1966 Dodge D/Dart ~ 'Mystery, Myth and Misconception'

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1966 Dodge D/Dart

273/275 HP

Chrysler's {Dodge Racing Division} answer for 1966 NHRA D/Stock.

D-Dart66.jpg
 
Chrysler,

Who was pretty much expected to build another Super Stock Package just like they had in,
* 1962
* 1963
* 1964
* 1965

Chrysler had stalled their 'Super/Stock Program' as problems with the 'UAW' halted production
for a few weeks during the early stages of the 1966 Model Production Run.

And with the success of the 426 Race Hemi with the 1965 Super/Stockers and Factory Backed
'AWB' Lightweight' cars, Chrysler continued to add to the 1965 Production well into late-1965
{which typically ended in June 1965}.

The 'new' addition to Chrysler Racing in 1966 would be the 426 'Street Hemi', which was 'not'
designed for Super/Stock, but specifically produced for Street Applications and to compete in
the NHRA Top Stock Class of 'A/Stock'.

Lost in the shuffle, was the success of the 1965 Barracuda 273/235 HP 'Commando', which had
surprised more than a few 'Junior Stockers' in 'F/S' and 'F/SA' during the 1965 NHRA and AHRA
seasons, by not only setting National Class Records, but also performing well at both Regional
and Major Events.
 
For the upcoming 1966 Racing Season as of January 1, 1966

For 1966 in 'Stock Class' > Mopar would have 'competetive' cars classed in;

AA/s or AA/SA
1962....................... Plymouth and Dodge > '413' Cars
1963 and 1964......... Plymouth and Dodge > '426 Max-Wedge' Cars

A/S or A/SA
1966 ..................... Plymouth and Dodge > '426 Street Hemi' Cars

B/SA
1963 and 1964....... Plymouth and Dodge Station Wagons > '426 Max-Wedge' Cars
1964..................... Plymouth and Dodge B-Body > '426-S' 'Street-Wedge' Cars

C/S or C/SA
1965.................... Plymouth and Dodge B-Body > '426-S' 'Street Wedge' Cars
1962.................... Plymouth and Dodge B-Body > 383/343 HP 'Dual-Quad' Cars
1963 and 1964...... Plymouth and Dodge B-Body > 383/325 HP Cars

D/S or D/SA
1962................... Plymouth and Dodge B-Body > 361/305 HP Cars
1965 and 1966..... Plymouth and Dodge B-Body > 383/325 HP Cars
1966................... Dodge Charger 383/325 HP

Released for April 15, 1966
D/S 'only'
1966.................. Dodge Dart GT 'D-Dart' 273/275 HP
 
My old D/Dart sold once again. This time it sold for $40K at BJ last night. Some guy with might deep pockets bought it. Wish I knew who he is. Buyer number is 434.
 
For the 1966 Production Year.

A 1966 D/Dart was not on the table at Product Planning or the Special Car Division in August 1965.

Chrysler was still planning to build a 1966 426 Hemi 'Super/Stock Package' again for the B-Body.

But delays and problems on the Plant Line, ended up cancelling the '426 Hemi' Super/Stock Package
in early February 1966.

By February 25, 1966 - the Special Car Division decided to go forth with a 'limited production' special
273 Engine in the 1966 Dodge Dart GT called the 'D/Dart'.

The Dart would be prepared by the Factory, and was to be equipped with few performance bolt-ons.
 
March 5, 1966

Dick Maxwell, Staff Engineer of the 'Special Performance Group' at Product Planning set forth
the combination for the 1966 Dodge Dart GT with the 273/235 'Commando' Engine and 4-Speed
Manual Transmission 'only'

It was to compete in the 1966 NHRA 'D/Stock' Class {10.60 to 11.29 Wt/Hp} for 1966.

After discussions in 'what was to go into the 273', it was agreed upon that the following items
would be converted into the 273/235 HP 'Commando'

* .495"/.505" Lift ~ 284* Duration ~ 60* Overlap ~ Solid Lifter Camshaft {'Racer Brown' or 'Camcraft'}
* Racer Brown #VR-18X - High-Load Rate Valve Springs {#300 lbs. w/Valve Open}
* Holley #4160 Series - 700 CFM - 'specially-calibrated' Carburetor
* Free-Flowing Open Plenum Intake Manifold {or Carburetor Adapter-Plate}

* Special Calibrated Dual-Point Distributor {w/Vacuum Advance Mechanism removed}

* 'Weber of California' Clutch Package {w/#2500 lb. Spring Load-Rate Pressure Plate and Performance-Rated Clutch Disc}

* Doug Headers {Under-Chassis Type} > To be placed in the Trunk Compartment with a special 'Y-Shaped' Exhaust Pipe connector. {Headers to be installed by Racer}

* 4.86 Gears w/Sure-Grip Differential

* Minor Items {Radio, Antenna and Rear Seat Belts} were deleted, as non-required items.
 
Specifically,

The 1966 Dodge Dart GT {D/Dart Package} with the 273/275 HP Engine would be targeting 'D/Stock'.

At the time, the NHRA D/S record was at 13.02, and held by the Musser Brothers out of Reading, Pennsylvania
with a 1961 Corvette 283/270 HP 'Dual-Quad Carburetor' with the Code #CU Engine.

But for 1966, the D/Dart would also be campaigning against the 'lighter' 1966 Ford Mustang 289/271 HP 'K-Code',
and the 1966 Chevy Nova 327/275 HP 'L-30' Code.
 
I think that Ted's was probably the quickest D/Dart out there with a best of 12.95 @ 105. Respectable for the time but nowhere near what the Musser Brother's Vette could run.
 
I think that Ted's was probably the quickest D/Dart out there with a best of 12.95 @ 105. Respectable for the time but nowhere near what the Musser Brother's Vette could run.

Correct on that one,

In 1966, that 61' Corvette could run 12.80's if need be. One tough car to beat in D/S in 1966.

Under NHRA Rules, you could not run lower than {-.010} under the National Record, or you were DQ'd.
 
Mystery, Myth and Misconception
___________________________

Mystery > The 1966 Dodge D/Dart was a 'secret and specially developed car' by Chrysler Racing for the Dodge Division.

Misconception > It was 'thought' that the reason Chrysler Racing wanted to build a D/S car for 1966 was because;

Fact > The Musser Brothers {Barry and Ernie} had dominated the {10.60 to 11.29 Wt/Hp Class}, with their 1961 Corvette 'BAN-ZAI"

Fact > The Musser Brothers 61' Corvette {283/270 HP 'Dual-Quad} had dominated C/S in 1965, as they had set the C/S National Record at {13.08} at the 1965 Springnationals. Then dropped it again to {13.02} at the 1965 Indy Nationals.
Then dropped it again to {12.98} in October 1975 while on their way to winning the World Championship in Junior Stock.

Fact > The Musser Brothers were out of Reading, Pennsylvania, and had pretty much tore up NHRA Junior Stock in the {NED 1 Northeast Division}, where they also won the 'Top Dog Award'.

Fact > The Musser Brothers opened up 1966 in the same fashion, and their 61' Corvette 'BAN-ZAI' was the dominant car in the {10.60 to 11.29 Wt/Hp Class} which was now classed D/S in 1966.

Myth > The Musser Brothers were rubbing it into the face of the Chrysler Racing Reps in the Northeast.

Below Photos from 1965



attachment.php
 
1966 Dodge Dart GT ~ "Conception of the 1966 D/Dart"

1} February 5, 1966

Chrysler Racing Division sent out a Product Information Letter {Bulletin #5} to all Dealers, to inform
them of the 1966 'Super/Stock Package' that was being developed with the '426 Hemi'.

Chrysler Racing Division has plans of building a 1966 Super/Stock Package for both the
Plymouth and Dodge 'B-Body' cars again with the '426 Hemi'.

At the time, Chrysler is also backing several Racers with the new 1966 '426 Street Hemi' classed
in Top Stock {A/S and A/SA} with the 66' Plymouth Belvedere, 66' Plymouth Satellite, and
66' Dodge Coronets.

At the time, there were no plans for a 'special' 273 Drag Package, as the Chrysler Racing Division
was not that all interested in the 'A-Body' Junior Stockers, as they wanted to put all their efforts
into Super/Stock or Top Stock with the '426 Hemi'.

The Dodge Division {Southern California Dodge Dealers Association} has put together '4' prepped
1966 Dodge Chargers with the 383/325 HP Engine to 'Showcase' and compete in D/Stock 'Manual'
and D/Stock 'Automatic' at both the AHRA and NHRA Winternationals in Southern California.


2} February 11, 12 & 13, 1966 ~ AHRA Winternationals @ Irwindale Raceway, California

Chrysler Racing Division is getting stalled by the Chrysler Machine Division, as there is 'limited time' available
for the Drag Racing Division to put together a 1966 Super/Stock Program.

At the AHRA Winternationals, Mopar Racers are waiting to get information on the new Super/Stock cars.

The Chrysler Reps are unsure on whether they can get a Super/Stock Package together before the next
Major Event, the Springnationals which are set for early June 1966.

The '4' {Factory Backed} 1966 Dodge Charger 383/325 HP Cars are entered at the AHRA Winternationals
in Stock Class > (2} in D/S 'Manual' and {2} in D/SA 'Automatic.

The {2} D/S 4-Speed Charger 383's are eliminated early in Class Eliminations.

The {2} D/SA Automatic Charger 383's fair a little better, as one makes it to the Class Semi-Finals.


3} February 18, 19 & 20, 1966 ~ NHRA Winternationals @ Pomona

Word comes down from Chrysler Racing that due to problems at the Machine Division, there will be a late start
to the 1966 Drag Racing Program, and as a result of a Plant Strike by Union Workers, there will be a delay for the
1966 Super/Stock Program for the 426 Hemi.

In the meantime, the 'Special Performance Group' of Chrysler Racing will focus on supporting the 1966 '426 Street Hemi'
in the Top Stock {A/S and A/SA} Class, as well as existing AWB Cars, Super/Stock Cars, and 'selected' Stockers.

At the NHRA Winternationals, the '4' Factory/Dealer backed 'new' 1966 Dodge Charger 383/325 HP Cars again
fail miserably in Stock Class {classed in D/S and D/SA}, as all '4' Chargers are knocked out early in Class Eliminations.


4} February 25, 1966

Following the D/S and D/SA 'disasters' with the 'new' 1966 Dodge Charger 383/325 HP Cars at the AHRA and NHRA
Winternationals in California, the Dodge Division and the 'Special Performance Group' decide to abandon backing the
#3630 lb. Charger 383/325 HP cars in the D/S and D/SA Class.

It is determined that the 66' Dodge Chargers are too heavy for the {10.60 - 11.29 Wt/HP} D/S Class, and cannot
compete with the 'Top Running' D/S or D/SA Cars due to a poor Weight-to-Horsepower break.
 
1966 Dodge Dart GT ~ "Conception of the 1966 D/Dart"

5} March 1, 1966

Dick Maxwell, Staff Engineer the 'Special Performance Group' and the Dodge Racing Division discuss
and come up with 'low-cost' Drag Package for the 1966 Dart GT 273/235 HP 4-Speed 'only' Car.

A 'special' Engine Package {Camshaft, Valve Springs, Holley Carburetor and Distributor} will be
swapped for the 'Stock Components' on the 273/235 'Commando'.

These modifications will 'add' 40 Horsepower to the 273, and this 'Special Engine Package' will be
rated at 275 Horsepower, and will be built to qualify for NHRA 'D/Stock' in the Stock Class.

If approved by the NHRA, '50' of these 1966 Dart GT Cars will be built to qualify for a legal Stocker as
per the NHRA Requirements.

Corresponding information is sent to the NHRA for 'approval and certification'.


6} March 4, 1966

The NHRA 'approves' the 273/275 HP Engine, and certifies the 1966 Dodge Dart GT for 'D/Stock', as the car will
be equipped with a 4-Speed 'only', as per the documentation from Chrysler Racing {Dodge Division}.


7} March 5, 1966

Dick Maxwell and the 'Special Performance Group' designate the 1966 Dodge Dart GT with the 273/275 HP as
a 'Code' {Super Stock Package S.C. 699}.


8} March 15, 1966

The Dodge Division produces a 'Special Order' Information Bulletin.

Code; Super Stock Package - Special Car S.C. 699
Dart LP-23, Equipped with a Super Stock 66' Engine

All components installed on the 'Limited Production' 1966 Dart GT are listed.
 
Good reading, glad you like to share!

When I got out of Navy in 66, ply dealer in costa mesa had a left over 66 belvedere w/426 street hemi for $3000.00
I couldn't afford it!

couple of months later,my dad helped me get my first new car.

A Dodge dealer in Novato calif had a brand new 67 Dart 4spd 273, 235 hp.

But I fell in love w/ a 66 Charger and bought it instead.
Got married the first time in that car, need to find those pics.

cudamike13
 
9} March 15, 1966

First 'printed' information listing the components for the 1966 Dodge Dart GT

{Dart} ~ Super Stock 66 Engine ~ Special Order S.C. 699

salecode.jpg
 
Paul,
Thanks for putting all the information out there for others to read. If you don't mind, I'll have Alan Lewis -- aka the other Alan -- add it to the D/Dart website. Most of the stuff is on there except for the chronalogical order of events leading up to the cars launch.
Do you know where they installed the engines? The cars had a build date of April 13th and the engines are stamped around 4-21.
Thanks again............
Alan
 
Paul,
Thanks for putting all the information out there for others to read. If you don't mind, I'll have Alan Lewis -- aka the other Alan -- add it to the D/Dart website. Most of the stuff is on there except for the chronalogical order of events leading up to the cars launch.
Do you know where they installed the engines? The cars had a build date of April 13th and the engines are stamped around 4-21.
Thanks again............
Alan

Alan,

From what I've got, is that everything was done at Hamtramck, Michigan.


I do not believe the Dart GT cars were shipped to an outside facility.
 
First Announcement Letter

10} March 25, 1966

Dodge Product Information Bulletin ~ Bulletin #10

Chrysler Corporation 'Dodge Division'

To All Dodge Dealers

A Dodge Dart 'Drag Package' is being made available with a 275 Horsepower
273 High Performance Engine with a 4-Speed Transmission, including a 'Special'
Rear Axle Assembly.

This Dart Package will conform to the NHRA and AHRA Rules to qualify for 'D/Stock'.


11} April 11, 1966

Dodge Product Information Bulletin ~ Bulletin #11 ~ P-1537

* Dart Drag Package
* Listed Specifications
* To compete against the Ford Mustang 289/271 HP 'K-Code'.
* A 'well-prepared' Dart is expected to run low-13's or high-12's at speeds upwards to 108 MPH.
* The 1966 Dodge Dart 'Drag Package' will be built and made available for late-April 1966.
* Contact the Regional Office for Ordering information.
* Because of the expected use, Dart GT's equipped with this Drag Package will be sold 'AS IS', without any Warranty.



infobull.jpg
 
What's In A Name


Mystery > It was actually called the 'Maximum Performance 273 Engine Dart Drag Package'

Fact > The Dodge Division had Coded it as 'D66-HP-1'


Myth > This package was 'not' called the D/Dart by the Dodge Division.


Misconception > It was thought to be a 'specially prepared' Factory Drag Race car.
 
This is the stamping on the engine that came out of the first car that I had. Ted's car has a stamping of 4-27 and I think a car in Nevada has 4-23. They might be the date of build or a sequence number of the build. I only know of these 3 engines that still exist.
 

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Alan,

Excellent.........

The 1966 '426 Hemi' Super/Stock Package was cancelled because of a Union Strike at
one of the Machining Division's.

On the Intake for the 273/275 HP Engine.

It was 'planned' that an Edelbrock Aluminum Dual-Plane High-Rise would be utilized
for this Package.

But, Product Planning shot that idea down, because no one got approval to place a
'Special Order' for the Manifolds from Edelbrock.
 
I know you have a lot of stuff but --- if you don't have Bulletin #10 I can send you a high res JPEG file of it. I sent it, along with all my other D/Dart stuff, to Barry and he put it on the Hamtramck site. I also have the 273/318/340 Engine Tune-Up Tips, Bulletin Number 8 that has all the D/Dart stuff in it. The 340 on the front was hand written in. Probably a real early draft. I also have the 275HP - 273 Tune-Up Tips dated March 1966.

I also gave Barry some Hemi stuff that I came across in the lab. Let me know if you want/need any of it.
 
12} April 11, 1966

Dodge Product Information

To All Dodge Dealers

{Dart} ~ Super Stock Package 66 ~ Special Order S.C. 699
Special Price Line ~ Body Models

{Dart} ~ 2-Door Hardtop {LP-23}
Equipped with the Super Stock 66 Engine

S.C. 364 ~ Super Stock 66
S.C. 699 ~ Special Order

Suggested Price......... $2875

Special Order Car Manager and Chief Engineer
R M Rodgers
 
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