Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

Freddy M-Code,,,,,,,,you can send me a PM.

The Mr. Norms's GSS 440 68' Darts were built in the spring of 1968.

The handful of factory 68' GTS 440 Darts were out there for the
1968 NHRA Winternationals in Pomona.

Not sure of the exact amount of cars set-up, but I'm guessing 5 or 6.

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

Ok Gary, now I'm LMAO...I could get so lucky to be skinny again.... :)

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

As I seem to remember HURST built some of the 440 cars for Chrysler & Mr. Norm

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

Blue Ralph,

Yes, Mr. Norm/Grand Spaulding did partner up with Hurst Performance
for the 40 or so 'GSS' 68' Darts with the 440.

Rough numbers are between 31 and 48 produced.
But built some time in April 1968.

In December 1967/Jaunary1968, Chrysler (Dodge) sent out 5 or 6
68' Dart GTS cars, equipped with 440's, to selected factory-based
teams (ie; Dick Landy, Ron Mancini, Charlie Allen Saddleback Dodge
and a couple of other teams).

These 5 or 6, were race-ready, and could run 12.10's for SS/EA in
early-1968.
All the teams had to do, was paint them, and install their desired
mag-wheels and slicks.

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

Freddy,

The 1968 Grand-Spaulding Dodge Dart GSS 440's

Were sent to;
Hurst Performance
1191 E. 11 Mile Road
Madison Heights, Michigan

The Hurst Performance conversion # L68-1703
Cost $363.65

The price of the cars at Grand Spaulding
$3788

Tires E70 x 14" white-stripe, with Deluxe wheel covers.

Included with the 440
'GSS" emblems
Hooker Headers
Re-jetted Carter 750 AVS carburetor
Dyno-Tuned
4.33 Sure-Grip (Option)
Special pulleys
Performance ignition wiring

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

Paul,
Some of your GSS info is erroneous.
No 4.30 gears or headers unless you paid extra for them. Headers were all OK Kustom brand if installed at the dealership.
I worked at GSD in the early 70's and saw many of these cars come back in trade.
Contact me via e-mail or phone if you want specifics.

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

The one SS & DI tested had 4.33 Sure-Grip gears
and headers.
No option cost added for the headers, and $42.35 for the #408 Sure-Grip gear set.

If headers weren't installed on the 68' GSS 440's, what were they utilizing.
Not the 1968 left (driver) side exhaust manifold for the 383's, they didn't fit with the 440.

I have the information, in an article by Al Kirschenbaum, Dodge High-Performance Service Manager.
Only (6 to 12) Dart GSS 440's were built in 1968.
Exact #'s never confirmed.
14' x 5.5" wheels, with E-70 x 14 (white stripe)
10" drum brakes
440 Magnum engines (Assembled at Chrysler Industrial and Marine)
Carter 750cfm AVS carbs (Re-jetted, reset pump shots and floats)
Champion UJ12Y spark-plugs
Re-curved distributor (Single-point distributor)
Left the factory with 3.55 gears.
LS23 cars, 'H' Code (one of the cars serial #208963)

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

Matt,

The listed information states that both Dick Landy and Charlie Allen
got their 1968 440 Darts in early January 1968, 3-weeks before
the NHRA Winternationals at Pomona.

They each took ownership for $1.00.

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

Freddy,

I sent you a PM

The first '2' 1968 440 Dodge Darts 'GTS' (SS/EA) went to
Dick Landy, and Saddleback Dodge in California.

Both were delivered 3-weeks before the 1968 NHRA Winternationals.
The cars were original 383 GTS cars, automatics.
With bucket seats, consoles, heater and radio
Drum brakes 10". No under-coating.

The 383 engines were pulled, and 440 engines were installed before they were shipped out.

I'll try to locate the full details
The original '6' factory 1968 GTS 440 Darts (SS/EA).
1) Dick Landy (California)
2) Saddleback Dodge (Charlie Allen) (California)
3) Friedman Motors (Des Moines, Iowa)
4) Greater Detroit Dodge Dealers (Ron Mancini)
5) Rockville Center Dodge (Rockville Center, L.I., New York)
6) Bob Banning Dodge (Hyattsville, Maryland)

A guy in New Jersey (Tom ?) got the Rockville Center Dodge car in 1969.

Re: 1968 Dodge Darts (Factory SS/EA 440's)
 

Ron Mancini was runner up in Super Stock Eliminator at the 1968 NHRA Divison 3 event at Bluegrass Dragway in Lexington. He was running his 1968 SS/EA Dodge Dart.
At the 1969 Divison 3 event there he was SS winner in his SS/AA Hemi Dart.