1967 Dart GTS 383 / Barracuda 383 Formula S

[Paul Ceasrine]

Mike,

Which came first the Chicken or the Egg....?

1967 Model year.
Was the Dart GTS 383 or the Barracuda 383 Formula S
released first from Chrysler.

The 1967 production year started in September 1966,,???

pc

[Paul Ceasrine]

Mike,

Car Craft did an article (February 1967 Car Craft Magazine) about
Mr. Norm's '383' 1967 Dart build.

I would imagine the information was gathered in December 1966, for the February 1967 print date.

Car & Driver Magazine had an article about the 1967 '383' Barracuda
in their April 1967 Road Test.

I would imagine that information was gathered in February 1967, for the
April 1967 print date.

Car & Driver documented a 1/4 mile performance test of
15.40 @ 92 MPH.
And a follow up test with a professional drag racer driving, with a
result of 15.06 @ 93.5 MPH.

Hot Rod Magazine later tested another 383, Barracuda Fastback, 4-speed.
With a performance tune-up, they got a best time of 14.80 @ 94.10 MPH.
(Air cleaner removed and advanced timing)

All tests were with a 383 Barracuda Fastback, 4-speed, and a 3.23 Sure-Grip Posi.
Of course a Formula 'S' with D70 x 14" tires.
6.21" tire width x 25.32" diameter.

Car weight #3202 lbs.
Engine rated at 280 Horsepower

The 383 engine had a restricted 525 CFM Carter AFB carburetor,
due to the restrictve exhaust system.
The dual exhaust pipes were small 1 7/8" size. Smaller than an
intermediate 383 B-Body car.
They had to use the smaller dimension piping, to fit under the chassis.

pc

[Paul Ceasrine]

Mike,

According to Chrysler, the 1967 Plymouth Barracuda was to be released in September 1966.

But re-tooling issues developed on the production line, as some softer
body changes were applied to some earlier radical lines.

According to information, the 1967 Barracuda was introduced on
Novermber 16, 1966.

Also, according to the Plymouth Barracuda Service Manual
(print date November 25, 1966),
a 383 engine was available in the car, with either an automatic or
4-speed.
Gear ratio's were only available with a 3.23 Sure-Grip.

If everything balances out, Plymouth had to have planned to put
the 383 in the Barracuda, long before Mr. Norm put the 383 in his Dart
project at his shop.

pc

[Paul Ceasrine]

Chrysler-Plymouths move to put a 383 in the 1967 Barracuda was
a direct response to the 1967 competition;
Chevrolet Camaro 396
Ford Mustang 390
Pontiac Firebird 400

Rated at only 280 Horsepower, due to the carburetor limitations and restrictive exhaust system.

For 1967 NHRA Stock car classificatiion;
Notchback (#3119 lbs.) = 11.14 wt/hp = C/S......C/S = (10.60 - 11.29)
Fastback (#3202 lbs.) = 11.44 wt/hp = D/S.........D/S = (11.30 - 11.88)
Convertible (#3224 lbs) = 11.51 wt/hp = D/S......D/S = )11.30 - 11.88)

Supposedly only "9" 1967 Barracuda Convertible, 383, w 4/speeds were produced.

pc

[Hemi Moose]

I wonder if these Chrysler employees were swearing during this install.

[Hemi Moose]

It looks like Chrysler built the first big-blocks in the 1967 383 Barracuda before Mr. Norm stuffed one into a 1967 Dart GT, and Chrysler started building them shortly after that as seen in this ad.

[Paul Ceasrine]

Moose,

Those fine gentleman with the nice buzz-cut hair cuts at Plymouth are not using 'fender covers'........

Of course, many of 'F' words had to be said, when dropping the
383 'B' engine into an A-Body.

I'm sure they were saying, whose 'F-ing' idea was this.....

Paul

[Paul Ceasrine]

It could be,,,,,,,,

The first run of 1967 Dodge Dart GTS 383's.

Looks to be be very early in February 1967.

First build date;,,,,, February 1967
Last build date,,,,,, June 1967

Total GTS builds = 457
229 (4-speeds)
228 (Automatics)

[borninamopar]

Originally Posted by Paul Ceasrine

Moose,

Those fine gentleman with the nice buzz-cut hair cuts at Plymouth are not using 'fender covers'........

Of course, many of 'F' words had to be said, when dropping the
383 'B' engine into an A-Body.

I'm sure they were saying, whose 'F-ing' idea was this.....

Paul

Paul,
I remember when I crammed a 440 in a 69 I had when I was younger...The only F word I said when it was done was "F*ckin' cool!

Later, Ed

[Paul Ceasrine]

Those first 383 installations into the 1967 Barracuda were done by
engine crane.

Until someone on the production line figured out that they could
mount them on the 'K' frames, and do the installation from under-neath.

They never told Mr. Norm that,,,,,,,,,,


Paul