Mr. Norm's GSS Hemi Dart - #007

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now for the engine...
I'm just an everyday country boy from east texas that has my own business. I have always busted my a** working and thought I had to have this car. Normally would have built my own and have several more to back it up.
Finally had it delivered, body and interior are first class; after initial euphoria noticed water vapor on the valve covers...uh oh:(. Also the clutch linkage did not play well with the 3-finger hays clutch setup, I pulled and stabbed the tranny 7 times in my home garage, finally replaced clutch with a centerforce unit. So I take it for a test drive and a headgasket on drivers side says bye bye. man was I pissed:elmer::elmer::elmer:. I pulled the motor, tore it down, cylinder sleeves varied from .02 to 0.19 above deck...really???? another level of pissed! Also the displacement was 528 ci, not the 572 that I paid for.
I got HHP to exchange bad block for new generation HHP block (see chrysler power mag dated August 2014, page 16); signed by Tom Hoover before he passed and other ramchargers. Since then we have been machining, testing, ordering custom parts and slowly moving towards a real custom built hemi. Gettin close.
OK...very nice car, but I'm curious as to why, when you had so many problems so soon after you bought the car, that you weren't on Mr Norm's a** for some kind of warranty coverage? Don't these things come with at least some kind of warranty?
 
I remember You, and The Car from previous - here in post # 1 thru 3. At that time You told about the problems, with the car. - Hope that You got it all sorted out. It sure is a Neat Ride. -- Thanks for the updates.
 
OK...very nice car, but I'm curious as to why, when you had so many problems so soon after you bought the car, that you weren't on Mr Norm's a** for some kind of warranty coverage? Don't these things come with at least some kind of warranty?
no warranty, blue moon declared bankruptcy during the build
 
Awesome! Me too. When are you going to bring that thing to Pistons on the Square?? (3rd Saturday of each month)

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as soon as I can....probably after first of the year by the time its tested and re-installed. Look forward to meeting you there.
 
I also "considered" the GSS when the advertising and hype came out. Fortunately waited too long to order one plus I thought some of the options were too costly. Still have the original download of their brochure. Wasn't "rhinodart" involved with their sales dept? Anyways beautiful car.

Chicago 2008: 1968 Dodge GSS Hemi Dart
Great decision on your part....I re-read the link, can't believe that Mr. Norm allowed this to happen with the engines. Apparently the builds started with Jim Van Gordon out of Cali, mine was built (sorry wrong terminology, should read bolted together) by clowns at HHP in Tennessee. I would guess that the group did not allow for the cost and time it takes to machine/build an engine of this caliber, especially with starting with a newly design unproven aluminum block. I think that and other factors ended the venture.
 
Thank you very much. I had searched for mopar muscle clubs, but didn't come up with much. Just looking for guys that love to wrench. And nice Dart!
 
If you ever take that beast to Bass Pro shops in Buda on Saturday nights shoot me a PM would love to check that out I’m in San Antonio.
 
Just moved to Austin area from Denver. Any Mopar clubs/ shows in central Texas, or is Pistons on the Square your best shot? PS nice car!
We Central and south Texas members should get together for a Saturday Cruise. Or Cruise in. I don’t like sittin around 5 hour car shows. But Cruise in’s are pretty good they Have a New drive in Theatre in New Braunfels I’ve been trying to get a group together to go to.
 
Pistons on the Square this morning.
First time I ever ran across the Satellite and white 71 Duster. Father and son, nice guys!
SBM, what part of Austin are you in?

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Top Notch Burgers with. four of my buddies and a few cars from the Mopar Cars of Austin club.

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We meet up at Lowes in Leander some Saturday nights. There is an organized show a couple miles down in Downtown Leander 3rd Saturdays at 5pm.

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I'm in west cedar park, not far from Leander at all. My car's definitely more of a driver/ toy. It was my first car, and I've been consistently working on it. Would love to meet up, or do a cruise in!
 
I'll be at Leander probably around 5-6 tonight. Probably go Downtown first, then to Lowes on old 183 in Leander. Come on out. What car are you driving?


@nevertoofast, sorry for the side-trip on your thread.
 
Nevertoofast- can't wait to see the finished product. Good luck with the test and tune.
 
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