The
1970–1971 E-body codes denote specific
Plymouth Barracuda and
Dodge Challenger trims and their corresponding standard engines.
The
1970–1971 Plymouth Barracuda and
Dodge Challenger were built on Chrysler’s
E-body platform, with the Barracuda sharing the platform but having a shorter wheelbase than the Challenger. In
1970, the
383 CID V8 was the
standard engine for performance models, specifically the
Plymouth 'Cuda (code
BS) and the
Dodge Challenger R/T (code
JS).
- BS (Special Price Class): This code identifies the high-performance 'Cuda. Its standard engine was the 383 cubic-inch V8 (335 hp in 1970, 300 hp in 1971).
- BH (High Price Class): This code identifies the standard Barracuda coupe. While the 383 was an optional upgrade, the base standard motor for this trim was typically the 318 cubic-inch V8 or the 225 cubic-inch Slant-6 inline engine.
- JS (Special Price Class): This code identifies the high-performance Dodge Challenger R/T. Like the 'Cuda, its standard engine was the 383 cubic-inch V8 (335 hp).
- JH (High Price Class): This code identifies the standard Dodge Challenger. Its standard motor was typically the 318 cubic-inch V8 or the 225 cubic-inch Slant-6, with the 383 available as an optional upgrade.
In summary, the
Special Price (S) codes (
BS and
JS) correspond to the muscle car variants ('Cuda and R/T) which came standard with the
383 engine, while the
High Price (H) codes (
BH and
JH) correspond to the base models which came standard with smaller displacement engines like the
318 or
225.
Key distinctions and pricing details include:
- Vehicle Codes: The BS code identified the 1970–1971 Plymouth 'Cuda, while JS identified the Dodge Challenger R/T. The BH code denoted the standard Plymouth Barracuda, and JH denoted the standard Dodge Challenger.
- Standard Engines: The 'Cuda (BS) and Challenger R/T (JS) came standard with the 383 CID 335 hp V8. For non-performance models like the Barracuda (BH) and standard Challenger (JH), the base engines were smaller, such as the 198 or 225 CID Slant Six, with the 383 often being an optional upgrade.
- Pricing: In 1971, the standard Barracuda coupe with the 198 CID engine started at $2,650. Adding the 383 CID V8 increased the price to $2,780. The 'Cuda with the 383 was priced higher, while the 340 CID option was available for $44 over the base price in some configurations.
- Performance Variants: The 'Cuda and R/T models could be optioned with larger engines like the 440 CID or 426 Hemi, significantly increasing their value and performance capabilities compared to the standard BH or JH models.
Price Points Factory option pricing for 1970 included:
- 383 CID 2-Barrel: $70 extra over base.
- 383 CID 4-Barrel (330 hp): $138 extra.
- 383 CID 4-Barrel (335 hp ‘Cuda/R/T standard): Included in the ‘Cuda/R/T package.
- 426 CID Street Hemi: $871 extra.
For both the
1970 and
1971 model years, a
Dodge Challenger convertible with a
340 V8 engine is designated by the code
JH (specifically
JH27).
The
JS code is reserved for the
R/T model. However, Dodge
did not offer the R/T package on convertibles in 1971, making any 1971 convertible with a 340 engine a standard
JH model. In
1970, while R/T convertibles (JS27) existed, the 340 engine was
not a standard option for the R/T trim; it was available as an optional engine for the standard Challenger (JH), meaning a 1970 convertible with a 340 is also a
JH model.
Key Distinctions:
- JH27: Standard Dodge Challenger Convertible.
- JS27: R/T Dodge Challenger Convertible.
- 1970: 340 engine was optional on standard JH convertibles; not available on JS27 R/T convertibles.
- 1971: R/T convertibles were discontinued; all 1971 convertibles (including those with 340s) are JH27 models.
