1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1965 Barracuda –
Let’s Add More Power
Little external changes were apparent on the 1965 model. The addition of more power – as a separate “Formula S” model encouraged sales. This new for 1965 model – the optional “Formula S” competition package – included a 235 horsepower version of the 273 CID V-8, making the car more competitive with Mustang. Barracuda sales took a big jump to over 64 thousand.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Resources
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1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1965 Plymouth Barracuda
| 3 Pink Silver | |
| A Gold | |
| B Black | |
| C Light Blue | |
| D Medium Blue | |
| J Light Turquoise | |
| K Medium Turquoise | |
| L Dark Turquoise | |
| N Barracuda Silver | |
| P Ruby | |
| S Ivory | |
| T Medium Red | |
| W White | |
| X Light Tan |
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1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1965 Plymouth Barracuda
For this year, the 225 CID I-6 became the base engine for the U.S. market, though the 170 CID version remained the base engine in Canada. New options were introduced for the Barracuda as the competition with Mustang intensified. The 273 CID V-8 was now offered in two versions: the standard 180 HP 2-barrel, and the upgraded “Commando” version with a four-barrel carburetor, 10.5:1 compression, and a more aggressive camshaft. These and other upgrades increased the engine’s output to 235 HP.
Along with the Commando V-8 a new Formula ‘S’ package was released, the package included the Commando V-8 engine, heavy-duty front torsion bars, heavy-duty rear springs, firm ride shock absorbers, sway bar, rally stripes, extra wide wheel rims, Goodyear Blue Streak tires, a tachometer, and “Formula S” medallions ahead of the front wheel openings.
Disc brakes and factory-installed air conditioning became available after the start of the 1965 model year, though the latter was not available with the 235 HP Commando V-8. All barracudas were fitted with bucket seats.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Factoids
A high-performance 235 HP was offered beginning this year called the “Commando”, it was standard in the Barracuda Formula S model and optional in all Valiant models excluding station wagons. It had a 4-barrel carburetor, chrome unsilenced air cleaner, a longer-duration and higher-lift camshaft with stronger valve springs, 10.5:1 compression ratio, and special black wrinkle valve covers. It was fitted with a low-restriction exhaust system with a 2.5″ exhaust pipe and resonator. For this year, the muffler was “straight through”.
See the 1965 Barracuda AMA Specifications Sheet for more information HERE.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Models Offered
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Barracuda – The Barracuda was continued with the adaption of Valiant sheetmetal to a uniquely styled roof, deck and rear window. Trim features, front to rear, were distinct to this model. They included a split, negative space grille with a center insert, and horizontal outer division bars; wide rocker sill panels and a chrome band across the rear window base, housing a center medallion. “Plymouth” in block letters appeared on the trunk and the “Valiant” in script in the lower right corner was removed. “Barracuda”. in script. was on on the top rear sides of the fenders and A horizontal medallion with “Plymouth” adorned the front of the hood. Front fenders with a slimmer, V-shaped feature line were still used.
Standard equipment included bucket front seats; bucket shaped rear bench seat with folding back rest; special finned wheel covers with simulated knock-off hubs, round, chrome backup light housings and the base 225 CID I-6 was the starting power team, with the 273 CID V-8 and the “Commando” 235 HP V-8 as options.
Barracuda Formula S – The Barracuda Formula S was not a separate model but an option. However, we describe it here for clarity. The Formula S included all the standard Barracuda features, wit the following changes: the Commando V-8 engine as standard, heavy-duty front torsion bars, heavy-duty rear springs, firm ride shock absorbers, sway bar, rally stripes, extra wide wheel rims, Goodyear Blue Streak tires, a tachometer, and “Formula S” medallions (pictured) ahead of the front wheel openings.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Engines
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170 CID I-6 – Canada Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 170 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 3.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.50:1.
Horsepower: 101 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 155 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: 232°, Exhaust: 228°, Overlap: 8°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.371″, Exhaust 0.364″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball one-barrel: BBS-3833S or Holley R-3053 A; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBS-3834S or Holley R-3054 A.
225 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 225 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.40:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: 240°, Exhaust: 236°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.394″, Exhaust 0.390″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball one-barrel: BBS-3837S or Holley R-3057A; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBS-3838 S or Holley R-3058 A.
273 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 273 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.625 x 3.310 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.8:1.
Horsepower: 180 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 240°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.395″, (Exhaust) 0.405″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3843S or Stromberg WW3-248, (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3844S or Stromberg WW3-249.
273 CID 4-Barrel Commando V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 273 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.625 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 235 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 200 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 248°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 26°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.415″, (Exhaust) 0.425″.
Carburetor: Carter four barrel: (manual transmission) AFB 3853S (automatic transmission) AFB 3854S.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 106.0 inches.
- Overall length: 188.2 inches.
- Overall width: 70.1 inches.
- Overall height: I-6: 53.8 inches; V-8: 54.0 inches.
- Front tread: 55.9 inches.
- Rear tread: 55.6 inches.
- Tires: I-6: 6.50 x 13, V-8: 7.00 x 13, Formula S: 6.95 x 14 Goodyear Blue Streak.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 170 CID I-6: 1st – 3.22:1, 2nd – 1.82:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 4.15:1.
- 225 CID I-6: 1st – 2.95:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.80:1.
- 273 CID V-8: 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.76:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.05:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 170 CID I-6: None
- 225 CID I-6: 1st – 3.09:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.40:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 3.00:1.
- 273 CID V-8: 1st – 3.09:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.40:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 3.00:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- 170 CID I-6: 3- & 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.93:1, 3.55:1.
- 170 CID I-6: 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- 225 CID I-6 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- 225 CID I-6 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.93:1, 3.55:1.
- 225 CID I-6 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.93:1, 3.55:1.
- 273 CID V-8 All Transmissions – 2.93:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1.
NOTE: For more information, please see the 1965 Plymouth Valiant/Barracuda AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 170 CID 101 horsepower one-barrel engine was standard in Canada only.
- 225 CID 145 horsepower one-barrel engine was standard.
- 273 CID 180 horsepower 2-barrel V-8 was included in V-8 pricing.
- 273 CID 235 horsepower Commando four-barrel V-8 was optional as part of the Formula S package.
- 3-speed manual transmission was standard.
- 3-Speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, with Six ($172); with V-8 ($181).
- 4-speed manual floor shift transmission with I-6 ($186); with V-8 ($179).
- Crankcase vent system, mandatory for California built cars ($5).
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($39).
- Available rear axle gear ratios: (I-6 and V-8) 2.93:1, 3.23:1 3.55:1.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Significant Options
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- Barracuda racing stripes ($31).
- Basic Group – includes left-hand outside rear view mirror, windshield washer, variable speed wipers, and radio ($84).
- Buffed paint ($17).
- Custom spinner wheel covers ($13).
- Heavy-duty shock absorbers and suspension package ($17).
- Performance Group – includes suspension package; 273 CID Commando four-barrel V-8 and power brakes ($156).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power steering ($82).
- Radio, AM, Transaudio ($59).
- Remote control outside rear view mirror ($12).
- Retractable front seat belts ($7).
- Safety padded instrument panel ($16).
- Sport Group, includes simulated wood grain three-spoke steering wheel; bolt-on-design wheel covers; whitewalls ($80-$100).
- Sports wheel covers, bolt-on design ($34).
- Three-spoke steering wheel ($17).
- Tinted glass, all windows ($29); windshield only ($14).
- Variable speed wipers and washers ($17).
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Downloads and Images
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1965 Plymouth Barracuda Brochure
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Print Ads
1965 Plymouth Valiant & Barracuda AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Plymouth Barracuda S vs Hi-Po Mustang – Speed & Custom Magazine
1965 Plymouth Barracuda S Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Plymouth Barracuda S Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Barracuda line will appear below
1965 Plymouth Barracuda
The 1965 Plymouth Barracuda was visibly unchanged from the 1964 version – except for the absence of “Valiant” on the right rear trunk fascia.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S
The 1965 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S version was merely a performance option and not a separate model. The striping told the tale.
273 CID V-8 Commando Power Pack
The 273 CID V-8 Commando Power Pack was a huge upgrade for the LA V-8, going far beyond the mere horsepower figures.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Dashboard
The 1965 Plymouth Barracuda Dashboard was upgraded for 1965 with more brightwork and the exclusion of the push buttons for the automatic transmission.