D/Dart of 1966 Super Stock option

Paul Ceasrine · 08-06-2010, 08:48 AM

The 'LA' engine 283/180HP was to be the plain-jane V-8 for the
A-body's.
Chrysler had to make a lighter engine for the #2700 lb. cars, and the early 318's were much too heavy.
3.61 x 3.31 bore/stroke = 273c.i. is much in line with the
general small blocks of the day, but it did limit Mopar on optional
performance applications.
The 273 4-barrel 235HP Commando which came in 1965, was in direct response from 1964 A-body car purchasers who were
dissappointed in the 273/180HP performance.
In the 235HP range, it was competitive with the 283/230HP Chevy and 289/225HP Ford, in stock format.
Biggest draw-back, 4-bolt pattern cylinder head mounting, and the
small bore 3.61 limited up-grades to the cylinder head valve train.
It was simply what it was, a good low-to-mid range torque car.
paul

08-06-2010, 08:48 AM	#28
Paul Ceasrine VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,546 Likes: 0 Liked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Re: D/Dart of 1966 Super Stock option The 'LA' engine 283/180HP was to be the plain-jane V-8 for the A-body's. Chrysler had to make a lighter engine for the #2700 lb. cars, and the early 318's were much too heavy. 3.61 x 3.31 bore/stroke = 273c.i. is much in line with the general small blocks of the day, but it did limit Mopar on optional performance applications. The 273 4-barrel 235HP Commando which came in 1965, was in direct response from 1964 A-body car purchasers who were dissappointed in the 273/180HP performance. In the 235HP range, it was competitive with the 283/230HP Chevy and 289/225HP Ford, in stock format. Biggest draw-back, 4-bolt pattern cylinder head mounting, and the small bore 3.61 limited up-grades to the cylinder head valve train. It was simply what it was, a good low-to-mid range torque car. paul