, that blew everyones minds back in the 90's!

[@joeljenkins2876]

Yeah!!!! Now THAT’S a 408 stroker motor!!!! Making those poor ol’ tires SCREAM for mercy!!! Great job, Nick, as always: I know the owners will be well pleased!!! Great week to you guys!!!!

[@rickallen6378]

Beautiful car; and what a madman behind the wheel!

[@brianhdueck3372]

It is sad that the car was not what was stated. But man! What a gorgeous car it is now! Wow! I love it! When Nick laughs it’s a beautiful thing

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

Jeff is one lucky guy! What a beautiful looking and running Cuda! Thanks for the video Nick and George!

[@NicksGarage]

Our pleasure!

[@ericball6000]

Dr. Nick, I am going to say that, not a Fairy Tale, it is a dream Cuda now with a Stroker, I like that bat turn, well done, cheers.

[@ivycycles]

OMG, what a beast that stroker is..... It's amazing what is available now that such amazing vehicle can be achieved. I doubt anyone else could have made this work out like it has.

[@douglasb9105]

BEST channel on KZbin.... HANDS DOWN!!!!!!

[@NicksGarage]

Wow! Thank you Douglas.

[@gregorywatts-wv3mh]

Nick was having a lot of fun . you can tell by the smile

[@windycityben4850]

What a cool car! You guys do some awesome camera shots. That’s funny I thought there was a back-up siren on that car for a second until I saw the truck across the street 🤣.

[@danielethier2015]

Glad we could all tag along for this anticipated test run!! Nick: why are you hitchhiking..I'm only test driving up and down the parking lot. Me: drop me off when your done

[@leelavoie6753]

This is what DREAMS are made of…! Nicely done Nick and crew. 😃👍

[@kevinwoolmer5478]

Love that colour

[@ragingbull3406]

I've got a 414 small block in a '71 Duster 4 speed with 3.55 gears. I know the feeling!

[@scottd4426]

"I'm going to drive it hard , That's what I'm here for" . Classic Nick . you got me laughing out loud again.

[@billjamison2877]

That is one beautiful "Cuda Nick! Back in high school, a buddy of mine had a '71 340 'Cuda convertible, black on black. A/C, PS,PB and electric windows. The odd thing was, it was a 3 speed on the floor! Rare fish it was!

[@gator1406]

That's bloody nice Nick, imagine if you tested a car down at slacks creek Brisbane like that. They would arrest me. Love your show mate. From Will in Australia..

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

the 70-75 cuda body style is my absolute favorite of all time.........prefer the 70-71 but i would be happy to own any model between 70-75

[@carmudgeon7478]

Nick making another dream come true through hard work and attention to detail. Jeff will love it. I still say Nick should do a recreation of his old HemiCuda with the 528.❤

[@Mike-mm2bt]

That 318 stroker that you built that was a heckuva built. Also Nick that was awesome.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

The color on that Cuda is amazing to look at and it has got the POWER.....That is because Nick built the Stroker 408 in it.....Thanks Nick and George the amazing camera man and his voice ❣👍 Old F-4 Phantom 2 pilot Shoe🇺🇸

[@nealrehm6900]

Are used to paint cars for a living. That color is probably one of the hardest to get right!

[@DerrylTaylor-d1n]

I betJeff gets goose bumps watching his car! I sure do!

[@NicksGarage]

You are not alone.

[@hippydippy]

Beautiful Ripper! I didn't even know they still made Cuda's in 74 though. Very Cool.

[@dalehannon4922]

It is a real beauty Nick to think 10 years from the 64 baracuda this is the result!!

[@sabrom]

NICK: Hey Jeff, the tires are on me this time..🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ronsereda4242]

The awesome car and the drive speak for themselves but that was a really good intro by George.

[@billyhndrsn4542]

The rear lifting brackets looked like it moved left/right from rear view camera angles. I know it should flex up/down, not sure left/right, my eyes could be deceiving me. Looked like possible tire rub. You have a high performer on your hands, as the customer requested. So many fun miles to be had with Goldie. I feel your pain with the headers on the drivers side hanging lower than the passenger side.

[@MnPaul1]

I bet that this was the source of the rattle Nick was hearing.

[@billyhndrsn4542]

​@@MnPaul1 could be possible. I have never driven a car with those rear brackets, so I could be wrong. If it is flexing left/right for prolonged time could possibly affect rear bearing and brake effectiveness in my thinking long term. When car was started did it sound "breathy" to you in the shop ? Me getting old, probably. Such a nice car. Edit: the exhaust sounded "breathy". I realise it did have the breather element and filter on, but the exhaust note sounded winded I meant.

[@chargerdave2046]

Ahhhhhhhhh, a good ol' Mopar U-turn!!!

[@SeanJoseph-s2s]

Very nice car Nick...really like the paint color on the car...nice job on the camera work too George.

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@claytonandrews251]

That smallblock breathes well in the cool swamp air

[@jumpsuite]

Nick the smile on your face tells the whole tail gearhead for life Nick

[@bandagefreak]

George, you excelled yourself with that intro on this video!! I was howling with the drama in your voice! ;'@D

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks. Had a bit of fun for Halloween.

[@donlemme898]

Even though the stock engines were anemic in ‘74 the styling was still beautiful. Gorgeous car for the real world.

[@RaiderX948]

Nick's laugh says it all.

[@NicksGarage]

The more he chuckles, the better the test is going.

[@scottlambert4077]

Georgia you did another amazing job equal to Hollywood I really enjoyed it thanks for posting

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@erichlausch9886]

After seeing a british Comedy now its Muscle Car Time ,greetings from Lower Saxonia Germany 😉

[@keithharris7365]

Beautiful cuda that 410 should make it fly good job Nick and crew keep them coming and see you Monday

[@genejustice5616]

SO NICE!!!!!!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL

[@blinkie1523]

Wow just wow Nick that is one sweet looking, sounding and performing ride. What an awesome Cuda I so enjoyed the ride, whoops road test Nick.

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@egregiousblunder5395]

Sighhh... Bucket list car for me but unfortunately I'll probably never touch one. 70-74 Cuda's are hands down the best Mopar muscle car ever made! I'll take one in Amber Sherwood green with a hot 440 and black interior if you are giving them out Nick lol.

[@NicksGarage]

You have great taste, Egregious.

[@susanholiday7347]

I wouldn't change anything. I'm only dreaming.

[@carterlee8344]

@egregiousblunder get on an exchange and buy some XRP for the long haul and a ‘Cuda could soon be yours.

[@thomasward4505]

Challenges are definitely my favorite but a Cuda is pretty cool also. Ebodies are definitely Chryslers best effort

[@jumpinjojo]

And Challengers.

[@fw1421]

Beautiful Cuda. Love the color!

[@Musclecar1972]

I know a lot of people prefer the Dodge Challenger, myself, I have a soft spot for the Cuda, I always felt the styling was a bit smoother, and if I’m not mistaken, the Cuda was a bit smaller and lighter than the Challenger. I believe back in the day, the Cuda was a bit cheaper as well. I had a friend back in early 1970 that had a AAR Cuda, at the time I had a 1969 Yenko Camaro, we decided to give it a shot, well to my surprise, he stayed right with me through first and second, after that, I was gone, with my M&H wrinkle walls on, it would have been different, but that little car was quick, very quick. I’ve been a fan ever since.👍

[@VerifiedVIPMember]

A lot prefer the 'Cuda....

[@Formerlywarmer]

AAR cuda was a road race car and ur comaro was a drag based car so no surprise it should’ve been faster and with a driver in ur car he wouldn’t have gotten out on u at all. MOPAR2YA 😎

[@Musclecar1972]

@@Formerlywarmer Well, you assume a lot, lol I street raced for a few years before this, and he didn’t get out ahead of me if you read the post, we were side by side, the street tires of the time were not the best, and it was a friendly competition, had money been on the line I would have been a little more attentive. It was a surprise to me that he did as well as he did, I never expected him to do anything but fade away from the get go, but he did not, they are quick cars, period. And to be honest, the copo cars are overrated, Ive owned 2 of them, both 69 Yenko cars, I traded that Yenko for a 1970 LS-6 Chevelle, even with the weight difference, it was quicker than the Camaro. I have owned and restored more muscle cars than most people know exist, some new, most used. I have my last one left, to old now to handle them anymore, I am picking it up from the speed shop today , as luck has it, I ordered this car new in 1972, Olds W-30 442, not particularly fast in stock trim, this one is number matching, but pretty highly modified internally, it runs pretty well. 👍

[@Formerlywarmer]

@@Musclecar1972 I read “ wrinkle wall slick” and put u into the category of the guys I listened to wen I was a teenager in the 70s. Car guys are car guys and rarely do any two agree. Ima Mopar man 100% not the A typical but Mopar no less so I couldn’t just let it go you should know that

[@1500dodgeram]

Gotta love Nick's test drives!!!

[@miketowtruck13]

Its so heartwarming to see Nick stop and pause everyso often while street testing to feel the cars and you can see his true automotive love when hes testing another one of his children hes about to set looose to its owner.

[@mikehoskin]

No worries Nick that’s the way they should be tested in the hands of a professional and the builder of the engine …….like your show man Everything you do makes sense. Just relax. and show us some more magical Mopar’s love those long runner ones that was a cool one for 413 long ram never got to see one of those run you showed us one in history as cool as heck

[@hotpuppy1]

As long as the BODY is in good shape (no bad body work hidden), I don't care what the engine is. That being said, I wouldn't pay for a 'hot' engine without checking it out first. Many get caught up falling in love with the car and ignore the rest of it.

[@MrRevell111]

I have a 72 cuda....rebuilt the 360 with edelbrock performer rpm heads/intake/cam/etc; now the motor sits in the shop never started. We have been building a dodge cup motor for it and it should be done soon. Also have magnum force tubular front; subframe connectors; torque boxes; spring relocation; shortened axles with spool.

[@blipco5]

Oh those were the days. 👏🍺

[@victordjinn632]

Those Were The Days-Mary Hopkin, 1968.

[@migmadmarine]

Nice ride. Hemi power in a small block👍

[@malcolmmacdougall]

that Cuda looks awesome

[@NicksGarage]

Don't it?

[@malcolmmacdougall]

the colour really suits it @@NicksGarage

[@johnropeleski6006]

The gas pedal is definitely working properly 😊👍. beautiful cuda.lots of torque.A friend of mine had a 360 in his Dart, was extremely fast.nice job Nick👍.

[@bdubz5150]

Same color as my AAR ‘Cuda was. Or at least close to it. We had ported/extrude honed manifolds with 3” aluminized exhaust, and Flowmaster 40 series on it back then. To tame the temperament of the 6 pack, we had billet metering blocks installed. I sure miss that ‘Cuda. The car on This vid reminds me a lot of it.