Story
The 1974 Plymouth Cuda closed the E-body Barracuda story with one model-year identity and two small-block paths. The BS23 hardtop kept the performance hood, black rear panel, bucket-seat cabin, heavy-duty suspension, electronic ignition, power front disc brakes, and model-specific trim that separated it from the BH23 Barracuda. New rear bumper guards are the clearest final-year exterior cue.
The E44 318 two-barrel remained standard. Plymouth's factory engineering schedule rates it at 150 SAE net horsepower and 255 lb-ft. The new E58 360 four-barrel replaced the 340 and delivered 245 net horsepower and 320 lb-ft with a Carter Thermo-Quad, low-restriction intake, and dual exhaust. A floor-shift three-speed was standard, the 360 alone opened the regular A833 four-speed path, and TorqueFlite was available with either engine.
The 8 3/4-inch rear axle, torsion-bar front suspension, leaf-spring rear, front discs, rear drums, wheel and tire schedules, stripe choices, vinyl roofs, paint palette, Rallye cluster, console, and upholstery choices remained configurations of the same Cuda. The 360-only A36 package added a 3.55 Sure-Grip, 26-inch radiator, fan shroud, and power-steering cooler where applicable. Appearance equipment cannot prove which drivetrain a car received.
Secondary sources agree on 4,989 final-year Cudas and 1,191 360 cars, but their geographic and transmission methods do not fully reconcile. A 430-car manual figure completes one 360 split with 761 automatics, while another feature reports 398 four-speeds. The page preserves those differences as evidence limits. VIN, fender tag, broadcast sheet, body numbers, drivetrain stamps, dates, and ownership records must agree before badges, stripes, hood treatment, or a replacement engine can establish an individual car's original build.