1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Coupe
1971 Plymouth 'Cuda Convertible
1. 1971 Gets 4 headlights
2. 440 CID 4-Barrel Not Listed
3. AAR CUDA is History
4. Gran Coupe Returns
5. 340 CID Six-Pack Squashed
1971 Barracuda – Holding the Line
The Barracuda changed slightly for 1971, with a new grille, taillights and trim. This would be the only year that the Barracuda would have four headlights and also the only year with fender “gills” on the ‘Cuda model. The 340 CID 6-Bbl was gone, and the four-barrel 440 CID V-8 could only be had via special order.
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Resources
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1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1971 Plymouth Barracuda
| A4 Gunmetal Gray | |
| B2 Light Blue | |
| B5 True Blue | |
| B7 Evening Blue | |
| C7 Plum Crazy | |
| E5 Rally Red | |
| F3 Amber Sherwood | |
| F7 Ivy Green | |
| J6 Sassy Green | |
| K6 Autumn Bronze | |
| L5 Bahama Yellow | |
| T2 Tunisian Tan | |
| V2 Hemi Orange | |
| W3 Sno White | |
| X9 Black Velvet | |
| Y1 Top Banana | |
| Y3 Citron Yella | |
| Y8 Gold Leaf | |
| Y9 Tawny Gold |
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1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1971 Plymouth Barracuda
The Barracuda was changed slightly for 1971, with a new grille and taillights, seat, and trim differences. This would be the only year that the Barracuda would have four headlights (which the Challenger had for all five years of their concurrent run), and also the only year of the fender “gills” on the ‘Cuda model. 1971 ‘Cudas were the only year that had the full side “Billboard” decal with the engine call out inside of the billboard decal. The low-end model Barracuda Coupe (A93), with the 198 CID I-Six as a base engine, a lower-grade interior, and fixed quarter glass instead of roll-down rear passenger windows continued. The Barracuda Gran Coupe was still offered.
The 1971 Barracuda engine options would remain the same as that of the 1970 model, except that the 340 6-Bbl was gone, and the four-barrel carbureted 440 V8 engine was no longer on the options list but could be had via special order and perhaps a dozen cars were built with it installed; otherwise, the 440-powered Barracudas had a six-barrel carburetor setup instead.
The 1971 V-8 power options offered were:
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- 230 hp SAE Gross 318 CID 2-barrel
- 275 hp SAE Gross 383 CID 2-barrel
- 300 hp SAE Gross 383 CID 4-barrel
- 385 hp SAE Gross 440 CID 6-barrel (NOTE: the 4-barrel 370 HP version was available on special order)
- 425 hp SAE Gross 426 CID 8-barrel
The shaker hood (option code N96), Elastomeric (rubber) colored bumpers, and the Spicer-built Dana 60 rear axle were still available. The shaker hood was available with 340, 383, 440 four-barrel, 440 six-barrel, and 426 Hemi engines. The Elastomeric colored bumpers were available either as a front-only option, option code A21, or as a front and rear combination, option code A22. The heavy-duty Dana 60, with a 9.75 inch ring gear, was standard equipment with manual transmissions 440 six-barrel and 426 Hemi engines, and it was optional on those same engines with the automatic transmission.
NOTE: Early listings showed the AAR Cuda and the 340 Six-Pack V-8, but these never materialized during production.
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Factoids
For this one year only, the Barracuda sported dual headlights. The grille took on a totally different look as well.
The AAR ‘Cuda was initially cited as available but soon disappeared from the any factory mention or availability, due, for the most part, to Plymouth’s withdrawal from the SCCA Trans Am Series. Insiders said it was a relief as not only did the cars lose money, but they were, for all intents and purposes, hand-made.
Like the AAR ‘Cuda, the six-pack was initially cited as available but soon disappeared from any factory mention or availability. It was a great loss to small block performance nuts, but back then the the emphasis was on cubic inches, so sales were considered a sidebar.
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Models Offered
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Barracuda – The base car was the Barracuda. Standard equipment in Barracudas included high-back buckets with all-vinyl trim; integrated head rests; molded door and quarter trim panels; flood lighted instrument panel; three-spoke wood grain steering wheel; floor shift; carpeting; 225 cubic inch Six and E78-l 5 fiberglass belted tires.
Gran Coupe – The Gran Coupe had all Barracuda items, plus body sill, wheel lip and belt-line moldings; Gran Coupe emblems; bucket seats in Knit Jersey on hardtop only, leather in the convertible, and a consolette, as well as a molded headliner. Deluxe vinyl or cloth and vinyl trims were available at lower cost.
‘Cuda – The ‘Cuda had all Gran Coupe equipment, plus, as a base engine, the 335 HP 4-barrel 383 CID V-8. It featured heavy-duty suspension and drum brakes, ‘Cuda ornamentation, and F70-14 white-letter tries. The 425 HP “Street Hemi” was an $871.45 extra in Torqueflite equipped ‘Cudas.
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Engines
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- 125 HP 198 CID I-6
- 145 HP 225 CID I-6
- 230 HP 318 CID V-8
- 275 HP 340 CID V-8
- 290 HP 340 CID T/A V-8*
- 275 HP 383 CID V-8
- 300 HP 383 CID V-8
- 370 HP 440 CID V-8*
- 385 HP 440 CID V-8
- 425 HP 426 CID Hemi V-8
198 CID I-6 – BH21 Model Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 198 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 3.640 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.40:1.
Horsepower: 125 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 180 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 244°, Exhaust: 244°, Overlap: 26°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.406″, Exhaust 0.414″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Carter BBS -4955S; (automatic transmission) Carter BBS -4956S.
225 CID I-6 – Standard in BH23, Optional in BH21. 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 Duration: Intake: 244°, Exhaust: 244°, Overlap: 26°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.406″, Exhaust 0.414″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Holley R-4655A; (automatic transmission) Holley R-4656A.
318 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 320 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 240°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.372″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Carter BBD-4957S, California Carter BBD-4958S; (automatic transmission) Rochester 2-barrel Model 7041180.
340 CID 4-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 340 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.04 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.2:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic. 268°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 44°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.430″, (Exhaust) 0.445″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel: (manual transmission) Carter Thermoquad TQ-4972S; (automatic transmission)Carter Thermoquad TQ-4973S.
340 CID Three 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 340 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.04 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 345 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic. 268°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 44°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.430″, (Exhaust) 0.445″.
Carburetors: Holley 2-barrel: (manual transmission) Front R-4789A, Center R-4791A, Rear R-4790A. (automatic transmission) Front R-4789A, Center R-4792A, Rear R-4790A.
NOTE 1: This engine was only available as a crate engine in 1971.
NOTE 2: The engine contained the following specific items: Special #3577130 Block, #3418915 Heads with relocated pushrod holes, and Edelbrock aluminum intake #3418681. See the 1970 Dodge Challenger description below:
383 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Optional Barracuda and Gran Coupe Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 375 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic .
Camshaft timing: Intake 260°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 38°; Lift: (intake) 0.425″; (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Carter Two-barrel (manual transmission) BBD-4961S; (automatic transmission) BBD-4962S.
383 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Optional Barracuda & Gran Coupe – Standard ‘Cuda. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 410 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450, (exhaust) 0.4365″.
Carburetor: Holley Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) R-4667A (automatic transmission) R-4668A.
440 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Special Order ‘Cuda Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 440 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.32 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.5:1.
Horsepower: 370 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 480 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.465″.
Carburetor: Carter AVS 4-barrel (manual transmission) 4967S; (automatic transmission) 4968S.
NOTE: This engine was not listed in most material but could be special ordered for the ‘Cuda only.
440 CID Three 2-Barrel V-8 – Optional ‘Cuda Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 440 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.32 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.3:1.
Horsepower: 385 @ 4700 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.465″.
Carburetor: Three Holley 2-barrels Model (Front) R-4671 A ; (Center – manual transmission) R-4669 A; (Center – automatic transmission) R-4670 A; (Rear) R-4672 A.
426 CID Hemi Two 4-Barrel V-8 – Opt ‘Cuda Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Hemispherical heads. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.2:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 60°; Lift: (intake) 0.490″, (exhaust) 0.480″.
Carburetors: Carter Two 4-barrel Model (Front) AFB-4971S; (Rear) manual transmission: AFB-4969S; (automatic transmission AFB-4970S .
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All: 108 inches.
- Overall length: All: 186.6 inches.
- Overall width: All: 74.9 inches.
- Overall height: I-6 Base – 50.8 inches, I-6 Barracuda & Convertibles – 50.8 inches, V-8 Barracuda,Convertible and Gran Coupe – 50.9 inches, ‘Cuda – 51.2 inches.
- Front tread: Barracuda/Gran Coupe – 59.7 inches; All others – 60.2 inches.
- Rear tread: Barracuda – 61.3 inches, All others – 60.7 inches.
- Tires:
- I-6 & 318 CID V-8: 7.35 x 14.
- 383 CID V-8: F78 x 14.
- 383 CID ‘Cuda V-8 & 340 CID ‘Cuda V-8: F70x 14.
- 440 CID ‘Cuda V-8: F70 x 14.
- 426 CID Hemi V-8: F70 x 14.
- Optional tires: See 1971 Plymouth Barracuda AMA Specifications Sheet HERE.
1971 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.
- Max Stall: I-6, 318 CID and 340 CID: 2.16:1; 383 CID 2-barrel: 2.02:1 383 Hi-Po and 426 Hemi: 2.16:1; 440 CID: 2.02:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6, & 318 CID: 1st – 3.08:1, 2nd – 1.70:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.90:1.
- 340 & 383 CID V-8: 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 340 & 383 CID Hi-Po V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.77:1, 3rd – 1:34:1, 4th – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.40:1.
- 426 & 440 CID V-8: 1st – 2.44:1, 2nd – 1.77:1, 3rd – 1:34:1, 4th – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.36:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1.
- I-6: 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 340 CID 3 & 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8: 340 CID 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.76:1, 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 383 CID 2-bbl 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8 383 4-bbl & H-Po CID 3-Speed, 4-speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 383 4-bbl & H-Po CID 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.76:1, 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 4-Speed SMT – 3.54:1, Optional 4.10:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 4.10:1.
- V-8 440 CID All: 4-Speed SMT 3.54:1, Optional 4.10:1.
V-8 440 CID All: 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 4.10:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.45:1 to 5.10:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios.
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 3-speed automatic transmission ($209) This transmission became standard in many models after mid-year.
- 3-speed manual transmission was standard, except as indicated.
- 4-speed manual floor shift transmission ($198).
- 198 CID 125 HP I-6 standard and available only in Barracuda Coupe.
- 225 CID 145 HP I-6 optional in Barracuda Coupe ($39).
- 340 CID 275 HP 4-barrel engine – ‘Cuda Only ($44). .
- 383 CID 275 HP 2-barrel engine – Barracuda Only ($71).
- 383 CID 300 HP 4-barrel engine – Barracuda Only and Standard ‘Cuda ($140).
- 426 CID “Street Hemi” engine – ‘Cuda Only ($884).
- 440 CID “440-6” engine – ‘Cuda Only ($275).
- Sure-Grip axle ($42-$49).
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Significant Options
- Prices shown where known
- Air conditioning – Barracuda, except 198CID I-6 and 426 or 440 CID V-8s ($370).
- Heavy-duty front and rear brakes, Barracuda ($23).
- Adjustable driver’s seat, 6-way manual with bucket seats.
- Air conditioning ($357).
- Air Grabber hood scoop, standard with 426 Hemi.
- Automatic speed control, V-8 only.
- Bodyside tape stripe on Barracuda ($29); on Gran Coupe, replaces paint stripe ($14).
- Bright exhaust trumpets, standard with “Hemi” ($21).
- Dual outside racing mirrors, left remote-control and both color-keyed, Barracuda ($26).
- Electric clock, Barracuda ($16).
- Front disc brakes, Barracuda with power brakes ($23).
- Headlight time delay warning signal ($18).
- Heavy-duty brakes ($23).
- Hood hold-down pins, ‘Cuda only ($15).
- Hood Insulation.
- Locking gas cap.
- Microphone tape recorder, Barracuda.
- Mirror, left, outside, remote-control.
- Mirror. right. outside.
- Mirrors, color keyed racing, left-hand remote control ($26).
- Paint treatment, rear fender ‘Strobe’ and C pillar stripes ($34).
- Paint treatment, rear quarter panel ‘Sport Stripe’, on ‘Cuda without vinyl side moldings ($38).
- Performance hood, Barracuda Group, except standard with ‘Cuda ($20).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power lift convertible top, Barracuda ($49).
- Power steering, Barracuda ($97).
- Power windows, Barracuda ($101).
- Radio AM/FM ($135).
- Radio, AM with 8-track tape and three instrument panel mounted speakers ($196).
- Radio, AM/FM with stereo and tape ($337).
- Radio, Music Master AM ($62).
- Rear window defogger, all except convertibles ($27).
- Shaker hood fresh air package, ‘Cuda only, standard with ‘Hemi’ ($97).
- Speaker, rear seat.
- Sport steering wheel ($32).
- Sport striping, ‘Cuda without side molding vinyl insert ($26).
- Tinted windshield and windows ($33).
- Tinted windshield only.
- Two-tone paint ($23).
- Undercoating.
- Vinyl roof, Barracuda ($82).
- Wheel covers, Deluxe, Barracuda ($16).
- Wheels, Chrome Road, Barracuda ($50).
- Wheels, Rallye Road, Barracuda ($33).
- White sidewall tires ($34).
- Windshield wipers, 3-speed electric (standard on ‘Cuda).
- Wire wheel covers, Barracuda ($50)
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Downloads and Images
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Related Document
Downloads
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1971 Plymouth Barracuda Brochure
1971 Plymouth “Rapid Transit” Performance Brochure
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Print Ads
1971 Plymouth Barracuda AMA Specifications Sheets
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1971 Plymouth Barracuda Facts – Related Images
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1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 Convertible
This 1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 Convertible is typical of all ‘Cuda Convertibles in 1971. 374 were sold.
1971 Plymouth Cuda 383 Coupe
The 1971 Plymouth Cuda 383 Coupe is typical of ‘Cuda Coupes that year. 6,228 Coupes were delivered in 1971.
1971 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe
The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe was the luxury version of the Barracuda in 1971. 1,615 were produced.
1971 Barracuda Base and Coupe
The 1971 Barracuda Base and Coupe were differentiated by the Base’s fixed in place rear windows and a more spartan interior. Plymouth did not separate production figures on either, with 9,459 delivered. A Convertible was also produced with 1,014 finding buyers.