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

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Meet Goldalox. When this car's new owner bought the car, he had no idea of the horror story that would be uncovered. Can Nick save the day and turn it into a fairy tale?
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[@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.

[@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. 👍

[@davenorman8251]

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

[@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! 👍

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@Bige4u]

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

[@curto9664]

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

[@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 !!!!!!!

[@susanholiday7347]

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

[@blinkie1523]

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

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you like it! Thanks Blinkie.

[@robertwest3093]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@timbullough3513]

Old Jim Rockford would approve those U turns

[@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.

[@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.

[@eddiea3782]

That 'Cuda is a beast! Gorgeous. 😍🤩

[@erichlausch9886]

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

[@doughelmle6575]

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

[@NicksGarage]

Much appreciated.

[@FreedomRock44]

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

[@ragingbull3406]

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

[@garyslentzii2796]

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

[@nickolasbullington1643]

That opening was cinematic gold!

[@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!)

[@user-rg9yq1bd9o]

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

[@NicksGarage]

You are not alone.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!😊

[@360escapades]

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

[@NicksGarage]

This one will be hard to forget.👍

[@360escapades]

​@@NicksGarageI meant my car. :)

[@scottkovacs7634]

Love the way you build these mean street machine's

[@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..

[@rickallen6378]

Beautiful car; and what a madman behind the wheel!

[@hippydippy]

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

[@ronaldbertin9455]

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

[@scottd4426]

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

[@wildbill5126]

Gorgeous Plymouth Cuda, Nick Well done Sir.

[@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 !

[@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..

[@ronsereda4242]

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

[@leelavoie6753]

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

[@lautburns4829]

When Nick smiles, you know it’s great!

[@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.

[@claytonandrews251]

That smallblock breathes well in the cool swamp air

[@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.

[@franksupholsteryshop]

My first car was a '69 Barracuda. Nice job Nick, as usual.

[@NicksGarage]

Very cool!

[@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!!!!

[@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👏👏👏

[@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.

[@stevelioliopoulos4902]

Yasoo Nicholaki. Steve tuned in from Adelaide Australia

[@NicksGarage]

So glad to see you here, Steve. Enjoy!

[@dumbass3770]

I'm convinced that it's these test drives that keep Nick young. You can hear his laugh full of joy.

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

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

[@NicksGarage]

Our pleasure!

[@scottlambert4077]

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

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@genejustice5616]

SO NICE!!!!!!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL

[@chargerdave2046]

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

[@RaiderX948]

Nick's laugh says it all.

[@NicksGarage]

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

[@fw1421]

Beautiful Cuda. Love the color!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@waynekoszenski9913]

wow what a ride thanks nick

[@NicksGarage]

You bet!

[@ThomasThornton-zh7cl]

As for headers Hooker 5115's are the only headers that really fit, love my Hookers!

[@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.❤

[@garyhopkinssr8561]

Nick that is one beautiful car and I'll tell you what that thing goes like a scared rabbit good job buddy

[@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.

[@kevinwoolmer5478]

Love that colour

[@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.

[@jacksonms212]

Nick rear driver tier is warped ... it didn't look like much but it does have a wobble and it may be the vibration causing that rattle and if it's not now give it a month or so and it will be . Give it a look I know the videos are a week or so behind real time . That said get eyes on that rear driver tier . ;)

[@davidlabar6919]

I'm a chevy guy but i'd luv to own that cuda it's awsome.

[@rod426]

LOVE this B-Cuda! Good job Nick!

[@douglasb9105]

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

[@NicksGarage]

Wow! Thank you Douglas.

[@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👍.

[@don66hotrod94]

That is one healthy smallblock. Well done, Nick!

[@tonyr6190]

Awesome build beautiful car runs like a hemi

[@1500dodgeram]

Gotta love Nick's test drives!!!

[@malcolmmacdougall]

that Cuda looks awesome

[@NicksGarage]

Don't it?

[@malcolmmacdougall]

the colour really suits it @@NicksGarage

[@thomasward4505]

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

[@jumpinjojo]

And Challengers.

[@360escapades]

Now thats how you drive a Car! No loss of control crashing into other cars on youtube videos! Lol

[@pb68slab18]

That's Nick's definition of ''rotating the tires"!😆

[@joncastagna7038]

Push it hard Nick. It's great to go on your drive alongs. Thanks to you and your crew, and also the owner's of these fine automobiles.

[@jimc3688]

Next step is to improve the traction. Those E bodies are pretty light in the back. Kept waiting for Nick to bang 2ng gear.

[@robbiesmith6417]

Needs some cal-trac and better tires

[@migmadmarine]

Nice ride. Hemi power in a small block👍

[@creekdweller9662]

What a beautiful beast

[@jwesztergom]

What a beautiful way to loose a couple thousand miles off the back tires. Wow.

[@NicksGarage]

Yes indeed!

[@pappy017]

Evenin Mr George an Mr Nick!! Have a Great week!!

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks, you too!

[@pappy017]

@@NicksGarage just reviewed this one, again:) One of my favorites! Wish my '72 was this nice! Awesome ride! Congrats, Jeff! Nick, you da Man!!

[@stevenfan1218]

Nick's like a kid in a candy store..I don't think I've ever seen him beet on one like that.

[@jacmar54]

Enjoy your videos Nick, have a matching pair of exhaust upswept manifolds off a 440 or 383, magnum, 68 model year, probably charger or gtx, great shape no cracks, had them since late 70's, let me know if you want them, make you a deal, keep up the good work, take care!

[@meowerstationone3793]

Love it! Sounds great! I want one!!!🐱

[@rodneybyrd9516]

LOL, every SB Chevy sold in a car anymore is a "383 stroker!!" Usually they are just a 350 with a big cam, or worse, a 305!! Also, some 383 SBC strokers don't RUN as good as a properly built 327 or 350, and I have seen some pitiful 408 SB MoPar strokers and even 493" BB strokers!! I like the way you test and deliver a total dyno-proven package to your customers, Nick!!

[@mikelaumaillier9271]

Extra nice car !! Enjoyed the the test drive. If it's a stock rear end, it's a 3.23. Thanks for posting. Best Regards - Mike

[@terrybrown3224]

Had a 71 dart souped, went through 3 rear ends inside a yr. All else was great.

[@paulkaminski2911]

Drive it like you stole it, Nick! Wait a minute! Maybe you did....it's not yours!!!! 😂😂😂

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

This cuda looks and sounds amazing! ❤

[@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!

[@gregorywatts-wv3mh]

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