Another Hemi Dart question

[oldscool]

Wouldn't the 4 speed cars have explosion proof shields rather than the stock bellhousings. I think it would have been an NHRA requirement. Yes?....no?.

[george 53]

Gere, I THINK they only needed them IF the engines EXCEEDED a certain horsepower range. I think the cars like the Hemi Darts/Cudas came WITH Lakewood scattersheilds on the 4 spds. I remember seein somethin to that effect in the old Cars, and Hi-Performance Cars Magazines from back then. :D

[oldscool]

Gere, I THINK they only needed them IF the engines EXCEEDED a certain horsepower range. I think the cars like the Hemi Darts/Cudas came WITH Lakewood scattersheilds on the 4 spds. I remember seein somethin to that effect in the old Cars, and Hi-Performance Cars Magazines from back then. :D

I kind of thought so but the kit has a stock bellhousing.

[george 53]

Yeah, i know. It seems they really didn't try THAT hard to give us an AUTHENTIC Hemi Dart. Seems like it's just the Mr.Norms Dart with a Hemi. I already built one of those with the 69 Dart. :D

[george 53]

the Hemi Darts and Barracuda's came with a different steel bellhousing and clutch cover. those two parts had "steel" cast into them in capital letters.

Dave, "different' as in NON-production line parts? If so, then I guess we could assume that the two peice houseings of which you speak could possiobly be aftermarket parts? Mebbe? :D

[george 53]

THANK YOU, Dave, I did NOT know that! Now I do!!! Thanks! ;)

[oldscool]

Yes, thank you Dave. Makes sense.

[6bblbird]

Yes, thank you Dave. Makes sense.

The 4spd. Hemi cars came equipped with Chrysler manufactured bell housings. As stated above, they could be identified by the upraised "Steel" lettering cast into the housing. These bell housings looked very similar to the much more common cast aluminum versions. They were originally accepted by the NHRA for A/S and Super Stock classes. Later on, I forget the year, NHRA required the hydroformed, forged steel, Lakewood style housings. So, if you are building a "day one" version of your Dart, paint the kit supplied bell housing steel and call it correct!

WF