here is some info on the 68 s/s barracudas and darts.i was only able to copy and paste it.
the introduction of the S/S Hemi Barracudas created controversy in the stock ranks, where the little guy now found himself pitted against nation record holders in factory-built race cars. On February 20, 1968, Chrysler-Plymouth general sales manager R.D. McLaughlin outlined for dealers- and racers -what they could order. The following is a reprint of his letter in its entirety.
CHRYSLER ANNOUNCEMENT LETTER
1968 SUPER STOCK BARRACUDA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 20, 1968
TO: All Plymouth Dealers
Subject: 1968
Hemi Barracuda Super Stock
The Chrysler-Plymouth Division offers for the 1968 models a 426 Hemi-Powered Barracuda Fastback for use in supervised acceleration trials. These cars will weigh approximately 3,000 pounds and have been designed to meet the 1968 specifications of the major sanctioning drag strip organizations.
The Hemi-Powered Barracudas will be available though production is limited quantities in March. To order this vehicle, use the Barracuda Order Form and specify Body Code BO29 and Transmission Code, either 4 Speed Manual, Code 393, or Automatic, Code 395. No other specifications are necessary.
Description of Components
426 cu. In. 8-cylinder engine with dual 4-barrel carburetors- 12.5 to 1 compression ratio.
Cross Ram
Intake manifold.
1 11/16" x 1 11/16"
Holley carburetors.
Competition Hooker headers, exhaust pipes, and mufflers.
High capacity oil pump.
Roller timing chain (reduced timing chain stretch for more consistent engine performance).
Mechanical valve gear.
Dual breaker distributor.
Transistor ignition.
Metal core type ignition wires.
Unsilenced air cleaners.
Deep groove fan drive pulleys.
Heavy duty
radiator.
Aluminum seven-blade fan equipped with Viscous drive.
Special offset 15" rear wheels.
Chrysler-built 8 ¾" large stem pinion gear set, and heavy-duty axle
shafts with automatic transmission (4.86 axle ration).
Dana-built 9 ¾" heavy-duty axle with manual transmission (4.88 axle ration).
Sure-Grip differential.
135 Amp. Hr. battery (located in rear compartment).
Heavy-duty high control rear suspension.
Front disc brakes 41/2" Bolt Circle.
Fiberglass front fenders.
Fiberglass hood with scoop.
Light weight steel doors.
Light weight front bumper.
Light weight side window glass.
High capacity fuel lines.
Business coupe interior (2 bucket seats - no rear seat).
For Manual Transmission Only
Special heavy-duty 10 ½" clutch and
flywheel.
Safety steel clutch housing.
Competition "Slick Shift" 4-speed transmission.
Hurst remote mounted floor-shift unit with reverse lockout.
For Automatic Transmission Only
High stall speed torque converter (large drive lugs and 7/16" diameter attaching screws).
Heavy-duty manual shift
TorqueFlite transmission.
Hurst floor-mounted shift unit.
Please Note:
The following items are deleted on this body type:
Heater, Body Sealer and Sound Deadeners, Silence Pads, Outside Mirrors, Right Side Seat Belt and Body Color Paint.
NO OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT OF ANY KIND CAN BE ORDERED
The policy of
Chrysler Corporation is one of continual improvement in design and manufacture, wherever possible, to insure a still finer car. Hence, specifications, equipment and prices are subject to change without notice.
These vehicles are intended to use in supervised acceleration trials and other competitive events, therefore, they will be sold without warrant. Special stickers will be provided for plant installation (attached to left "A" post) which will read as follows: "This vehicle was not manufactured for use on public streets, roads or highways and does not conform to Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
All customer orders must be accompanied by a signed disclaimer (sample attached) indicating that the purchaser understands that this vehicle is sold without warranty and does not conform to Federal Vehicle Safety Standards.
Any prospective customer who desires to purchase one of these maximum performance vehicles should be made aware of the following characteristics which make them unsuitable for general use.
A high idle speed is required to insure adequate lubrication, minimize roughness, and to keep the
engine from stalling.
The modified
intake manifold causes a rich surging condition, misfiring and unstable engine
operation in cold weather, which makes ordinary street driving extremely difficult and it is not
recommended for this use.
Higher than normal oil consumption will be encountered because of increased lubrication to the
valve train and cylinder walls.
The carburetors are calibrated for maximum power and a high numerical axle ration is used for
acceleration. As a result, the gas mileage is considerably less than for a conventional car.
Engine noise would be objectionable due to increased piston clearance and mechanical valve
tappet clearance.
The ignition system is designed for optimum engine output and must be kept in top condition. This
makes it necessary to inspect, adjust and replace the
spark plugs and ignition points more
frequently than would be necessary on a standard engine.
On car equipped with automatic transmission, band adjustment must be made frequently.
Due to performance characteristics, maintenance and operating expense will be high since premium
fuel is required and frequent oil changes are a MUST.
Does not conform to Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Warranty and Policy Coverage
Any customer purchasing this model vehicle should be advised that due to the expected use, the vehicle is sold "as is" and the 24 month or 24,000 mile vehicle warranty coverage, the 5 year or 50,000 mile Power Train Warranty coverage, or any other warranty coverage (including, but not limited to the implied warranties of fitness for purpose intended or merchantability) will not apply to the vehicle. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for the manner in which such vehicles operate.
Any repairs or adjustments which you believe warranty factory participation should be brought to the attention of your Regional Service Office where such requests will be handled on individual merits.
Attached is a form letter (to be prepared on your letterhead) which should be thoroughly understood and signed by each prospective purchaser and attached to your order for each
Hemi Barracuda Super Stock. The purpose of the letter is to explain the normal operation characteristics of these vehicles and clarify that the warranty coverage’s do not apply. Be sure a letter in this form, signed by your customer, is included with your order so there will be no delay.
1968
Hemi Barracuda
It was inevitable that Chrysler would build the Hemi Barracuda. For the past four years, drag racers had been gutting Barracudas and dropping in 392 and 426 Elephant Engines. Since Chrysler had enjoyed tremendous success on the dragstrips in Super Stock and Unlimited Fuel since 1963, the decision to continue that domination by building a factory super stocker (with some assistance from Hurst) was a natural.
The S/S
Hemi Barracuda was assembled by Chrysler as a package and then shipped to Hurst. Although the number varies from source to source, at least fifty and possibly as many as seventy-five Barracudas were shipped to Hurst’s facility in Detroit. The conversions were coordinated by Dick Maxwell at Chrysler and Richard Chrysler at Hurst. As delivered to the dealers, the cars had fiberglass hoods and fenders, while the front bumper and doors were light-gauge steel. The interiors were gutted and Bostrom driver seats installed.
To squeeze the mighty Elephant into the Barracuda’s tight engine bay, some modifications had to be made under the hood. The battery was moved to the trunk, and the right shock tower was moved, as was the master cylinder. Hurst also installed custom headers, shift linkages for four-speed cars and special rear-axle assemblies. Off the transport trailer the cars were delivered on street tires. All that was needed to make the car competitive was slicks, a deeper oil pan (a small pan was installed for shipping), camshaft and valvetrain.
The S/S
Hemi Barracudas were delivered to racers in early May, in time to qualify for the NHRA Spring Nationals. Ronnie Sox was one of the first to get a Hemi Barracuda on the strip and turned mid 10s right out of the box
Attached Images
