66 Dart wheel question, carb/iginition

-
larryj

larryj

Active Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2009
Messages
28
Reaction score
3
Location
Alexandria, VA
I have a '66 Dart convertible that I bought a Wilwood disk brake conversion kit for and am having installed. The mech says that he doesn't think 15x7 American Racing Torq-Thrust II's will fit. I've searched some threads but couldn't find a conclusive answer. Anyone know? I am also looking for a cheap way to upgrade the rear end so I can run 4.5" bolt pattern all around (currently have the stock 7.25 rear end)...

Also my mech recommended installing an MSD ignition and new Edelbrock 500cfm carb. I'm not entirely convinced I need to do this. Running a '76 318 with '82 318 heads, marine 318 intake with a Carter AFB, and an aftermarket Mopar performance electronic ignition. Top end rebuild several years ago with dual exh, perf cam, double roller chain. The biggest problem is the Mopar performance air cleaner does not fit on the AFB, so it is only serving as an aesthetic upgrade and not doing much to filter anything. Any recommendations?

1966 Dodge Dart convertible, 318, 4 spd
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=68147

1967 Dodge Charger factory 440 Magnum car
 
Not sure how much money you want to put into it, but I would probably try to find a 8 3/4 rear to swap. The 7.25 is not very durable and behind a 4 speed, even less. The 8 3/4 would provide besides the 4.5 bolt pattern, potential for sure grip and a host of gear selections too (3:23, 3:55, 3:91).
As for the MSD, they are good, but it sounds like from your build the mopar electronic ignition with a decent coil should be more that sufficient...my two cents.
 
look for an 8.25 rear from 73-76 a bodies that will bolt in & be much stronger than a 7.25. make sure you take the u bolts & plates. in your neck of the woods should be some parts, Lawrence
 
I would opt for the 73-76 A-body 8 1/4". They have the big bolt pattern and will hold up just fine behind a mild 318.

The A-body 8 3/4" will not give you the big pattern like some of the posts say. They never came with anything but the small pattern but there are axles available to convert these to the big pattern so you can have the best of both worlds.
 
I replaced my mopar electronic ignition with one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Block-Mopar-Dodge-Chrysler-318-340-360-Complete-Electronic-Distributor-HEI-/380453707588?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5894cedf44&vxp=mtr

The conversion included a flamethrower low resistance coil. I eliminated the ballast resistor, gapped the plugs to .050" and advanced the timing from 10 to 15 degrees btdc and my mileage around town went from 11.5 to 13. The added benefit was a more stock appearance and less wires under the hood since everything except the coil is contained within the distributor.

They also have them with the coil built right into the distributor cap but didn't look stock enough for my taste.

Just make sure you inspect the mounting of the ignition chip to it's heat sink. My first one failed early and I discovered that that the locating pins did not line up with the holes in the heat sink so there was not a good thermal bond. I shaved the locating pins off the free replacement chip and no problems since.
 
Carter AFB and Edelbrock are pretty much the same carb so I don't think the change would help with your air cleaner problem. You don't mention what size carb you have or what application it's from so hard to say if the change would help in terms of economy or performance.
 
Thanks for all the posts, I've found a local guy with a few A body 8.75 setups, drum to drum, and a wide gear range. Just waiting on the price...which has me a bit worried. 3.23 or 3.55, not sure which to go with. I have a 3.23 in my Charger which is pretty universal for town/highway.
I think I'm going to stick with the Mopar Performance ignition that I installed several years ago. Works fine. The AFB I am told had a smaller diameter lip to mount to than the AVS, and I think the Edelbrock 1406 600 cfm carb is the answer. Bidding on ebay now...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top