How can I verify a 1966 Dart GT 273HP? ..weird year for VIN

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...

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...

The 1966 parts book lists only one engine code for the 273, "D". Under the parts listing there are two short assemblies listed, w/two bbl carb and w/4 bbl carb. I can't find any notes anywhere that differentiate the two engines by some kind of ID marking.

I believe the "Charger" on the air cleaner is legit - Plymouth used "Commando" but Dodge used "Charger" on performance engines in that era.
Year code for '65 was A, IIRC, making '66 a B year; no idea on the engine code, anything stamped at RF top of block near the deck ?
IIRC, a 235-HP 273 used a resonator with a big rectangular exhaust tip, and had solid lifters. Don't know if the standard 273 also had solids.

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

I seem to remember the D-Darts had an LO23 VIN.

I'm a fan of the early-A's. I can't answer your question, but it did pique my curiosity so I started to look around. This is regarding D-Darts, so it likely won't answer your question, but good reading about the 66's.
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopa...t-mystery-myth-and-misconception.263637/

D/Darts had the 275hp engine. It would not quite be decked out like one (they didn't have the chrome air cleaner due to the Holley carb). The "32" under the "AB" indicates a 273 four barrel. In order to be a D/Dart the VIN must read "LO23". EVERY V8 in an A-body in 1966 has a "D" engine code as the only V8 available was the 273 in three flavors. The 275hp version was only available in the D/Dart. To my knowledge they were also white with red interior, four speed, no console, 8-3/4 with 4.56 or 4.88 gears (I can't remember which).

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.

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!

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

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

That is correct

67 was the last year for the solid lifter cam.

.. 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

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.

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


Thanks, Jim - I'll send this along to him for when he checks his VIN.
- Art

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?

All D-Darts were white with red interior, you can stop right there is it is not. The normal 273HP is 235HP which this one seems to have.

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? [/quote

In mid production year of 65 Chrysler was experiencing broken 7 1/4s coming in under warranty. They directed dealers to start replacing the broken 71/4s with 8.75rears. Ini turn NHRA made a rule change allowing stock/Superstock teams to run the 8.75. ddartdude has a copy of the directive posted on his web site.

They also had heaters

1967 HiPo 273s had solid cams with the adjustable rockers.

Interesting difference between the '65 and '66 273 4spd.

My brother's '66 GT is a console automatic. It does not have a 8-3/4 rear.

The warranty covered the 4 speed cars. Not sure if you broke a 7 1/4 if they would cover that.

8-3/4 behind a 235hp 273 and four speed was hit or miss in 1966. My old '66 Barracuda had a 7-1/4 when I got it. It had an 8-3/4 when I sold it...Nothing on the fender tag would tell you, as far as I know.

I'm pretty sure Mopar did not start installing 8 3/4 in A bodies at the factories until 1967

The factory didn’t deliver 4 speed cars with the 8 3/4. However with increasing warranty claims of broken 7 1/4s on 4 speed cars the dealers received guidance to replace all the warranty claims with the 8.75. I would imagine as a customer you could walk into the dealer with a warranty claim and ask if they would replace the 7.25 with a 8.75. The 4 speed cars came with 8.75 rears in 66 while automatic cars still got the 7.25. Through the petitions of racers especially Junior Stock NHRA recognized this change and allowed racers change over to 8.75s regardless of power train. This subject has come up numerous times on classracer.com.

I dug out my copy of the TSB dated 18 April 1966 on the D/Dart. These cars came to the dealers who ordered the as a 699 special order. This number was stamped on the fender tag. The engine code was 32. The LO23 showed on the broadcast sheet.

The only deleated option for the interior was rear seatbelts

All cars came with WW1 paint and interior trim was P4H red

The cam was a Racer Brown grind using Hemi tappets

The carb was installed using a special spacer to allow for full opening of the butterflys. The stock 273 4bl manifolds had small bore openings that would allow the 1 11/16 butterfly’s to open. A Holley 4160, List 3778 was used. I belive this was the carb used on the race Hemi. Someone may correct me on that.

Engine used a 318 truck crankshaft

It mention an over the counter offer of an Edelbrock duel 4 manifold as well as an Edelbrock single 4 manifold. I assume this is the LD4B.

Also mentions the use of the 392 Hemi intake valve. No mention of the pistons so I assume they may of been TRWs.

Every D/Dart had an 8-3/4...small bolt pattern, too.

So that said, what other (if any) 1966 Mopar A-Bodies came with an 8.75??? We seem to be getting conflicting info in this thread. Just kinda curious when and where the line was drawn. I guess what I'm asking is, definitively, did ANY '66 A-Bodies, other than the D-Darts, get born with an 8.75???

Yes, like I said, early in the production year (66) the dealers were directed to replace 7.25s on 4 speed cars that had problems under warranty. I’m not sure when they made the change on the assembly line. I’m sure that a few automatics made it through. As far as 67, I’m not sure but I would imagine the 4 speed cars continued to be delivered. I have another TSB somewhere in my stuff that addresses the warranty issues in 66.

"It mention an over the counter offer of an Edelbrock duel 4 manifold as well as an Edelbrock single 4 manifold. I assume this is the LD4B."



what year did the 273 engines change the angle of the intake to head bolts ?
i had always thought the LD4B intake was offered after the 340 was introduced, and it was intended for it ?
i have been wrong before, so it wouldn't be surprising i'm wrong on this as well.

In 1981 we dismantled a '67 Rallye Dart that had been in a head on in 1974. It was a 273 four barrel/auto with a 3.23SG 8-3/4. My old '66 Barracuda (273-4/4sp) had an SPD in October 1965. It left the factory with a 7-1/4. Known ownership history back to 1975. The 8-3/4 from the rallye Dart wound up in the Barracuda...

Intake bolt hole change was for the 1966 model year.

thank you Jim.