Whither 1966 D Darts for Stock - Page 3

bill dedman · 11-20-2008, 04:39 AM

Back in 1966, Dodge built some high performance 273 4bbl engines (factory rated at 275 hp) with a radical cam, sizeable AFB on a good intake manifold, pop-up high-compression pistons, and headers, for action in what was then D Stock. They called them "D Darts" in reference to their intended class.

Unfortunately (according to the best information I can find) only about 25 of these cars were built. That is according to a guy who worked on the project at Chrysler, at that time.

I'm not sure if they were ~ever~ in the Stock Car Classification Guide, but now, they are in there ONLY as a Super Stock combination. No listing at all for Stock. Weird...

I was wondering if anyone on this BB might know how this came about. It looks to me like it could be a mistake, because if Mopar built it for Stock, and it didn't fit the requirement for 50 units that is in the rulebook, it follows that Mopar must have petitioned NHRA to allow it to race.

But, if they built it as a D Stock car, why would they ask NHRA to put it into Super Stock? That's where it is.

I asked the "braintrust" at Glendora tech, and they have NO IDEA why it's listed as a S/S legal combination, but not as a Stocker. They tried to look it up, but found nothing, not surprisingly.

Isn't that amazing??? They DO write the rules, don't they? But, they don't know...

Any old timers remember the D Darts and have any info about this conundrum?

As usual, any information will be greatly appreciated.

Bill

11-20-2008, 04:39 AM	#1
bill dedman VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 1,739 Likes: 0 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Whither 1966 D Darts for Stock Back in 1966, Dodge built some high performance 273 4bbl engines (factory rated at 275 hp) with a radical cam, sizeable AFB on a good intake manifold, pop-up high-compression pistons, and headers, for action in what was then D Stock. They called them "D Darts" in reference to their intended class. Unfortunately (according to the best information I can find) only about 25 of these cars were built. That is according to a guy who worked on the project at Chrysler, at that time. I'm not sure if they were ~ever~ in the Stock Car Classification Guide, but now, they are in there ONLY as a Super Stock combination. No listing at all for Stock. Weird... I was wondering if anyone on this BB might know how this came about. It looks to me like it could be a mistake, because if Mopar built it for Stock, and it didn't fit the requirement for 50 units that is in the rulebook, it follows that Mopar must have petitioned NHRA to allow it to race. But, if they built it as a D Stock car, why would they ask NHRA to put it into Super Stock? That's where it is. I asked the "braintrust" at Glendora tech, and they have NO IDEA why it's listed as a S/S legal combination, but not as a Stocker. They tried to look it up, but found nothing, not surprisingly. Isn't that amazing??? They DO write the rules, don't they? But, they don't know... Any old timers remember the D Darts and have any info about this conundrum? As usual, any information will be greatly appreciated. Bill __________________ Bill