I bought this car in 1979 when I was 19. You can do the math if you want. It is a numbers matching 4-speed car with an 8 3/4" 3.91 rear end. The color is bronze metalic paint code M. The car has been parked since 1985 and when I got it out of storage last year she was in need of some serious help. Luckily for me when I was younger I had the sense to park it in the winter so the frame, trunk and floorboards were in great shape.The restoration time exceeded my expectations by a long shot. I would like to thank my brother in law George {thanks George} who just happens to be a body man. I bought some aftermarket 1/4 panels for it but they didn't quite fit right. Look at photo page to see this mess. Somehow he got them to look as good as new if not better. Anyhow the whole thing only took about 6 months. |
A little history lesson.
1968 GTS DART
Dodge introduced a new GTS trim for its Dodge Dart line to compete against Chevy's Nova SS. The hot GTS was available with either a standard 340 cid V8 with 275 bhp or an optional 383 V8 with 300 bhp Coupled with its light 3,000 pound curb weight, the Dodge Dart GTS did very well on the street and the track. Unfortunately, the extra weight of the 383 tended to negate the power advantage of the 383 over the 340. Furthermore, the 340 was rumored to actually produce over 300 bhp which helps explains the lack of improvement with the 383 engine. Other technical enhancements included a low-restriction exhaust system with chrome tips, Rallye suspension, 14x5.5 inch wheel rims and E70-14 Red Streak tires. A three-on-the-tree manual transmission was standard, though most GTS models were sold with either a four-speed Hurst floor shift manual or a competition-type Torque-Flite automatic transmission. Identifying the GTS were hood power bulges with air vents, body side racing stripes, special GTS emblems, and simulated mag wheel covers. A rear end "bumble bee" stripe was a no cost option. Vinyl bucket seats were standard in the ,611 hardtop and optional in the ,383 convertible.
But another option awaited those wanting even more performance. For a special few, Dodge shipped 383-spec Darts (minus Powertrain) along with factory prepped 440 engines to Hurst-Campbell, Inc., a Michigan after-market company. Hurst-Campbell did the conversion, Dodge reps inspected it, and the finished cars were forwarded to Grand Spaulding Auto Sales in Chicago, a performance-oriented dealer. These cars got vehicle identification numbers, but were not covered by the factory warranty. With even more weight over the front wheels and no power steering (it wouldn't fit), the 440 Darts were only good for all out drag racing. Most modified 440 Darts also received additional performance parts such as aftermarket headers, ignition kit, hoses, wiring, and air cleaner. Approximately 80 Darts were fitted with the 426 Hemi -- scary |
blynch7@adelphia.net
Here are engines.
Engine displacement
(cu. in.) Year(s)
Available Compression
Ratio Horsepower @ RPM
(see Note 1) Torque (lb-ft) @ RPM
(see Note 1)
273-2 bbl 1964-1967 8.8 to 1 180 @ 4200 260 @ 1600
273-4 bbl 1965-1967 10.5 to 1 235 @ 5200 280 @ 4000
273-2 bbl 1968-1969 9.0 to 1 190 @ 4400 260 @ 2000
318-2 bbl 1960-1962 9.0 to 1 230 @ 4400 340 @ 2400
318-4 bbl 1960 9.0 to 1 255 @ 4400 345 @ 2800
318-4 bbl 1961-1962 9.0 to 1 260 @ 4400 345 @ 2800
318 1968-1969 9.2 to 1 230 @ 4400 340 @ 2400
318 1970 8.8 to 1 230 @ 4400 320 @ 2000
318 1971 8.6 to 1 230 @ 4400 320 @ 2000
318 1972 8.6 to 1 150 @ 4000 260 @ 1600
318 1973 8.6 to 1 150 @ 3600 265 @ 2000
318 1974 8.6 to 1 150 @ 4000 255 @ 2200
318 1975-1976 8.5 to 1 145 @ 4000 255 @ 1600
340 1968-1970 10.5 to 1 275 @ 5000 340 @ 3200
340 1971 10.3 to 1 275 @ 5000 340 @ 3200
340 1972 8.5 to 1 240 @ 4800 290 @ 3600
340 1973 8.5 to 1 240 @ 4800 295 @ 3600
360 1974 8.4 to 1 245 @ 4800 320 @ 3600
360 1975 8.4 to 1 230 @ 4200 300 @ 3200
360 1976 8.4 to 1 220 @ 4400 280 @ 3200
361 1960 10.0 to 1 310 @ 4800 435 @ 2800
361 1961-1962 9.0 to 1 305 @ 4800 395 @ 3000
383-Police 1961-1962 10.0 to 1 325 @ 4600 425 @ 3200
383-Ram 1961-1962 10.0 to 1 330 @ 4800 460 @ 2800
383 1967 10.0 to 1 280 @ 4200 400 @ 2400
383 1968 10.0 to 1 300 @ 4400 400 @ 2400
383 1969 10.0 to 1 330 @ 5200 410 @ 3600
413 1962 11.0 to 1 410 @ 5400 460 @ 4400
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Here is how it looks now. To see it 2 years ago click on the photo page on top.
blynch7@adelphia.net |
