'383 Magnum' ~ What was the Street Talk

[69 Cuda 440]

This is so true!

I wasn't around back then. ( born in 1969) But what I've heard from the people in those times were.

440 was only in high end cars (Charger R/T, Coronet R/T and GTX).
HEMI if ONE was in your town you were lucky and only if the person knew how to tune it.
So the 383 was the major motor of choice for the street. Yes a 340 A body was a great screamer no argument there. But the 383 was the one fighting it out on the street. ( 84,000 69 Road Runners and most were 383).

So go ahead and bash the 383 but I don't remember seeing a 340 running pro stock or top fuel, unless I've missed something.

LONG LIVE THE BIG BLOCK!!!!!!

'383'

No argument, as the '383' was the most durable Mopar Big-Block.

But also, the least expensive Big-Block to produce. That is why there
were so many of them.

 

[stroked340]

So go ahead and bash the 383 but I don't remember seeing a 340 running pro stock or top fuel, unless I've missed something.

LONG LIVE THE BIG BLOCK!!!!!!

I believe they ran 340's in the dodge colts in pro stock...they ran 383's in top fuel exactely when??

 

[Dartnut]

I believe they ran 340's in the dodge colts in pro stock...they ran 383's in top fuel exactely when??

Yes, and Bob Glidden was famous for his Pro Stock Arrow in '79, his engine was based on a 340........

 

[jerry6]

'383'

No argument, as the '383' was the most durable Mopar Big-Block.

But also, the least expensive Big-Block to produce. That is why there
were so many of them.

225 is DURABLE as well , and with enough $$ can run fast . These days a 383 can run fast, but from the factory , DAWG

 

[SoulSurvivor]

I had 1968 Dart GTS 383 4spd 3:55 and a 1970 340 Dart Swinger A727 3:91 back in the day. I also owned a 1969 RR 383 4spd 4:10 rear.
I order of a 1/4 mile race I would rank it this way:
1969 RR(headers only)
70 Swinger 340(stock)
68 Dart GTS 383(stock)

Since this is 383 thread I'll just keep it at that.

Now in stock form my 69 RR might edge out my 70 Dart. Maybe. But this was in 1976 and, well, I don't remember many details.

Today my home built 69 Dart Custom 340 would beat all three. But back in the day did I rarely see stock cars on the streets. But I do remember if you came across a 440 anything with any transmission is was usually lights out. Fun times.