Marine 273 build

The following is excerpted from the press release on the D/Dart.

The "D/Dart" features a modified 273-cubic inch engine with a special four-barrel Holley carburetor. Other features include:

A special Camcraft camshaft (284 degrees with .495 intake and .505 exhaust), Racer Brown valve springs, a modified, full-breathing intake manifold, a low-restriction air cleaner, and a Weber clutch. Other standard items are: a heavy-duty 4.86:1 Sure-Grip 8-3/4 inch rear axle, free-flow exhaust headers by Doug of California, a four-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty suspension, and 6.95x14 B.S.W. tires.


The Doug's headers might not work in a closed engine bay marine application. However, they're probably good for 20-30 hp over the marine exhaust manifolds. Just for a talking point, call a marine D/Dart a 250 hp engine.


If you're interested in improved cylinder heads, you may want to take a look at Indy Cylinder Head's LA-MAX. It's an iron head with Magnum valves and a rocker shaft. I've had a look and think it will fit the 273 without having to notch the block. I have not confirmed this with Indy, however.

FWIW: The early 273 heads had the smallest cc among LA Mopar heads.