How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
#2990250
11/29/21 06:56 PM
11/29/21 06:56 PM
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67SATisfaction
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The member whose name is actually Art
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Hey guys, I didn't realize how weird 1966 VIN codes were.
What should the VIN's engine code read for a '66 Dart GT built with a 273HP? .. also, is the engine coded on the Fendertag or Broadcast sheet? Could I verify a 273HP by what's stamped on the engine pad?
A 1966 D/Dart with the 273HP I found online had a D engine code in the VIN, is that what a production Dart GT would have?
BACKGROUND: My brother has enjoyed owning a nice '66 Dart GT hardtop for some 6 years now. It's got a stout-sounding 273/4bbl which looks like a legit 273HP engine. The car is optioned with front disc brakes, dual exhaust, console shift automatic. I've tracked-raced cars and this is a really great driver, like it could have stiffer torsion bars/rear leaf springs. Online I found '66 Dart GTs with both '273' front fender emblem and '273 Four Barrel' emblems.. his has the '273 Four Barrel'. His air cleaner box says 'CHARGER', not COMMANDO... so it confuses me.
My brother is unsure how original the car REALLY is... and I'm trying to help him by tracking down what his documentation SHOULD say, then he can compare it to what he has - a VIN, the Fendertag, and a partial Broadcast sheet. I've only got a picture of his fendertag and I'm waiting for pictures or scans of his VIN and Broadcast.
Thanks, - Art
Here're some pics of it for you...
Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 11/29/21 06:58 PM.
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2990268
11/29/21 08:03 PM
11/29/21 08:03 PM
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67SATisfaction
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The member whose name is actually Art
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I'm also getting conflicting information on '66 engine codes..
Some say D is a 273/1bbl, others say it's the code for 318...
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: topside]
#2990312
11/29/21 10:13 PM
11/29/21 10:13 PM
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67SATisfaction
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The member whose name is actually Art
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Thanks guys, that's helpful. I'm surfing around and found this 'How to ID a Small Block Engine' guide on ForAbodiesOnly ... I'll email it to my brother.. https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/ams/how-to-id-a-small-block-engine-block.35/- Scroll down to the first sheet titled "Vehicle ID Plate Interpretation". --> This says a 1966 273/4bbl would be an E code in the VIN. I have my doubts because of the weird 1966 VIN decoders I found everywhere else claim it would be a D code. - Scrolling further down on that Allpar page reveals another sheet called "Engine Number Interpretation" ----> This looks more helpful if my brother can find and clarify the Engine Number.. the 4th digit is a "Special Info After Engine Series" and lists a number of useful codes, like "H" for standard 4bbl, "HP" for high performance, etc. Even an 'S' code specifically for "1966 275 HP 273" - which was probably for the Super Stock D/Dart cars. There is another thread I haven't finished looking through: https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/273-engine-identification.421289/I'll do some reading.. - Art
Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 11/29/21 10:14 PM.
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2990326
11/29/21 10:45 PM
11/29/21 10:45 PM
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mr_340
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I seem to remember the D-Darts had an LO23 VIN.
Floyd Lippencott IV
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: Jim_Lusk]
#2990415
11/30/21 10:21 AM
11/30/21 10:21 AM
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6PakBee
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I think I may have found some of the source of confusion. In the 1967 parts book they list two engine codes for the 273, "D" for "273 C.I.D." and "E" for "273 H/Perf. C.I.D." So it appears in '66 there is only one code and in '67 there are two. As per the parts books.
"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: 6PakBee]
#2990427
11/30/21 11:00 AM
11/30/21 11:00 AM
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67SATisfaction
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Holy cow Fat_Mike.. that link is a 'deep dive' into the D/Dart program.. and thanks Jim and 6pak for the info.. that's probably why online decoders are unclear.
.. there are a lot of unexpected details for 1966 codes.. I wonder if it's any clearer for Plymouth A-bodies - because they came up with the Barracuda's Formula S package in '65. Plymouth probably coded that package clearer. IIRC the Plymouth Barracuda Formula S package is an F7 on the fendertag.
So yeah, mr_340 ... Dodge did it differently and came out with the rare 1966 LO23 Super Stock D/Darts which I'm guessing would have the 'S' code on the 275hp 273 block ..
In 1966 a Dart GT could be ordered with the exact same features as the Barracuda Formula S, and that's what we are thinking my brother's Dart GT has, not that the VIN or fendertag is going to list it the same as a Plymouth. His Dart has disc brakes, sway bar, probably the 273HP engine, and dual exhaust. My brother says none of it looks aftermarket - though I'm not sure his dual-circuit brake MC is original for 1966.. anyone? I *think* his VIN is an LH23, but I'm waiting for him to let me know for sure.
Online Decoders are not consistent - I see decoders saying a Dart GT is LP23, and LH23 for the Dart 270, and LL23 for a 'plain' Dart.. but others say there Dart GT is LH ..
It seems his best evidence for now is going to be the engine number code stamped on the block under the driver's side head... if he can read it clearly.
I'll start decoding his Fendertag. - Art
Here is another cool picture.. He applied for a vintage plate from the country he lives in, and check out the awesome number he got!
Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 11/30/21 11:37 AM.
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2990440
11/30/21 11:25 AM
11/30/21 11:25 AM
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The member whose name is actually Art
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Hey guys,
I found some good information on For A Bodies Only.. the fendertag has a clear engine code, and body code, you can check the photo I posted above and here... I feel a little foolish for not noticing it right away.. ...it has the LP23 code at the bottom for a Dart GT..
Second line: - The AB code is for the engine. His fendertag says 32 and that's for a "273/4bbl".. at least that much is clear. Do you guys agree the 4bbl must be the HP solid-lifter engine? I think it has to be, but just not an expert.
Other fendertag codes on the Second line: - The C code is 5 - Automatic transmission - The D code is 9 - Front disc brakes - The H code is 1 - unclear.. possibly "Power equipment", like power steering or power brakes.. - The R code is 1 - AM Radio
Thanks, - Art
Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 11/30/21 11:30 AM.
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2990442
11/30/21 11:31 AM
11/30/21 11:31 AM
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slantzilla
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Weren't all 273 engines before '67 solid lifter?
"Everybody funny, now you funny too."
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: slantzilla]
#2990445
11/30/21 11:40 AM
11/30/21 11:40 AM
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Weren't all 273 engines before '67 solid lifter? I have no idea .. that's entirely possible.. I'll see if I can look it up. The performance options for 273 in 1966 seem to be 1bbl, 2bbl and 4bbl. I just figured the solid lifter would be for the Hi Po engine. - Art
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: mr_340]
#2990447
11/30/21 11:47 AM
11/30/21 11:47 AM
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dart4forte
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I seem to remember the D-Darts had an LO23 VIN. That is correct
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: slantzilla]
#2990448
11/30/21 11:49 AM
11/30/21 11:49 AM
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dart4forte
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Weren't all 273 engines before '67 solid lifter? 67 was the last year for the solid lifter cam.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: slantzilla]
#2990453
11/30/21 11:57 AM
11/30/21 11:57 AM
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Weren't all 273 engines before '67 solid lifter? .. this appears true, even through 1967. According to the book 'Chrysler Engines 1922-1998' by Willem L. Weertman (former Chief Engineer-Engine Engineering, Engineering Division, Chrysler Corporation, Feb 2006): "In a cost-reduction move, the crankshaft material of both the the 273-cu-in LA and the 318-cu-in LA engines was changed from forged steel to nodular cast iron in 1967. For quality improvement and more consistent emission control, the tappets of the 318-cu-in LA engine were upgraded from mechanical to hydraulic during the same year, with the same change being made to the 273-cu-in a year later. For use with the hydraulic tappet, the valve rocker arms were changed from malleable iron castings, to steel stampings, similar in concept to the rocker arms used on the LB and RB big block engines." Fun stuff. - Art
Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 11/30/21 12:19 PM.
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2990455
11/30/21 11:58 AM
11/30/21 11:58 AM
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dart4forte
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Hey guys, I didn't realize how weird 1966 VIN codes were.
What should the VIN's engine code read for a '66 Dart GT built with a 273HP? .. also, is the engine coded on the Fendertag or Broadcast sheet? Could I verify a 273HP by what's stamped on the engine pad?
A 1966 D/Dart with the 273HP I found online had a D engine code in the VIN, is that what a production Dart GT would have?
BACKGROUND: My brother has enjoyed owning a nice '66 Dart GT hardtop for some 6 years now. It's got a stout-sounding 273/4bbl which looks like a legit 273HP engine. The car is optioned with front disc brakes, dual exhaust, console shift automatic. I've tracked-raced cars and this is a really great driver, like it could have stiffer torsion bars/rear leaf springs. Online I found '66 Dart GTs with both '273' front fender emblem and '273 Four Barrel' emblems.. his has the '273 Four Barrel'. His air cleaner box says 'CHARGER', not COMMANDO... so it confuses me.
My brother is unsure how original the car REALLY is... and I'm trying to help him by tracking down what his documentation SHOULD say, then he can compare it to what he has - a VIN, the Fendertag, and a partial Broadcast sheet. I've only got a picture of his fendertag and I'm waiting for pictures or scans of his VIN and Broadcast.
Thanks, - Art
Here're some pics of it for you...
The Dart GT with the 273 4 barrel was not optioned for duel Exhaust. A L the Darts and Valient with the Charger andCommando option had a single Exhaust system. A Y pipe came off the engine into a single 2 1/2 pipe that went into a high flow muffler. From there a 2 1/4 pipe went over the axle into a resonator with a chrome tip. If you want information on the D/Dart contact the ddartdude. He maintains a registry on the D/Dart.
Last edited by dart4forte; 11/30/21 12:07 PM.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2990457
11/30/21 12:11 PM
11/30/21 12:11 PM
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dart4forte
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Holy cow Fat_Mike.. that link is a 'deep dive' into the D/Dart program.. and thanks Jim and 6pak for the info.. that's probably why online decoders are unclear.
.. there are a lot of unexpected details for 1966 codes.. I wonder if it's any clearer for Plymouth A-bodies - because they came up with the Barracuda's Formula S package in '65. Plymouth probably coded that package clearer. IIRC the Plymouth Barracuda Formula S package is an F7 on the fendertag.
So yeah, mr_340 ... Dodge did it differently and came out with the rare 1966 LO23 Super Stock D/Darts which I'm guessing would have the 'S' code on the 275hp 273 block ..
In 1966 a Dart GT could be ordered with the exact same features as the Barracuda Formula S, and that's what we are thinking my brother's Dart GT has, not that the VIN or fendertag is going to list it the same as a Plymouth. His Dart has disc brakes, sway bar, probably the 273HP engine, and dual exhaust. My brother says none of it looks aftermarket - though I'm not sure his dual-circuit brake MC is original for 1966.. anyone? I *think* his VIN is an LH23, but I'm waiting for him to let me know for sure.
Online Decoders are not consistent - I see decoders saying a Dart GT is LP23, and LH23 for the Dart 270, and LL23 for a 'plain' Dart.. but others say there Dart GT is LH ..
It seems his best evidence for now is going to be the engine number code stamped on the block under the driver's side head... if he can read it clearly.
I'll start decoding his Fendertag. - Art
Here is another cool picture.. He applied for a vintage plate from the country he lives in, and check out the awesome number he got!
Does this Dart have a 4 speed? If so it should have a 8.75 rear.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: dart4forte]
#2990462
11/30/21 12:22 PM
11/30/21 12:22 PM
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Does this Dart have a 4 speed? If so it should have a 8.75 rear.
Thanks, My brother's Dart GT is a console automatic. The dual exhaust must be aftermarket. - Art EVERY V8 in an A-body in 1966 has a "D" engine code as the only V8 available was the 273 in three flavors. Thanks, Jim - I'll send this along to him for when he checks his VIN. - Art
Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 11/30/21 12:28 PM.
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN
[Re: dart4forte]
#2990526
11/30/21 03:19 PM
11/30/21 03:19 PM
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Fat_Mike
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Does this Dart have a 4 speed? If so it should have a 8.75 rear. I had a ' 65] Dart GT, 273, 4 spd with a 7.25 rear. Not an apples to apples comparison, just wondering if something changed between '65 and '66?
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