To Tell the Truth

[Dan Bennett]

Paul: Your reply got me thinking. If the 340 was refactored before it ever hit an NHRA event, how did that happen? I've heard stories of how sharp the Farmer was but I doubt he'd set a factor just by reading a magazine article or two. Did he look at the specs and come pretty close to the real HP? Big difference between now and then!

Moose: I'm with you on the 440 Six Pack. The ones around here were pretty quick indeed. But I'm thinking it worked the other way with the 340 Six Pack. I don't think that engine, as produced, needed anywhere near that much carb - and that was just about the only real modification they made. Especially since they were only in the heavier E body, I'd bet they didn't want anything to do with a 340 Dart or Duster.

We had a pretty active street scene around here even though it was a small town. Two friends used to duke it out numerous times a week. Eddie had a 66 427/425 Corvette and Fred had a 66 Coronet Hemi 4 spd. Both were pretty capable with a wrench.

It was fun to watch since neither car could claim bragging rights. One car would win 3 out of 4 on the street but the other would win 3 out of 4 at the strip. I honestly can't remember which was which other than I'd bet the Corvette had the street advantage since the independent rear would squat and probably hook better on an unprepared surface.

Even though I can't remember either car winning by more than a fender, this was long before redlights and who knows about a street start. They sure were a joy to watch.

[Paul Ceasrine]

Dan,

340/275 HP, horsepower re-factor to 310 HP.
Not sure on how the NHRA knew, but they did.

Chrysler Performance was informed of the rating back in December
1967.
Thats when the Southern California Dodge Dealers started building
the E/S Dart GTS that Bill Shrewsberry raced.

The #3150 lb. 68' 340 Dart GTS and 340 Barracuda's still were successful in E/S and E/SA, running 12.80's.

Imagine them running in G/S in 1968,,,,,,,

[Chris Barnes]

I know we're supposed to be talking about racing here but I just have to say that the Mopar Six Pack option is one of the things that make America great. It is just the most stupid good fun ever put in a street car. Anyone who's ever driven one on the street knows what I'm talking about--those outboards are vacuum activated insanity!!! I'm too young and weak to have driven one with drum brakes but even still whoooooo!!!!

Chris Barnes
Wagons of Steel
Stock 6621

[Dan Bennett]

Originally Posted by Paul Ceasrine

Dan,

340/275 HP, horsepower re-factor to 310 HP.
Not sure on how the NHRA knew, but they did.

Chrysler Performance was informed of the rating back in December
1967.
Thats when the Southern California Dodge Dealers started building
the E/S Dart GTS that Bill Shrewsberry raced.

The #3150 lb. 68' 340 Dart GTS and 340 Barracuda's still were successful in E/S and E/SA, running 12.80's.

Imagine them running in G/S in 1968,,,,,,,

Paul,

OK, that makes more sense now that you give the dates. In December 67 the 68s would have been on sale for a few months.

As crazy as things were back then, I wouldn't be surprised if one of the competing manufacturers got access to a 340 and made sure that NHRA Tech was aware of the numbers the car ran. Just as a courtesy, of course.