1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda Engine Options and Specifications
In 1973 the Plymouth ‘Cuda could be ordered with two different engines.
For the 1973 ‘Cuda, the 318 2 barrel was the standard engine and the 340 4 barrel was an optional engine. There were no other engine options available.
This article will include the 1973 ‘Cuda 340 4 barrel and 318 2 barrel engine specifications. This includes the engine code, cost, displacement, horsepower, torque, compression ratio, camshaft, lifter type, valve sizes, bore, stroke, air cleaner, exhaust, fuel and carburetion.
1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda Engine Options and Specifications
The 1973 ‘Cuda was available with the following engines.
- 318 2-barrel (Standard)
- 340 4-barrel (Optional)
The two engines were carried over from 1972 with very little change.
1973 ‘Cuda With a 318 2-barrel
The 318 2-barrel was the standard engine for the ‘Cuda in 1973. The engine is little changed from 1972 except for a slight increase in torque, 265 @ 2,000 rpm instead of 260 @ 1,600 rpm.
The camshaft and compression ratio remained the same.
The engine code was E44. Let’s take a look at the specifications.
| Specifications | 318 2-barrel |
| Displacement | 318 |
| Bore and Stroke | 3.91″ x 3.31″ |
| Horsepower | 150 @ 3,600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 @ 2,000 RPM |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Cam Duration/Overlap | 240°/248°/26° |
| Cam Lift | .373″/.399″ |
| Lifter Type | Hydraulic |
| Valve Diameter, Intake | 1.78″ |
| Valve Diameter, Exhaust | 1.50″ |
| Carburetion | Single Ball and Ball 2-bbl |
| Air Cleaner | Single Snorkel |
| Exhaust System | Single |
| Fuel Recommended | Regular |
1973 ‘Cuda With a 340 4-barrel
The 340 4-barrel was available as the optional engine for the ‘Cuda in 1973.
The rated horsepower remained the same while the torque slightly changed from 290 @ 3,600 rpm to 295 @ 3,600 rpm.
The camshaft and compression remained the same.
1973, the last year of the 340 engine and it had more rated net horsepower than the 1970 and 1971 engines.
The engine code was E55. Let’s take a look at the specifications.
| Specifications | 340 4-barrel |
| Displacement | 340 |
| Bore and Stroke | 4.04″ x 3.31″ |
| Horsepower | 240 @ 4,800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 @ 3,600 RPM |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Camshaft | High lift, high performance |
| Cam Duration/Overlap | 268°/276°/44° |
| Cam Lift | .429″/.444″ |
| Lifter Type | Hydraulic |
| Valve Diameter, Intake | 1.88″ |
| Valve Diameter, Exhaust | 1.60″ |
| Carburetion | Single Carter 4-bbl |
| Air Cleaner | Single snorkel, low restriction |
| Exhaust System | Dual, low restriction |
| Fuel Recommended | Regular |
That’s the complete list of engines available for the 1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda. If you have any questions to ask me about the engine options or specifications for the 1973 ‘Cuda car model, send us an email found specifically on my contact page or comment below.
About 38 years ago I assembled my first Mopar engine, it was for a 1970 ‘Cuda. It’s at that time my hands on experience with Mopar cars and engines, including the 440, started. Although my research of the engines started years earlier.
Read More E-body ‘Cuda Articles
1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Engine Options and Specifications
1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Engine Options and Specifications
1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda Engine Options and Specifications
1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda Engine Options and Specifications
Article Resources
- 1973 Plymouth Service Manual
- Google Books: Chrysler Engines 1922-1998
- The Definitive Barracuda & Challenger Guide 1970-1974 by Scott E. Ross
