The Revolutionary Stage II Suspension

The Stage II suspension fitted to this ’Cuda represents a complete break from the original Mopar suspension. Every bit of the stock stuff went into the trash can, and XV used CAD modeling to design new frame stiffeners and suspension components, even going so far as to run simulated laps of a road course on the computer. Torsional and four-post rig testing of the prototype components, along with real-world street and track testing, proved the validity of the concept. Stiffening components include XV’s engine compartment brace, subframe connectors, radiator support, framerail connectors, and even inner shock tower braces, not visible with the outer fenders installed.

Advanced Front Suspension System

The new suspension begins with a new front K-member built from rectangular aluminum tubing bolted to the modified original subframe. The aluminum lower control arms and spindles are C5 Corvette pieces, while the upper control arms are XV pieces made from tubular aluminum. The coilovers, too, feature aluminum-body construction, Hyperco springs, and special valving to suit this car and its reduced weight, as all that aluminum replaces even more steel and iron. Adjustable bump-steer and a circle-track-style splined sway bar improve handling; big six-piston calipers and 14-inch two-piece rotors do the same for braking. Hydroboost power braking allows for a more aggressive cam tune with no reduction in brake assist. Those brakes tuck inside 18×9.5-inch billet wheels fitted with 275/35YR18 BFGoodrich KDW tires.

Sophisticated Rear Suspension Setup

The rear suspension is every bit as sophisticated as the front. The leaf springs are long gone, replaced by XV’s three-link setup. The lower two trailing arms are machined aluminum parts, and the top link is adjustable to better control pinion angle. The adjustable Panhard bar offers additional suspension tuning options. Hanging from the suspension links is a Mopar 8-3/4-inch axle housing stuffed with a Sure-Grip differential, 3.91 gears, and billet adjusters for the nodular center section. Another set of aluminum-bodied coilover shocks with Hyperco springs tames the bumpy stuff, and another sway bar works to keep the ’Cuda level. The rear braking system consists of two-piston calipers and 13-inch two-piece rotors working to slow the 18×10-inch wheels and 295/35YR18 BFGoodrich rubber.

Custom High-Performance Drivetrain

It made little sense to completely revitalize this ’71 with an all-new suspension package while leaving the car with a 36-year-old drivetrain. XV built a completely custom Hemi for the car, beginning with a new 6.1-liter Hemi block, similar to what you’d find in a new Challenger SRT-8. But don’t think this Hemi is a crate engine—the XV team built it themselves, adding a custom-grind cam and new valve springs in the heads to extend the engine’s high-rpm capabilities. XV topped the motor with a billet plate-style throttle body and single-plane aluminum intake manifold. Billet fuel rails, braided flex lines, and stainless hard lines supply fuel to the engine, and the fuel exits through equal-length 304 stainless headers. The headers dump into 304 stainless 3-inch dual exhaust pipes. Together, the parts combination produces 600 hp—more than enough to give a genuine Hemi ’Cuda a run for its money, and then some.

Transmission and Power Delivery

Another thing no original Hemi ’Cuda had is this car’s five-speed manual. XV fitted the ’Cuda with a Tremec TKO, an aftermarket-only transmission that’s beefy enough to cope with the likes of 600 hp and live to tell about it. A heavy-duty hydraulic clutch setup made installation simple, and an aluminum driveshaft transfers the engine’s power to the differential.

Exterior Design: Preserving Classic Aesthetics

One area where you won’t notice any changes is the body. Unlike other projects, which update a car’s styling, XV’s effort was produced for a customer who loved the old Plymouth’s styling, just not the lack of performance. So, Plymouth fans, take heart: this car may run better than a new Challenger, but it still looks like an original. XV mixed the custom blend of red paint, sprayed, sanded and buffed it, and then let Mopar’s stylists do the rest.

Interior: A Blend of Classic and Modern

The ’Cuda’s interior serves as the best visual example of the old-meets-new build philosophy. The white upholstery looks like what you might find in a ’71 Cuda, but it’s leather, not vinyl, and it covers a pair of Recaro front bucket seats. The driver seat features power adjustment and is heated; the race-style safety harnesses aren’t just for show, nor is the removable four-point rollcage. The same custom upholstery covers the rear bench seat and armrests, while red wool carpet covers the floor. A billet half-wrap steering wheel tops the tilt column, and through the spokes of the wheel the driver can check out his XV-labeled silver-face gauges. The speedometer tops out at 200 mph, and the tach winds all the way to 10,000 rpm, though you might not care to put either of them too close to the peg. Other gauges are on hand to monitor water temp, oil pressure, fuel level and voltage. The dash is wrapped in red leather, as are the kick panels and more. Billet pedals and a pistol-grip shifter complete the interior look.

Modern Amenities and Technology

XV didn’t skip on the creature comforts, either—power windows, locks, keyless entry, remote trunk release, alarm, A/C, heat and a front-window defroster are all included. So is a very cool wireless radar/laser detector combo that someday might just get you out of trouble. The stereo system is a premium affair: components include an Alpine head with iPod interface, Sirius satellite receiver, Alpine speakers, Alpine amp, and even a power antenna. You could say this car has it all!

Conclusion: A Tailor-Made Mopar Experience

The ’Cuda is one of several XV has built thus far, and XV can do the same for you. Current specialties include B- and E-body Mopars, but other applications are likely to follow, so stay tuned. As it stands, you can get a top-notch Mopar from XV in one of a few ways: let XV find a car and build it for you or take your own car to XV and let the company work its magic. Or, if no one works on your car except you, just about everything you will need to build a car like this one is readily available direct from XV.

Final Thoughts: How Does Your Car Compare?

So, look in your garage and ask yourself: compared to this car, just how capable is your ’Cuda, or whatever? And if your answer is like our own, it might be time to give XV a call.