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

Jeg,

I'll put together all the photo's and detailed information concerning these
few cars.

The handful of factory cars did not come from Mr. Norms's (GSS version).
They were from the Chrysler, and were GTS versions.
The 1968 cars, from what we have, did not come through with S/S rear leaf springs.
And the wheel bolt patterns were 4", not 4.5" like the 68' Hemi cars.
Also, drum brakes on the front.

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

What did Mike Landy run in '68,,,wasn't it one of these,, along side brother Dick's Chargers? My memory is a little foggy this morning.
Danny Durham

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

No,,
Mike Landy drove the 1968 Coronet R/T 440/375 HP,,,,,in SS/F.
Then later in 1968 in SS/FA.

Dick drove the 68' SS/EA Dart, as did Butch Leal and Bob Lambeck.

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

I think these cars should be "outlawed".....LOL


Gary Hansen
4911 SS/EA
1968 Dodge Dart

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

Didn't Landy have one of the Hemi Darts too?

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

To borrow from Keyshawn Johnson of ESPN fame....C'MON MAN! Enjoy, Enjoy.

Heck I wish I could afford a car like yours and Darren Smiths, because they're (as Bob Frey would say), WAY UP ON THE COOL-O-METER!!!

This is coming from the more out-spoken Gary H....the one you have to say you're not...LOL!

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

LMAO..........Hi Gary. People have figured out how to tell us apart now. You are the skinny one.

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

Can the Dart 440's do the LO23 quarter panel modification or do they have to be uncut?

Plus, It would be super cool to see all of Darts and Cuda's in their nostalgia makeover/retro condition enter the Hemi Challenges.

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

You can not cut the wheel wells like the Hemi cars. Additionally, our wheel base is 111 inches. The Hemi cars are allowed 1 inch less. (both the Barracuda and Dart)

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

Actually, the 67-69 Barracudas are 108" from the factory and 108" for the AH Cudas. As you stated the Dart is longer from the factory. Jim Schilds Authenticity Guide states that the Dart kept its original wheelbase but as you stated, I think they run at 110" and came with 111".

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.

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

Does anyone know if any of these 440 powered Dart ex race cars are still around today or the story of their demise?

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

I haven't seen any.
The 68' 440 Darts could only run Super/Stock.
1968 SS/EA
1969 SS/GA
1970 SS/FA

I think the big deal was, Chrysler only wanted to factory back the Hemi's.

Too bad, the top '2' Division points leaders for 1968.
Bob Lambeck (Dick Landy car)
Ron Mancini

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

So... What exhaust manifold were these cars delivered with? Did these cars come with a factory warranty?

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

Tom,

From what I have found on the '6' factory prepped 1968 SS/EA Darts GTS cars.
They came with Hooker Headers, 1 7/8" primary with 42" length tubes and 3 1/2" collectors. Fenderwell units.

A special exhaust connector pipe was attached to each side-outlet on the header collector (2 1/8" diamter),
and connected to the stock 383 mufflers, tail-pipes and chrome-tip exhausts.

No warranty on the factory race cars, but the factory did back them with free replacement parts.


The Mr. Norm's GSS 440 Darts (different version), did come through with a factory warranty.

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

T-N-T,

Car Craft Magazine (February 1968) had an article about the
Grand-Spaulding GSS 440's.

The information was gathered in December 1967, mentioning
that they were to be produced.

Also, Grand Spaulding Mr. Norm's placed advertisements in
Car Craft Magazine, for 68 GSS 440 Darts for $3750 and
they were offering 68' Factory Hemi Super/Stock Darts, at $5200.

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

Tom,

According to Al K.

The 1968 Dart GTS cars were pulled from the line on
November 20, 1967.

They were all 383 GTS cars with automatics. #LS23 cars, with 3.55 Sure-Grip gears.
The cars were pulled from the assembly line without the power train (engines), and
shipped to Hurst Performance for the conversion.

The Dodge-Hurst Conversion was code #L68 1703.
Cost was $363.65

440 engines were installed at Hurst Performance.
The cars were shipped back to Grand Spaulding Dodge for final preparation,
Which Included;
GSS badging
Engines were Dyno'd
Power-tuned
Carbs re-jetted (Reset pump shots and re-calibrated floats)
Re-curved distributors
Champion UJ-12Y spark-plugs
Larger belt pulleys
Performance ignition wiring
Low-restriction exhaust system (low-resistance mufflers, not the stock 383 units)
Full factory warranty
Ready-to-drive

Cost $3788

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

1970 ???

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

1968,,,SS/EA,,,,,,,, 8.70 to 9.47 wt/hp
1969 ,,SS/GA,,,,,,,,,8.50 to 8.99 wt/hp
1970,,,SS/FA,,,,,,,,,,8.50 to 8.99 wt/hp

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

I was curious specifically about 1970 Dodge Darts because I never heard of any from any factory or factory approved source.

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

More erroneous information.
Dennis Hirschbach, the former parts manager of GSD from 66 through 76 is still alive and a friend of mine.
We both laugh at many of your GSS references Paul.
The engines were not installed by Hurst, they were factory built.
Another ubran legend created by the Hurst marketing arm of the time.
Probably the same group who said Hurst installed the 455's the Oldsmobiles as well.

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

Alex,

What is Code #L68 1703 (Hurst Conversion)

Now I do have a photo of a 440 engine being dropped into a
68' Dart, utilizing an engine crane.

Was this at Hurst or Grand-Spaulding or the Factory.

And Alex,
I didn't laugh at you when you made an error in posting that the 66' A-Body cars didn't come through
with an 8 3/4 rear-end housing.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,remember the D-Dart thread.

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

T-N-T,

I think the SS/EA record was 12.20, entering the 1968 NHRA
Winternationals.

That Super Stock class was attacked by Dick Landy's GTS 440 Dart
(not a Mr. Norms GSS 440) and some 68' Ford 428 Cobra-Jet Mustangs.

Some posted times by Dick Landy;
11.91
12.01 @ 118.73
11.81

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

FYI,,,in the new issue of Muscle Car Review theres a nice 2 page black and white of Dandy Dick Landy and brother Mike taken in late '67 with their brand new '68s. Dick with his Charger (no hood scoop) and Mike with his Coronet,,, about 18/19 pages in.
Check it out if you see the mag. Danny Durham

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

Ted,

Dick Landy's 68' GTS 440 Dart (SS/EA) made it to the Semi-Finals
at the 68' Winternationals.

I think he had 4 or 5 cars at the 68' NHRA Winternationals.

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

It would be very interesting to find out exactly how many races each of these six 440 Darts actually won, anyone here have any info on this.

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

I personally know where there are 14 original Mr. Norms Dart GSS's, my boss owns three of them and there is a fourth in storage owned by someone else. I currently work for Mr. Norm and there is plenty of misinformation about these cars out there. The first few came out with 67 383 exhaust manifolds, and there is plenty more info that has been verified. Norm himself is not a car guy, he saw what was happening with high-performance cars and realized how many "units" he could sell. He recalls that there were 48 GSS' built. I have heard that the Landy car, which was not a GSS is in Minnesota, but I have not been able to narrow down where!

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

C'mon Alex, no need to belittle Paul while making your point; he's a class act. If Paul's in error, I'm sure he's humble enough to admit it and update his info.

Anyway....

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/622/ronmancini.jpg

M68

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

And, if you REALLY want a laugh, persuade Alex to relate (here on ClassRacer) his fantasy about how the O.E.M. FE/C4 bell housing came to be... a Canadian/Ford pickup truck fairytale to end all fairytales!!! LOL!

It is a masterpiece!!! :)

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

I know the story very well.....I was going to the races with Bill Hawk, Dale Shannon, and Jim Morgan (SS/GA) back in my 428 CJ and 351Cleveland days as I did the cylinder heads for each of them back then. Joe Threatt (sp?) from Calif. had a C4 in his Mustang at the Sports Nationals in Bowling Green Ky. when we were there and we found out about it when his driver out ran Bill for class. Yhis was before NHRA allowed the lighter wt. transmissions but the win allowed. The C4 was worth a little over a tenth back in the day. The C6 had a lot of drag and it was even hard to push the car in the staging lanes with a C6 in it.

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

C-6 ALWAYS had a lot of case flexing enough that they would split case.