Kramer Auto Specialties lift-off fiberglass hood with scoop is a perfect fit.
While the original Darts were 10-second, race-only machines, the new ’68 Dart is a 10-second street machine. Power comes from a Van Gordon Racing Engines-built 528-inch stroker based on the Mopar Megablock with mildly ported Indy Legend Hemi heads. The 9:1 motor comes with a dyno certificate that certified 727 HP @ 6400 RPM -- on 91 octane.
The engine sports custom headers made by Dawson Racing. Electrically-operated dump tubes let you toggle between open and full exhaust with the flip of a switch so you can rattle the windows (and brains) of the locals in your neighborhood and quiet down before the cops arrive.
Gear swapping offers a choice of an A-833 4-speed overdrive trans with Passon Performance internals, or a 727 automatic fitted with a Gear Vendors overdrive. Both trannys are hooked to a 4.10 Strange Dana 60-type rear with Power Trax Tor Sen differential that functions like a locker on drag-style launches, but allows differential action on turns. The way the gearing is set up in both transmissions, you’re turning about 2500 RPM at 65 MPH, which makes for effortless highway cruising. The Hurst shifter has a red button that operates the Gear Vendors on the auto, and a line lock on the stick. Both transmissions are assembled by Bowler Performance.
 Custom stainless steel fuel tank is made by Rick’s Hot Rod shop. Rear is a Strange Dana 60-style with 4.10 gears. |
Complementing the drivetrain package are suspension and brake upgrades. Up front is a completely new suspension designed by Control Freaks Suspension, a sister company of Blue Moon. It comes with K-member and cradle, upper and lower control arms with coilovers and rack and pinion steering. The suspension is designed to withstand launches that pull the wheels over six inches off the ground and then slam back down, without changing the alignment settings. The rack and pinion is mounted up front so it won’t interfere with a custom oil pan.
The oil pan that comes with the package is designed by Milodon. They took 2 in. off the bottom and added 4 in. to the rear, so you have extra capacity along with 5-6 in. ground clearance.
