AAR `Cuda

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The production AAR `CUDA employed a 290-bhp @ 5000 rpm, 340-cid with three two-barrel Holley carburetors on an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold.  Options include an A-833 four-speed manual or A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, with a Sure-Grip axle and standard 3.55:1 or optional 3.91:1 gears.  The distribution of transmissions delivered in these cars were 1120 4-speed manual and 1604 3-speed automatic.  The engine breathes through a functional hood scoop.  The AAR `CUDA accompaniments in the interior were modest; however, the exterior certainly was not.  With “high-impact” colors, black-matte fiberglas hood,  front-to-rear side body strobe stripes with tri-colored AAR Shield and black ‘Ducktail’ spoiler made this one unique fish!  Special shocks were added and re-cambered rear springs which raised the tail an additional 1.75” over standard `CUDA specifications to allow clearance for the exhaust pipes that exited in front of the rear tires.  This also allowed for the use of Goodyear Polyglas GT G60 x 15” tires in the rear, paired with E60 x 15” tires in the front, making it the first production car from Detroit to roll off an assembly line with a mismatched tire configuration.

All 340-6 bbl engines used in the TRANS AM package cars were equipped with a solenoid, which attached to the engine via a special bracket mounted towards the back of the front 2-bbl Holley. The two rear carb-to-intake bolts hold this bracket in place, and the I.D. number, DR1114429, is stamped on the barrel and faces the front of the engine. The plunger should have a brass round head. The solenoid wire, colored medium blue, is incorporated into the wiring harness, and a special nylon clip (either white or black) on the throttle return bracket holds the wire.

The most complete documented history of the AAR `CUDA that I could find was authored by Tom Quadrini, the former President of the Northeast HEMI Owners Association.  This article was originally published in CLASSIC CHRYSLER QUARTERLY, Summer 1987 issue; a copy of his article may be found here.

Specifics

• Engine Type: V8
• Construction: Cast-iron block and heads 
• Displacement: 340 cid 
• Bore and Stroke: 4.04 in. x 3.31 in.
• Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 
• Induction System: Holley (3) two-barrel carburetors; Edelbrock intake manifold 
• Max Power: 290 bhp @ 5000 rpm 
• Max Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm 
• Transmission: 3-spd automatic; optional: 4-spd manual 
• Rear axle: 3.55:1; optional 3.91:1 
• Body/Frame: Unitized 2 door coupe 
• Brakes: Disc (Front); Drums (Rear) 
• Wheels: Pressed steel; 7 in x 15 in 
• Tires: Goodyear Polyglas GT E60 x 15 in. (Front); G60 x 15 in. (Rear) 

Dimensions

• Length: 186.7 in. 
• Width: 74.9 in. 
• Height: 50.9 in. 
• Wheelbase: 108 in.
• Track: 59.7 (Front); 60.7 in. (Rear) 
• Weight: 3593 lbs.
• Fuel Capacity: 19 gallons