February 2009 Archives

1978-1983 Dodge Challenger History

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 11:38 AM

The Challenger name popped back up in the United States as Dodge embarked on a new partnership with Mitsubishi Motors. The car was not actually built by Dodge, but instead, it was simply a rebadged version of the 1977 Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. It was a rear wheel drive, 2 door hardtop, packed with a 1.6L or 2.6L inline four cylinder engines, so it was economical, and while it was fast for what it was, it was nothing like the Challenger of the Muscle Car Era. There were various options such as different wheels, and leather interior offered to try to bolster the sales of the new "import look" Challenger, but it simply was not what original Challenger owners expected from a car badged thusly. While the car was obviously a Mitsubishi, it carried a similar look to the "K Car" series that was being released by Chrysler Corporation, in which many of their newer cars closely resembled each other. This car lasted as long as the original run of the Challenger, but made virtually no mark on the automotive industry, and in 1983, it was again discontinued, but its very unlikely that anyone noticed, or made any fuss about it going away.

1972-1974 Dodge Challenger History

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 11:36 AM
When the 1972 model came out, the brochure was a disappointing one at best. The grille had been redesigned with a new egg crate filling, with a chrome piece along the top which sloped downward at the corners where it met the headlights, giving the car a frowning look. Many speculated that the Challenger was sad due to the fact that the R/T option was gone, and with it, all big block and high performance engine options, giving the car, and the owners, little reason to smile. 1972 did feature a new look with the gills now moved up the car, to just behind the front wheels, with gradually broken stripes seemingly pouring out of the gills, and down the body. The base model Challenger came equipped with a 318 cubic inch engine building only 150 horsepower, and the new performance model, labeled the "Challenger Rallye Edition", came with the 318 cubic inch engine, with an optional 340 cubic inch engine making 240 horsepower, only 10 more horsepower over the base model V8 one year earlier. Sales slumped again, this time down to 26,658 , and as new government regulations on emissions were coming out all the time, there was no end in sight for the steady decline in performance car output. Read more about the 1972 Dodge Challenger 1973 brought about almost no cosmetic change from the 1972 model year Challengers. One slight alteration was the addition of bumperettes on the front bumpers. The grille section, and fender gills remained the same. The Rallye option was offered, but only as an option package on the base model, and Dodge offered a sort of "build your own car" program, where you could piece together the various offered options in order to make the car exactly as the buyer wanted it, and evidently, even with the same balmy engine options as in 1972, sales increased to 32,596. Midway through the 1973 model year there were rumors that Dodge would drop the 340 cubic inch engine to make way for the new 360 cubic inch engine, which boasted a whopping 5 horsepower increase over the 340, but this engine would not debut until 1974. Despite the 240 horsepower engine, the 318 cubic inch engine was by far the most popularly chosen engine in 1973. Read more about the 1973 Dodge Challenger 1974 brought about no changes on the Challenger over the 1973 model, and the only real news in 1974 was that the car would be discontinued after the 1974 model year. There were no trim lines offered other than the base model and the Rallye option, and the only engines offered were still the 150 horsepower 318 and the 245 horsepower 360. While the Challenger surely made its mark in its short 5 year existence, the last few years were sad ones, marked by low performance 'economy' engines. Sales in 1974 were at a disappointing all time low, at only 16,437. No car really took the place of the Challenger, as the market was shifting away from the high performance gas guzzlers to small engine powered, economy driven family cars. Read more about the 1974 Dodge Challenger

1971 Dodge Challenger History

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 11:33 AM
1971 brought about a few minor changes, but these were changes that obviously had more impact than intended as sales plummeted from 72,975 in 1970 to just over 30,000 in 1971. A newly designed grille was present on all of the Challengers for 1971, and the most obvious change of sorts, was the aforementioned drop of the T/A, although many of the T/A options could still be ordered on R/T models. The R/T convertible was also dropped, and the SE Luxury package and ragtop options were only available on the base model Challengers. The base model actually received the most benefit for 1971, with the introduction of the base model droptop, and with the addition of an extra engine, the 318 cubic inch V8 which offered 230 horsepower. The 225 cubic inch slant six, and the 340 cubic inch engines were also still offered, and of the roughly 30,000 1971 Challengers sold, over 25,000 of them were the base model. The R/T model, while losing the convertible option also lost some power. It still came standard with the 383 cubic inch engine, but due to new government standards, it was 30 horsepower lower than the previous year. The 440 6-pack was the only 440 cubic inch engine offered, but it also received a drop of 5 horsepower. The Hemi was still available, and still offered 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, and 1971 brought the introduction of the small block to the R/T lineup with the 340. The R/T did receive a few cosmetic changes, such as the option of color-keyed bumpers, non-functional brake cooling gills in front of the rear wheels, and new striping down the side, which was punctuated right over the rear wheels with the R/T logo. There was one special edition trim line offered in 1971, which were Indianapolis 500 Pace Car clones, and these were only offered by a few dealerships around the Speedway. There were 50 of these Pace Car clones made, and all of them were Hemi Orange convertibles with white interior, and just three had high-performance options; two 340 cubic inch engines, and the official Pace Car, with a 383 cubic inch engine. The actual Pace Car was driven by Eldon Palmer, who owned one of the dealerships selling the special edition cars. When practicing getting the Challenger up to speed, and braking it gradually coming down pit road, he had marked the appropriate point at which to start braking with an orange road cone. When the actual race began, and Mr. Palmer dove into the pit area as the cars roared past, he realized that his road cone, which indicated where he should begin slowing down, was gone. Unfortunately, there was no where for him to go as the car simply would not stop, and he slammed into a crowded section of bleachers filled with members of the press, and the car was substantially damaged. After this incident, the Pace Car trim line did not sell very well, nor did the available aftermarket striping packages. Read more about the 1971 Dodge Challenger

1970 Dodge Challenger History

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 11:31 AM
On Friday, August 1, 1969, the first ever Dodge Challenger rolled off of the assembly line for sale as a 1970 model year. The production Challenger, as mentioned, was based on the same platform as the Plymouth Barracuda, but had a wheelbase two inches longer to allow for more interior room. It was offered in both a hardtop and a convertible, with three trim lines available; the base model, the R/T (Road and Track), and the T/A (Trans America). The base model and T/A were only available as hardtops, so the only convertible that could be ordered carried the R/T options. The base model and R/T model hardtops could be upgraded with the SE luxury package, which included leather seats and a vinyl roof with a smaller "formal" rear window. The base model Challenger's came equipped with a 225 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder which produced 145 horsepower, but a 340 cubic inch V8 was offered, and that engine was much more powerful, offering 275 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque @ 3200 rpm. The R/Ts came standard with a 383 cubic inch V8 which produced 330 horsepower, but for those who felt the need for speed, three performance engines were offered. The first two of the optional engines were both 440 cubic inch V8s, one being a topped with a four barrel carburetor, which built 375 horsepower @ 4600 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque @ 3200 rpm; the second of the 440 cubic inch engines was packed with a trio of double barrel carburetors, labeled the "440 6-pack", which built 390 horsepower @ 4600 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque @ 2300 rpm. The big dog of the Challenger engine lineup was the engine that American manufacturers would try to copy for years, and it is still one of the most desired engines of all time. That engine is, of course, the Hemi. It was "only" 426 cubic inches, but it made 425 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and a whopping 490 lb-ft or torque @ 4000 rpm. The Hemi option included several heavy duty upgrades as well, and cost an additional $1,228 and due to the huge price hike, it was only chosen by 356 buyers in 1970. Both the of 440 cubic inch options, and the Hemi came standard with a 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, but for those who demanded the most of out their new Challenger, it could be ordered with a four speed manual topped by a pistol-grip Hurst shifter and a Dana 60 axle packed with limited slip 3.54:1 gears and an option of 4.10:1 gears, instead of the standard 3.23:1. All of the R/Ts included heavy duty suspension, and if the either of the 440s or the Hemi were chosen, 15 inch wheels wrapped in a 60 series tire were included. The R/Ts came with a dual hood scoop setup, but these scoops did not feed directly into the engine. However, for only $97, the Shaker hood scoop option could be ordered. The Shaker scoop was actually mounted to the engine itself, and poked through a large hole in the hood, providing direct air to the engine. Power Steering and front disc brakes were available, but were only offered as options on the R/T and base model. The other trim line was the T/A package, which was offered just to comply with the rules of the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship, as the SCCA requires a certain number of cars to be sold to be considered a "production car" for their series. The Challenger T/A street car came packed with a 340 cubic inch motor with a "6-pack" of its own, and Dodge advertised the engine as building 290 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 345 lb-ft of torque@ 3400 rpm, although it was dyno proven that the 340 6-pack actually made around 350 horsepower. The T/A featured a matte black fiberglass hood with a massive oval air filter smothering the 3 two barrel carbs. The T/A also had a special high-flow dual exhaust system which traveled to the rear axle, but then doubled back and exited in front of the rear wheels by means of two huge chrome exhaust tips. The T/A came equipped with either the 727 TorqueFlite automatic or Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission, with either 3.55:1 or 3.90:1 gears, and the option of either manual of power steering. Front disc brakes were standard, and a heavy duty "Rallye Suspension" was standard, including increased camber of the rear springs, which elevated the tail enough to clear the rear rubber. The T/A featured a thick black trim stripe that ran the length of the car, along with a subtle, molded wing spoiler. One of the unusual notes about the T/A, is that it was one of the first production cars to offer different size tires in the front and back, with E60x15 fronts, and G60x15 in back. Unfortunately, the T/As were not very competitive in the SCCA T/A series, and the street model under steered badly at high speeds, so it did not make for a very popular car from that aspect, although it did turn out mid-14 second quarter mile time, which was very good for that era, especially from a small block car. But even with the fine quarter mile time, and mean appearance, Dodge removed itself from the SCCA series after 1970, and dropped the T/A option. Read more about the 1970 Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger Concept - Engine Writeup

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 10:06 AM

The most powerful and most popular engine fitted into a muscle car both in the Muscle Car Era, and today, was known merely by a name, the Hemi. While to the naked eye, one look at a Dodge Challenger Concept article provides most of the numbers anyone really needs to know; 6.1 liters, four hundred and twenty-five horsepower, four hundred and twenty pound feet of torque, simple addition of engine size and consequently, horsepower was not as short and sweet as it may sound.

During design the engineers looked at the popularity of the original Hemi, and that was where the horsepower measure comes from, but this Hemi offers 69.8 horsepower per liter ratio which far exceeds the old 426 Hemi. To give the new Dodge Challenger 6.1L Hemi a nostalgic look, it bears the large black "crinkle finish" valve covers with HEMI in matching bright orange with silver trim. This 6.1 liter Hemi is actually just a beefed up version of the 5.7 liter Hemi found in the non-SRT Hemi cars in the Dodge and Chrysler lineup.

To increase the engine volume and horsepower the first step was increasing the cylinder size. Each cylinder was increased in diameter by three and a half millimeters. The compression ratio of this naturally aspirated power plant was increased from 9.6 to 1, to 10.3 to 1. The huge cylinder heads, which are what makes a Hemi a Hemi, were specially redesigned on the new 6.1 liter engine, with special care taken in the areas of the intake and exhaust ports, as well as increased size in the intake and exhaust valves which are one piece, and have hollow stems that are then injected with sodium to help control internal engine heat, allowing this head to breathe as freely as possible. In order to feed these larger finely tuned intake ports, an intake manifold designed specifically for use with this cylinder head pattern has been applied, featuring huge smooth intake runners. That intake manifold is fed by the large front mounted throttle body, which pulls air through the hood scoop which is mounted at the very front of the hood.

Once the air enters the new cylinder head design, camshafts redesigned specifically for this engine help to perfect the combustion process, allowing for smoother movement of the pre and post combustion gases, and at the same time allowing this new Hemi to have a higher redline for maximum performance. The engine block itself has been altered, with relocation of the water ports for more efficient cooling, and with the smoother interior of the cooling ports, the engine has less draw placed on it by the freer flow of the water pump. To protect the internals of this new 6.1 liter Hemi the bottom end is composed of a forged steel crankshaft, high strength light weight piston connecting rods, floating pin pistons, and keeping this all moving smoothly is the newly refined oiling system which includes oil injectors in each cylinder and a new oil pan design which helps top cut down on engine foaming at high RPMs.

On the other end of the combustion process 'header' style exhaust manifolds in which each exhaust port exhausts through a separate tube as opposed to all of them emptying into one large chamber which then heads to the exhaust system thus helping greatly to increase exhaust flow, have been added to this new Hemi and in order to contain the heat from these separate tubes and to preserve a nice clean engine bay look, as the tubes meet they are gathered in a stainless steel shell. These four tubes per engine bank meet in a two and three quarters inch collector, which meet up with the huge exhaust system baring the same diameter as the header collector.

Traveling to the rear of the car this increased size exhaust system goes through a set of high flow mufflers which allow for a great deep throaty Hemi sound bellowing from the wide, flat retro style chrome split exhaust tips which are just below the rear fascia.

Read more about the Dodge Challenger Concept car

Dodge Challenger Concept Specs

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:58 AM
Projected Specs
  

Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2-door coupe
Estimated base price: $35,000
Engine type: pushrod 16-valve V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 370 cu in, 6059cc
Power (SAE net): 425 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Wheelbase: 115.9 in
Length/width/height: 197.8/78.6/57.0 in
Curb weight: 4100 lb
Performance ratings (mfr's est)
Zero to 60 mph: 4.5 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 13.0 sec
Top speed (drag limited): 174 mph
Projected fuel economy (C/D est)
EPA city driving: 14 mpg
EPA highway driving: 20 mpg
For more info on the Engine, read the Dodge Challenger engine writeup.
<< Back to the Introduction
>> Continue to the Engine Writeup

2008 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:50 AM
Late in the 2005 Calendar year blurry pictures began to surface of what many believed to be the next big thing from Daimler Chrysler Corporation. The muscular, bright orange car strongly resembled the e-body based Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger of the early 1970s, but with a sort of modernized feel. Rumors were rampant and in early January 2006 DCX made it official that the new Dodge Challenger Concept would be showcased at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, later that month. They made good on that promise as the centerpiece of Dodge's huge section was a glowing beauty that was the new Challenger Concept.

While this picture may not accurately portray the massive crowds surrounding the car at almost all times during the public viewing days, many found it difficult to get near the new pony car concept while the Challenger made its week-long NAIAS debut. That same excitement was obvious in the press as just about every automotive media source, from internet blogs and forums to the big name motoring magazines worldwide featured the Challenger, even though little information was available at that time. The only real information numbers available were the very basics such as the specifications and estimated performance numbers.

Over the months following the debut of the Challenger, speculations of what 'could be' with the revamped classic were available all over the internet, and just as discussions began to die down, the Challenger popped up at a handful of car shows on the west coast, and then at a huge Mopar show at the Walter P Chrysler Museum.

Again, rumors flew over when the new car would be announced, as the public and the media alike were certain that this modern muscle car would find its way to the showroom floors of your neighborhood Dodge dealership. One of the most popular rumors, which may have been forgone since it made its way to the public well before its time, was that the Challenger would be debuted at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Metro Detroit, which is a massive rolling car show, but on June 30, 2006 newspapers hit the stand, from the Detroit Free Press to the Wall Street Journal; the Challenger was "a-go", and it would be made official the following day at the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway. Mopar faithful and the performance world eagerly waited as there was a short presentation with NASCAR Legend Richard Petty, current NASCAR and Dodge Motorsports star Kasey Kahne, and Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Tom LaSorda, and with them was a 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A. Among the display there was a starting line-like setup, and with the throaty roar of the 6.1L Hemi engine, the Challenger Concept drove around from behind two large semi trailers and Mr. LaSorda waived a green flag, and made the move of the Dodge Challenger from Concept to a production vehicle official.

While full details are still somewhat sketchy, what we do know per Mr. LaSorda's comments during and following the official announcement, is that the Challenger will be released as a 2008 model, and it should hit the showrooms early in the 2008 Calendar year. What we are yet to know for sure are things like what aspects of the Concept will be excluded from the production model, production numbers, and retail price. While it is assumed that the 6.1L Hemi engine and manual transmission displayed in the concept will make their way to production, it is unknown whether other engines will be offered. However, DCX's new marketing campaign of "ask Dr. Z" in which questions pertaining to the corporation can be directed to Dieter Zetsche, the head of Daimler Chrysler, has opened up to some interesting information. When the question of 'what engines will be offered in the 2008 Challenger' is sent in to their inquiry address, this is the reply:

"Dear Patrick:
Thanks for contacting Dr. Z. Your message has been forwarded to us for response. The all-new Dodge Challenger will make its debut as a 2008 model, in calendar-year 2008. It will have the available 5.7-liter or SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engines coupled to either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick"

While this bit of information is not exactly official, it does come from a member of the DCX marketing team, so it would lead one to believe that the Challenger will be offered in multiple trim lines. It is assumed that Dodge is releasing the Challenger in 2008 anticipating the release of the Chevrolet Camaro, which is also currently just a concept, but GM executives have said that the Camaro will make it to production in the coming years.

All in all, this announcement and the information surrounding it paint a promising image of a new alternative for both lifelong Mopar enthusiasts and performance car buyers to cars such as the Ford Mustang, and the Pontiac GTO. It appears as though even with fuel prices getting increasingly higher, we are in for another exciting horsepower war, similar to that of the 1960s and 1970s, and this one is rapidly shaping up to be every bit as thrilling as the past horsepower war. Now, all you have to ask yourself, is do you wish to enter that war yielding the 4.6L packed automotive equivalent of a handgun, or a 6.1L packed automotive equivalent of a Sherman tank? The Challenger is a-go and while it will be roughly a year and a half before it becomes available we are certain that this new weapon in the horsepower war will make a lasting impression on its opponents.

1978 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:49 AM
The late 1970s and early 1980s were a difficult time for muscle car enthusiasts in the United States. The emissions regulations were always getting more strict, and when combined with the new federal regulations on engine testing, showed in the form of a gradual drop in horsepower in models such as the Corvette, the Camaro, and the Mustang. These strict regulations were what caused the decline in muscle car sales in the mid 1970s, thus causing the end of production for many legendary performance cars. The Corvette retained a V8 engine, but with a steep decline in advertised horsepower. The Camaro and Mustang, on the other hand, while still offering relatively low performance V8s, also offered very low performance 4 cylinder engines. This was also around the time where many popular Japanese automakers were making their formal introduction into the US market. One of those companies was Mitsubishi, and while they would not have their official entry into the US market until 1982, a 1971 purchase of a large part of the Mitsubishi Corporation helped pave the way for a Mitsubishi built car in the US, in the form of the 1978 Plymouth Sapporo and Dodge Challenger.

When Honda Motor Company entered the US market, there were alot of people who were very pro-American, or moreso anti-Japan, and this attitude caused lower than expected sales when the Japanese models were released. However, the partnership created between Dodge and Mitsubishi allowed Mitsubishi to to enter the market under an "American" name, with the added recognition of the popular "Challenger" name plate. This rebirth of a great pony car name got the attention of enthusiasts, and Mopar enthusiasts looked forward to the launch of the new Challenger, but this new model was no longer a high performance pony car, but more of a compact luxury model. Also, while having a storied American name, it had a distinctly Japanese look and feel. The Challenger(and Plymouth Sapporo) were only released under that name here in the US and in Puerto Rico, but the car was offered pretty much world wide. In Europe and South America this car was marketed as the Mitsubishi Galant Sapporo; in Australia it was badged as the Chrysler Scorpion and that was later changed to the Mitsubishi Scorpion; and in Japan, the model was badged as the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda.

While the new Challenger focused more on economy and luxury than performance than on performance, the engines offered in the Challenger were peppy considering they were only 4 cylinder engines. The two engines offered were a 1.6L, and a 2.6L. The 1.6L was a Mitsubishi 4G32, and this was the economy engine, and was far less preferred by someone. This was an 8-valve SOHC design with a five main bearing iron block, topped with an aluminum cross flow head, and single barrel carburetor. The "performance engine" was an unusually large 4 cylinder, and had a technological advance which allowed this engine to have such high displacement. This new 2.6L engine was the Mitsubishi 4G54, and it was a longitudinally mounted engine for use in rear wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles. Much like the fabled Challengers of the muscle car era, the 2.6L had an aluminum hemispherical head with chain driven single overhead camshaft atop a five main bearing iron block, all topped off with a Hitachi 2 barrel carburetor with vacuum operated progressive secondary.

The unique addition of this engine, allowing it to have such a large displacement, was the "Silent Shaft" feature, which assisted in counter-balancing the motion of the engine to make the engine much more smooth at all rpm ranges. Also, the US market models featured a small, third valve in the cylinder heads called the "Jet Valve", which helped to allow for leaner fuel-to-air mixtures for lower emissions. When this 3-valve system was being designed, the cost of a redesigned head would have greatly outweighed the advantages, so instead, slight alterations were made to the existing head. Inside the cam cover, a threaded hole (similar to the spark plug hole) was inserted, and a cartridge containing the valve spring and seat were screwed into this hole, and the valve springs used were very soft so they would not cause any increased wear on the camshaft. The other slight alteration to the engine was the positioning of the rocker arms on the intake valves, which were widened on the valve end to allow room for the extra valve. This engine received great reviews for both the low level of emissions without a great power loss, as well the smoothness obtained by the addition of the balance shafts. Unfortunately, the engine also has some megative reviews, the most common being the warping and/or cracking of the cylinder heads due to heat, and repairing this problem was very expensive since the parts had to be shipped from Japan, and rebuilt heads were hard to come by during this time. Another problem with the Challengers, like many carbureted cars of this era, drivability often suffered with the stock carburetor, so an upgrade kit which included, among other things, larger carb jets which richened the air-to-fuel mixture. Another problem with the Hitachi 2 barrel carburetor with vacuum operated progressive secondary was the failure of the vacuum diaphragms, and like the cylinder head issues, this problem was expensive to fix. Many peoples who encountered this problem bought a Weber conversion kit, which cured the issue, as well as served as a performance upgrade.

While some overseas models received such items as a turbocharged gasoline or diesel engine and rear independent suspension, the Challenger offered only the aforementioned 1.6L and 2.6L naturally aspirated engines, and a solid rear axle. However, the close ratio manual transmission was standard, with a three speed automatic optional, as well as the aluminum alloy wheels and read disc brakes, but these two options only came together, and could not be ordered separately. In order to emphasize the 'luxury' aspect of the new Challenger, the plush velour seats could be replaced with leather; and air conditioning, a cassette player, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, and a moon roof could be chosen at an additional cost. Whether the optional cassette player was chosen or not, a Mitsubishi made high quality stereo system was standard, with a built in invisible antenna, which was built into the trunk lid. Also, the car was packed full of "courtesy lights", and in the fuse box, the operator would find a built in fuse test light. In later years a convertible top was offered in addition to the hardtop, giving the Challenger another attractive option.
While this Mitsubishi built Dodge Challenger was hardly a reflection of the early 1970s pony car bearing the same name, this compact model provided a fun to drive car, and with the then-skyrocketing fuel prices, it kept money in the owners pocket, unlike the "thirsty" eight cylinder models. Even though there were problems with the cylinder head, and carburetion system, many owners of the 1978-1982 Dodge Challengers were very happy with the car, and a great many drove them, regularly, over 100,000 miles. In 1983, Dodge announced that there would not be a new Challenger the following year, as Mitsubishi had made its official entry into the US market in 1982. Also in 1983, the US market saw the birth of what would grow to be a very popular group of vehicles built by Diamond Star Motors, the newly named Mitsubishi/Dodge joint effort. General referred to as "DSMs", these affordable performance cars, such as the Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the Plymouth Laser offered the road handling capabilities of an All Wheel Drive system, as well as the 4G63 turbocharged engine. These cars have almost become ageless, as with the growth of the "import" performance market, the AWD turbocharged DSMs have become very popular. While the Challenger was the first US-offered Mitsubishi/Dodge joint effort, the first performance oriented model offered from these two brand names was the Mitsubishi Starion/Dodge Conquest. Other joint efforts between these two include the first generation Sebring Coupe, as well as the second Generation Sebring and Stratus Coupe. While it is uncommon to see a 1978-1983 Dodge Challenger on the streets today, the same, lightweight car has made for a popular car in which to transplant a high powered V8, so it is not uncommon to see one of these compact Challengers screaming down the drag strip. So, while the Challenger was certainly no muscle car, it made its impact on the automotive world, by both reinventing the Challenger name, and introducing the Mitsubishi/Dodge joint effort, which would eventually spawn the very popular Mitsubishi Eclipse.

1974 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:47 AM
Drivetrain Specs
    

Drivetrain Specifications:

Braking systems:
•
 The Standard base model Challengers came with 10 X 2.5 inch drum brakes in the front and rear.
•
 Optional front vented disc brakes were still available, but this option now featured one piece rotors, which measured 10.75 inches with single piston, floating, pin type callipers, and these new rotors would not fit older models. When equipped with the front discs, 10 X 2.5 inch rear drums were standard.

Engines
Engine Options:

• 318 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 150 bhp 360 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 245 bhp

Transmission Options:
•
 All models were equipped with standard A-230 3 speed manual, with the option of the the A-833 4 speed manual or A-727 automatic transmission

Differential Options:
•
 All models came standard with a 8.75 inch housing with 3.23 :1 and 3.55:1 ratios, were the only ratios offered, and an option of "SureGrip" limited slip was available.

Option Packages:

• Light Group (A01), included Ashtray lamp, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, map/courtesy lamp, ignition switch lamp w/time delay, time delay instrument panel floodlight, fender mounted turn signals except the R/T or 340 models, headlight-on reminder buzzer.
• Basic Group (A04), included AM radio (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), power steering, left remote mirror, upgrades could be ordered at differential price, variable speed wipers and electric washers.
• Performance Axle Package (A36), available on cars with 4bbl or multiple carburettors. Included 3.55:1 axle gears with Sure Grip in a 8.75 inch axle, heavy duty cooling and heavy duty suspension.
• Floor Console (C16), two different center consoles were used on manual and automatic cars although they were very similar, and the automatic shift handle was changed to the "T" shaped shifter over the 1970 round shifter.
• Rear Window Defroster (H31), 2dr hardtop models only. Included an electric heater and blower motor mounted under the rear shelf panel and blew up onto the rear window through a duct and vent.
• Air Conditioning (H51), Belt driven R12 freon system, not available on 340 six pack, 440 six pack, or Hemi models.
• Body Sill Mouldings (M25), wide sill mouldings.
   

1974 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:45 AM
Exterior Specs
    


Taillights:
• Four lenses, paired at opposite sides, with the backup indicators mounted within the center of the inside taillights lenses.

Hoods offered:
• Standard flat hood with low rising center molded peak.
• Power Bulge Hood. Contained a raised center section which ran almost the width of the hood towards the rear, containing 2 air vents, with the engine designation on each outer side of the bulge, and a chrome Dodge logo along the front of the bulge, now with the option of the large R/T log on the front.

Bumpers:
• The 1974 bumper was the same as the 1973 model. These bumpers were beefier looking, and stuck out away from the body more. Also, rubber pads were placed on the "bumperettes". This new bumper setup was commonly called a "5 mile per hour bumper", and this bumper was designed to yield no damage in a 5 mph impact.

Exterior Specifications

Headlights:
• Dual, recessed
Gas Caps:
• Body color, flush mounted filler cap.

Exterior Mirrors:
• Standard manually controlled chrome mirror.
• Optional chrome or body colored remote controlled "racing mirror".
• Passenger side chrome or body colored manually controlled "racing mirror".

Exterior Striping Offered:
• Rallye cars had "broken" effect stripes leading out of the non-functional fender vents, running down the doors.
• Base models coud be ordered with an accent stripe that ran the length of the body along the upper body contour. This stripe was available in White, Black, Light Bright Blue, Medium Gold, Light Green, and Parchment.

Roofline Options:
• Vinyl roof was offered on all hardtops Challengers. The offered vinyl roof colors were black, white, gold, or green.
• A power sunroof (option code M51) was available in conjunction with the vinyl roof, and worked both by a switch or by hand.

"Cooling Ducts":
• The non-functional front fender vent scoops were still present.


Exterior Colors Offered
• Light Blue (B1)
• Lucerne Blue (B5)
• Bright Red (E5)
• Burnished Red (E7)
• Frosty Green (G2)
• Deep Sherwood (G8)
 • Avocado Gold (J6)
• Parchment (L4)
• Dark Moonstone (L8)
• Sienna (T5)
• Dark Chestnut (T9)
• Eggshell (W1)
 • Black (X9)
• Golden Fawn (Y4)
• Yellow Blaze (Y5)
• Golden Haze (Y6)
• Dark Gold (Y9)


Wheel Options: Tire Options:
• Standard steel wheels came one of two ways, painted to match the body color until March of 1971 at which point they were all painted black, with a small "dog dish hubcap" which only covered the lug area; or they came painted black with a full rim cover. The full rim cover came in three styles, a simulated wire wheel (W15), deep dish (W13), or deluxe (W11). On Challengers equipped with a slant six or 318, the stock rim size was 14x5 inch.
• The Chrome Road wheel (option code W23) was one optional wheel, and came in 14x5.5 inch. This was also known as the Magnum 500 wheel.
• The slotted Rallye Wheel (option code W21), which has become one of the most popular "Stock wheels for restroration projects, and they came as 14 X 5.5. They came with a plated center cap, larger than before, and no beauty ring. 		• 318ci models came standard with 7.35x14 Firestone tires, and if disc brakes were chosen the Challenger came with F78x14 Goodyears. F70x14 Goodyears were an option, but only with heavy duty suspension.
• 360 models came standard with F78x14 Goodyears, and if disc brakes were chosen the Challenger came with F78x14 Goodyears. F70x14 Goodyears were an option, but only with heavy duty suspension.
• 360 Rallye models came only with F70x14 Goodyears.


  >> Drivetrain Specifications

1974 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:44 AM
Interior Specs
    

Interior Specifications:

Dashboard Area:
•
 Unlike the 1970 Challenger, the nameplate was now a stick on piece as opposed to being embossed on the dash.
•
 The dash held one center mounted speaker with the AM-mono radio, and if the stereo radio was chosen, it had the center mounted speaker, as well as one mounted in each end of the dashboard.
•
 The dashpad was color coded to match the interior trim color.
•
 Trim colors offered were Black, White, Blue and Dark Green.
•
 Manual transmission cars had a reverse warning light fitted on the dash between the ashtray and glove box.
Gauge Cluster:
•
 The standard cluster had a large 120mph speedometer wth four smaller gauges to the right, with those gauges being fuel, engine temp, alternator and, the clock.
•
 An optional 'Rallye' instrument cluster contained four large equal sized pods. From left to right, they were a 150 mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tachometer, clock and one pod containing four gauges, being oil pressure, alternator, engine temperature and fuel.
Steering Wheel: Door Panels: Seats:
• The standard steering wheel was the same on all models, and there was no optional wheel offered. The standard wheel was a brushed silver two spoke wheel, with a black grip and center horn button. • The standard door panel was one piece molded plastic, in the interior trim color.
• The option door panel came with the power window option, and included a strip of matching carpet along the bottom and a reflector on the lower end of the door. 		• Standard seating consisted of a front and rear bench seat.
• High back bucket seats in the front were optional on all models, and standard in the R/Ts.
• The seats all came standard in vinyl, leather or cloth inserts could no longer be ordered.


  >> Exterior Specifications

1974 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:41 AM
Introduction
    

1974 Dodge Challenger
This page details nearly all of the specifications and various options offered for the 1974 Dodge Challenger, if you see something that we have excluded, feel free to let us know!

The 1970 Challenger offered two models

•
Two door hardtop
•
Rallye two door hardtop
Body Dimensions:

Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 76.5 inches
Height: 51 inches

Weight (Dry Weight, Varies by model and engine chosen):
•
 Two door hardtop, I6 = 2970
•
 Two door hardtop, V8 = 3020

1973 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:39 AM
Drivetrain Specs
    

Drivetrain Specifications:

Braking systems:
•
 The Standard base model Challengers came with 10 X 2.5 inch drum brakes in the front and rear.
•
 Optional front vented disc brakes were still available, but this option now featured one piece rotors, which measured 10.75 inches with single piston, floating, pin type callipers, and these new rotors would not fit older models. When equipped with the front discs, 10 X 2.5 inch rear drums were standard.

Engines
Engine Options:

• 318 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 150 bhp
• 340 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 240 bhp

Transmission Options:
•
 All models were equipped with standard A-230 3 speed manual, with the option of the the A-833 4 speed manual or A-727 automatic transmission

Differential Options:
•
 All models came standard with a 8.75 inch housing with 3.23 :1 and 3.55:1 ratios, were the only ratios offered, and an option of "SureGrip" limited slip was available.

Option Packages:
• Light Group (A01), included Ashtray lamp, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, map/courtesy lamp, ignition switch lamp w/time delay, time delay instrument panel floodlight, fender mounted turn signals except the R/T or 340 models, headlight-on reminder buzzer.
• Basic Group (A04), included AM radio (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), power steering, left remote mirror, upgrades could be ordered at differential price, variable speed wipers and electric washers.
• Performance Axle Package (A36), available on cars with 4bbl or multiple carburettors. Included 3.55:1 axle gears with Sure Grip in a 8.75 inch axle, heavy duty cooling and heavy duty suspension.
• Floor Console (C16), two different center consoles were used on manual and automatic cars although they were very similar, and the automatic shift handle was changed to the "T" shaped shifter over the 1970 round shifter.
• Rear Window Defroster (H31), 2dr hardtop models only. Included an electric heater and blower motor mounted under the rear shelf panel and blew up onto the rear window through a duct and vent.
• Air Conditioning (H51), Belt driven R12 freon system, not available on 340 six pack, 440 six pack, or Hemi models.
• Body Sill Mouldings (M25), wide sill mouldings.


   

1973 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:37 AM
Exterior Specs
    

Exterior Specifications
Taillights:
• Four lenses, paired at opposite sides, with the backup indicators mounted within the center of the inside taillights lenses.

Hoods offered:
• Standard flat hood with low rising center molded peak.
• Power Bulge Hood. Contained a raised center section which ran almost the width of the hood towards the rear, containing 2 air vents, with the engine designation on each outer side of the bulge, and a chrome Dodge logo along the front of the bulge, now with the option of the large R/T log on the front.

Bumpers:
• Due to more new safety restrictions, the 1973 bumper was revised from the 1972 model. These bumpers were beefier looking, and stuck out away from the body more. Also, rubber pads were placed on the "bumperettes". This new bumper setup was commonly called a "5 mile per hour bumper", and this bumper was designed to yield no damage in a 5 mph impact.

Gas Caps:
• Body color, flush mounted filler cap.

Exterior Mirrors:
• Standard manually controlled chrome mirror.
• Optional chrome or body colored remote controlled "racing mirror".
• Passenger side chrome or body colored manually controlled "racing mirror".

Exterior Striping Offered:
• Rallye cars had "broken" effect stripes leading out of the non-functional fender vents, running down the doors.
• Base models coud be ordered with an accent stripe that ran the length of the body along the upper body contour. This stripe was available in White, Black, Light Bright Blue, Medium Gold, Light Green, and Parchment.

Roofline Options:
• Vinyl roof was offered on all hardtops Challengers. The offered vinyl roof colors were black, white, gold, or green.
• A power sunroof (option code M51) was available in conjunction with the vinyl roof, and worked both by a switch or by hand.

"Cooling Ducts":
• The non-functional front fender vent scoops were still present.

Exterior Colors Offered
• Dark Silver (A5)
• Light Blue (B1)
• Super Blue (B3)
• Bright Blue (B5)
• Bright Red (E5)
• Pale Green (F1)
 • Light Green (F3)
• Dark Green (F8)
• Parchment (L4)
• Autumn Bronze (K6)
• Hemi Orange (V2)
• Eggshell (W1)
 • Black (X9)
• Top Banana (Y1)
• Honey Gold (Y3)
• Golden Haze (Y6)
• Dark Gold (Y9)


Wheel Options: Tire Options:
• Standard steel wheels came one of two ways, painted to match the body color until March of 1971 at which point they were all painted black, with a small "dog dish hubcap" which only covered the lug area; or they came painted black with a full rim cover. The full rim cover came in three styles, a simulated wire wheel (W15), deep dish (W13), or deluxe (W11). On Challengers equipped with a slant six or 318, the stock rim size was 14x5 inch.
• The Chrome Road wheel (option code W23) was one optional wheel, and came in 14x5.5 inch. This was also known as the Magnum 500 wheel.
• The slotted Rallye Wheel (option code W21), which has become one of the most popular "Stock wheels for restroration projects, and they came as 14 X 5.5. They came with a plated center cap, larger than before, and no beauty ring. 		• 318ci models came standard with 7.35x14 Firestone tires, and if disc brakes were chosen the Challenger came with F78x14 Goodyears. F70x14 Goodyears were an option, but only with heavy duty suspension.
• 340 models came standard with F78x14 Goodyears, and if disc brakes were chosen the Challenger came with F78x14 Goodyears. F70x14 Goodyears were an option, but only with heavy duty suspension.
• 340 Rallye models came only with F70x14 Goodyears.


  >> Drivetrain Specifications

1973 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:34 AM
Interior Specs
    

Interior Specifications:

Dashboard Area:
•
 Unlike the 1970 Challenger, the nameplate was now a stick on piece as opposed to being embossed on the dash.
•
 The dash held one center mounted speaker with the AM-mono radio, and if the stereo radio was chosen, it had the center mounted speaker, as well as one mounted in each end of the dashboard.
•
 The dashpad was color coded to match the interior trim color.
•
 Trim colors offered were Black, White, Blue and Dark Green.
•
 Manual transmission cars had a reverse warning light fitted on the dash between the ashtray and glove box.

Gauge Cluster:
•
 The standard cluster had a large 120mph speedometer wth four smaller gauges to the right, with those gauges being fuel, engine temp, alternator and, the clock.
•
 An optional 'Rallye' instrument cluster contained four large equal sized pods. From left to right, they were a 150 mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tachometer, clock and one pod containing four gauges, being oil pressure, alternator, engine temperature and fuel.

Steering Wheel: Door Panels: Seats:
• The standard steering wheel was the same on all models, and there was no optional wheel offered. The standard wheel was a brushed silver two spoke wheel, with a black grip and center horn button. • The standard door panel was one piece molded plastic, in the interior trim color.
• The option door panel came with the power window option, and included a strip of matching carpet along the bottom and a reflector on the lower end of the door. 		• Standard seating consisted of a front and rear bench seat.
• High back bucket seats in the front were optional on all models, and standard in the R/Ts.
• The seats all came standard in vinyl, leather or cloth inserts could no longer be ordered.



  >> Exterior Specifications

1973 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:33 AM
Introduction
    

This page details nearly all of the specifications and various options offered for the 1973 Dodge Challenger, if you see something that we have excluded, feel free to let us know!

The 1973 Challenger offered two models

•
Two door hardtop
•
Rallye two door hardtop
Body Dimensions:

Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 76.5 inches
Height: 51 inches

Weight (Dry Weight, Varies by model and engine chosen):
•
 Two door hardtop, I6 = 2970
•
 Two door hardtop, V8 = 3020

1972 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:23 AM
Drivetrain Specs
    

1972 Dodge Challenger

Drivetrain Specifications:

Braking systems:
•
 The Standard base model Challengers came with 10 X 2.5 inch drum brakes in the front and rear.
•
 Optional front vented disc brakes measured 10.75 inches with single piston, floating, pin type callipers, and they were known to warp under heavy braking. When equipped with the front discs, 10 X 2.5 inch rear drums were standard.

Engines
Slant Six Options:

• 225 cubic inch, 1 barrel carb, making 110 bhp

Small Block V8 Options:

• 318 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 150 bhp 340 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 240 bhp


Transmission Options:
•
 All models were equipped with standard A-230 3 speed manual, with the option of the the A-833 4 speed manual or A-727 automatic transmission

Differential Options:
•
 All models came standard with a 8.75 inch housing with 3.23 :1 and 3.55:1 ratios, were the only ratios offered, and an option of "SureGrip" limited slip was available.

Option Packages:

• Light Group (A01), included Ashtray lamp, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, map/courtesy lamp, ignition switch lamp w/time delay, time delay instrument panel floodlight, fender mounted turn signals except the R/T or 340 models, headlight-on reminder buzzer.
• Basic Group (A04), included AM radio (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), power steering, left remote mirror, upgrades could be ordered at differential price, variable speed wipers and electric washers.
• Performance Axle Package (A36), available on cars with 4bbl or multiple carburettors. Included 3.55:1 axle gears with Sure Grip in a 8.75 inch axle, heavy duty cooling and heavy duty suspension.
• Floor Console (C16), two different center consoles were used on manual and automatic cars although they were very similar, and the automatic shift handle was changed to the "T" shaped shifter over the 1970 round shifter.
• Rear Window Defroster (H31), 2dr hardtop models only. Included an electric heater and blower motor mounted under the rear shelf panel and blew up onto the rear window through a duct and vent.
• Air Conditioning (H51), Belt driven R12 freon system, not available on 340 six pack, 440 six pack, or Hemi models.
• Body Sill Mouldings (M25), wide sill mouldings.


   

1972 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:21 AM
Exterior Specs
    

1972 Dodge Challenger
Exterior Specifications

Headlights:
• Dual, recessed

Taillights:
• Four lenses, paired at opposite sides, with the backup indicators mounted within the center of the inside taillights lenses.

Hoods offered:
• Standard flat hood with low rising center molded peak.
• Power Bulge Hood. Contained a raised center section which ran almost the width of the hood towards the rear, containing 2 air vents, with the engine designation on each outer side of the bulge, and a chrome Dodge logo along the front of the bulge, now with the option of the large R/T log on the front.

Gas Caps:
• Body color, flush mounted filler cap.
Exterior Mirrors:
• Standard manually controlled chrome mirror.
• Optional chrome or body colored remote controlled "racing mirror".
• Passenger side chrome or body colored manually controlled "racing mirror".

Exterior Striping Offered:
• Rallye cars had "borken" effect stripes leading out of the non-functional fender vents, running down the doors.

Roofline Options:
• Vinyl roof was offered on all hardtops Challengers. The offered vinyl roof colors were black, white, or green.
• A power sunroof (option code M51) was available in conjunction with the vinyl roof, and worked both by a switch or by hand.

"Cooling Ducts":
• The rear cooling ducts were removed, but non-functional front fender vent scoops were added.


Exterior Colors Offered
• Light Gunmetal Metallic (A4)
• Blue Sky (B1)
• Basin Street Blue (B3)
• Bright Blue Metallic (B5)
• Bright Red (E5)
• Med. Green Metallic (F3)
 • Dark Green Metallic (F7)
• Tan (T6)
• Dark Tan Metallic (T8)
• Hemi-Orange (V2)
• White (W1)
 • Black (X9)
• Top Banana (Y1)
• Gold (Y4)
• Gold Metallic (Y8)
• Dark Gold Metallic (Y9)


Wheel Options: Tire Options:
• Standard steel wheels came one of two ways, painted to match the body color until March of 1971 at which point they were all painted black, with a small "dog dish hubcap" which only covered the lug area; or they came painted black with a full rim cover. The full rim cover came in three styles, a simulated wire wheel (W15), deep dish (W13), or deluxe (W11). On Challengers equipped with a slant six or 318, the stock rim size was 14x5 inch.
• The Chrome Road wheel (option code W23) was one optional wheel, and came in 14x5.5 inch. This was also known as the Magnum 500 wheel.
• The slotted Rallye Wheel (option code W21), which has become one of the most popular "Stock wheels for restroration projects, and they came as 14 X 5.5. They came with a plated center cap, larger than before, and no beauty ring. 		• For slant six models 7.35x14 Firestone were optional, unless it was equipped with disc brakes, at which point E78x14 Goodyears were standard. F70x14 Goodyears were an option, but only with with heavy duty suspension.
• 318ci models came standard with F78x14 Goodyears, whether disc brakes were chosen or not. F70x14 Goodyears were an option, but only with with heavy duty suspension.
• 340 models came standard with F70x14 Goodyear Polyglas GTs, whether disc brakes were chosen or not, with optional E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs.

  >> Drivetrain Specifications

1972 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:18 AM
Interior Specs
    

Interior Specifications:

Dashboard Area:
•
 Unlike the 1970 Challenger, the nameplate was now a stick on piece as opposed to being embossed on the dash.
•
 The dash held one center mounted speaker with the AM-mono radio, and if the stereo radio was chosen, it had the center mounted speaker, as well as one mounted in each end of the dashboard.
•
 The dashpad was color coded to match the interior trim color.
•
 Manual transmission cars had a reverse warning light fitted on the dash between the ashtray and glove box.

Gauge Cluster:
•
 The standard cluster had a large 120mph speedometer wth four smaller gauges to the right, with those gauges being fuel, engine temp, alternator and, the clock.
•
 An optional 'Rallye' instrument cluster contained four large equal sized pods. From left to right, they were a 150 mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tachometer, clock and one pod containing four gauges, being oil pressure, alternator, engine temperature and fuel.
Steering Wheel: Door Panels: Seats:
• The standard steering wheel was the same on all models, and there was no optional wheel offered. The standard wheel was a brushed silver two spoke wheel, with a black grip and center horn button. • The standard door panel was one piece molded plastic, in the interior trim color.
• The option door panel came with the power window option, and included a strip of matching carpet along the bottom and a reflector on the lower end of the door. 		• Standard seating consisted of a front and rear bench seat.
• High back bucket seats in the front were optional on all models, and standard in the R/Ts.
• The seats all came standard in vinyl, leather or cloth inserts could no longer be ordered.

  >> Exterior Specifications

1972 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:16 AM
Introduction
    

This page details nearly all of the specifications and various options offered for the 1972 Dodge Challenger, if you see something that we have excluded, feel free to let us know!

The 1972 Challenger offered four models

•
Two door hardtop
•
Rallye two door hardtop
Body Dimensions:

Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 76.5 inches
Height: 51 inches

Weight (Dry Weight, Varies by model and engine chosen):
•
 Two door hardtop, I6 = 2970
•
 Two door hardtop, V8 = 3020

1971 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:11 AM
Drivetrain Specs
    

Drivetrain Specifications:

Braking systems:
•
 The Standard base model Challengers came with 10 X 2.5 inch drum brakes in the front and rear.
•
 The R/T models came standard with 11 X 3 front drums and 11 X 2.5 rear drums.
•
 Optional front vented disc brakes measured 10.75 inches with single piston, floating, pin type callipers, and they were known to warp under heavy braking. When equipped with the front discs, 10 X 2.5 inch rear drums were standard.

Engines
Slant Six Options:

• 198 cubic inch, 1 barrel carb, making 125 bhp - offered on the Deputy only.
• 225 cubic inch, 1 barrel carb, making 145 bhp

Small Block V8 Options:

• 318 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 230 bhp
• 340 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 275 bhp

Big Block V8 Options:

• 383 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 275 bhp
• 383 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 300 bhp - Challenger R/T only
• 440 cubic inch, 3x2 barrel carbs, making 390 bhp - Challenger R/T only

The 426 Hemi

• 426 cubic inch, 2x4 barrel carbs, making 425 bhp - Challenger R/T only


Transmission Options:
•
 Slant six models were equipped with either an A-903 3 speed manual or the A-904-G automatic.
•
 318ci models came with either an A-904-LA automatic or theA-230 3 speed manual.
•
 340ci and bigger came with the A-727 automatic transmission or the option of either an A-230 3 speed manual or the A-833 4 speed manual, which was standard in the T/A models.

Differential Options:
•
 Low Performance models came standard with a 7.25 inch housing with either 2.76:1 or 3.23:1 ratio gearing.
•
 High Performance models came standard with a 8.75 inch housing with 2.76:1, 3.23 :1, 3.55:1, and 3.91:1 ratios, and an option of "SureGrip" limited slip. The 3.23 and 3.55 were the most common, with the 3.55:1 being standard in the T/A with an optional 3.91:1.
•
 Hemi models with a manual transmission came with a 9.75 inch Dana 60 "SureGrip" axle standard offering either 3.54:1 or 4.10:1 gearing, and in 440 and Hemi automatic models, this rear differential was optional, in place of the 8.75 housing.

Option Packages:

• Light Group (A01), included Ashtray lamp, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, map/courtesy lamp, ignition switch lamp w/time delay, time delay instrument panel floodlight, fender mounted turn signals except the R/T or 340 models, headlight-on reminder buzzer.
• Basic Group (A04), included AM radio (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), power steering, left remote mirror, upgrades could be ordered at differential price, variable speed wipers and electric washers.
• Protection Group (A05) included vinyl insert body side moulding, bumper guards (f&r w/rubber inserts), door edge protectors.
• High Performance Axle Package (A31) Available on 340 or 383 4bbl cars. Included 3.91 axle gears with Sure Grip, high cool radiator with seven blade fan and heavy duty suspension.
• Super Performance Axle Package (A32) Available on the 440 and 426 powered cars with automatic transmission. Included 4:10 geared Dana 9.75inch axle with Sure Grip, seven blade fan, and high cool radiator. Not available with A/C.
• Track Pack (A33) Available on 440 and mandatory on 426 powered cars with 4-speed manual transmission. Included 3.54 gears with Sure Grip in a Dana 9.75 inch axle, seven blade fan, high cool radiator and a dual point distributor.
• Super Track Pack (A34) Same as Track Pack but with 4.10 gears and power front disc brakes.
• Trailer Tow Package (A35), included high flow cooling system, heavy duty brakes with auto adjusters, heavy duty suspension, heavy duty turn signal flasher and stop lamp switch, heavy duty wheels, heavy duty performance axle (3.23 ratio). This was not available with 440 six pack or 426 engines.
• Performance Axle Package (A36), available on cars with 4bbl or multiple carburettors. Included 3.55:1 axle gears with Sure Grip in a 8.75 inch axle, heavy duty cooling and heavy duty suspension.
• Backlite Louver Group (A44), included backlite louvers, black backlite moulding, body colored racing mirrors on both sides, and a black vinyl roof, if chosen. Not available with convertible.
• Aerodynamic Spoiler Package (A45), included front chin spoiler, T/A type aerodynamic rear spoiler.
• Rallye Instrument Cluster (A62), included variable speed wipers withelectric washers, tachometer, electric clock, heater control floodlight, 150 mph speedometer, woodgrain cluster applique, oil pressure gauge. Available on V8 models only, standard on the R/T models.

• Moulding Group A (A63), belt molding, front splash pan scoop, cowl moulding, rear Astrotone-painted applique.
• Challenger 340 Performance Package (A66), 340 engine (E55), E60x15 inch raised white letter tires (U82), performance hood, heavy duty brakes, heavy duty suspension (S13), Bumble Bee paint stripe, Scat Pack (bee) decal, wheel lip moulding deleted.
• Seat Belt Group (C15), included instrument panel "fasten seat belt" light with time delay, high styled push button buckles (color keyed), loop guides on belt ends, buckle stowage brackets.
• Floor Console (C16), two different center consoles were used on manual and automatic cars although they were very similar, and the automatic shift handle was changed to the "T" shaped shifter over the 1970 round shifter.
• Rear Window Defroster (H31), 2dr hardtop models only. Included an electric heater and blower motor mounted under the rear shelf panel and blew up onto the rear window through a duct and vent.
• Air Conditioning (H51), Belt driven R12 freon system, not available on 340 six pack, 440 six pack, or Hemi models.
• Body Sill Mouldings (M25), wide sill mouldings.


   

1973 Dodge Challenger

Drivetrain Specifications:

Braking systems:
•
 The Standard base model Challengers came with 10 X 2.5 inch drum brakes in the front and rear.
•
 Optional front vented disc brakes were still available, but this option now featured one piece rotors, which measured 10.75 inches with single piston, floating, pin type callipers, and these new rotors would not fit older models. When equipped with the front discs, 10 X 2.5 inch rear drums were standard.

Engines
Engine Options:

• 318 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 150 bhp
• 340 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 240 bhp

Transmission Options:
•
 All models were equipped with standard A-230 3 speed manual, with the option of the the A-833 4 speed manual or A-727 automatic transmission

Differential Options:
•
 All models came standard with a 8.75 inch housing with 3.23 :1 and 3.55:1 ratios, were the only ratios offered, and an option of "SureGrip" limited slip was available.

Option Packages:

• Light Group (A01), included Ashtray lamp, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, map/courtesy lamp, ignition switch lamp w/time delay, time delay instrument panel floodlight, fender mounted turn signals except the R/T or 340 models, headlight-on reminder buzzer.
• Basic Group (A04), included AM radio (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), power steering, left remote mirror, upgrades could be ordered at differential price, variable speed wipers and electric washers.
• Performance Axle Package (A36), available on cars with 4bbl or multiple carburettors. Included 3.55:1 axle gears with Sure Grip in a 8.75 inch axle, heavy duty cooling and heavy duty suspension.
• Floor Console (C16), two different center consoles were used on manual and automatic cars although they were very similar, and the automatic shift handle was changed to the "T" shaped shifter over the 1970 round shifter.
• Rear Window Defroster (H31), 2dr hardtop models only. Included an electric heater and blower motor mounted under the rear shelf panel and blew up onto the rear window through a duct and vent.
• Air Conditioning (H51), Belt driven R12 freon system, not available on 340 six pack, 440 six pack, or Hemi models.
• Body Sill Mouldings (M25), wide sill mouldings.

1971 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:08 AM
Exterior Specs
    

Taillights:
• Two lenses at opposite sides, with the backup indicators mounted within the center of the taillights.

Bumpers offered:
• The standard chrome 197 bumper returned for 1971, but only for a brief time, due to new safety requirements. Elastomeric front and rear bumpers were offered in 1971, and were color coded,but were only offered in five colors, B5 blue, Y3 yellow, V2 hemi orange, C7 plum crazy, or J6 green. Starting in April 1971 all painted bumpers were cancelled except for Y3 yellow.

Hoods offered:
• Standard flat hood with low rising center molded peak.
• Power Bulge Hood. Contained a raised center section which ran almost the width of the hood towards the rear, containing 2 air vents, with the engine designation on each outer side of the bulge, and a chrome Dodge logo along the front of the bulge, now with the option of the large R/T log on the front.
• Shaker Hood. This hood system, unlike the Power Bulge Hood, did feed air directly into the engine. Hood scoop was actually affixed to the carburators, and moved with the engine while poking through the large hole cut in the hood.

Gas Caps:
• Body color, flush mounted filler cap.
• Chrome, raised, flip open race style cap with "FUEL" in raised chrome letters on the black background.

Exterior Mirrors:
• Standard manually controlled chrome mirror.
• Optional chrome or body colored remote controlled "racing mirror".
• Passenger side chrome or body colored manually controlled "racing mirror".

Exterior Striping Offered:
• A thick vinyl stripe was offered on all models, and standard on the R/T, and like the prior T/A model, it ended above the rear wheel well.

Roofline Options:
• Vinyl roof was offered on all hardtops Challengers. The offered vinyl roof colors were black, white, green or gold.
• The Deputy came with a white vinyl roof, and it was a brighter white than what was offered on non-Deputy models.
• A power sunroof (option code M51) was available in conjunction with the vinyl roof, and worked both by a switch or by hand.

"Cooling Ducts":
• On the 1971 R/T models, a non-functional brake cooling duct was mounted in front of the rear tires on the quarter panel.

Exterior Specifications

Headlights:
• Dual, recessed

Exterior Colors Offered
• Light Gunmetal Metallic (A4)
• Light Blue Metallic (B2)
• Brite Blue Metallic (B5)
• Dark Blue Metallic (B7)
• Plum Crazy Metallic (C7)
• Bright Red (E5)
• Med. Green Metallic (F3)
 • Dark Green Metallic (F7)
• Green Go (J6)
• Dark Bronze Metallic (K6)
• Burnt Orange (K3)
• Butterscotch (L5)
• Tan Metallic (T2)
• Hemi-Orange (V2)
 • Brite White (W3)
• Black (X9)
• Top Banana (Y1)
• Citron Yella (Y3)
• Gold Metallic (Y8)
• Dark Gold Metallic (Y9)


Wheel Options: Tire Options:
• Standard steel wheels came one of two ways, painted to match the body color until March of 1971 at which point they were all painted black, with a small "dog dish hubcap" which only covered the lug area; or they came painted black with a full rim cover. The full rim cover came in three styles, a simulated wire wheel (W15), deep dish (W13), or deluxe (W11). On Challengers equipped with a slant six or 318, the stock rim size was 14x5 inch. Big block cars came with 14x6 inch steel wheels, or an optional 15x7 inch steel wheel. Hemi cars came with the 15x7 inch steel wheel, standard.
• The Chrome Road wheel (option code W23) was one optional wheel, and came in 14x5.5 inch. This was also known as the Magnum 500 wheel.
• The slotted Rallye Wheel (option code W21), which has become one of the most popular "Stock wheels for restroration projects, and they came as either 14 X 5.5 or 15 X 7 inch. They came with a grey painted seperate center cap and painted "beauty ring". 		• For slant six models and 318ci models, E78x14 Goodyear was standard. F70x14 Goodyears were an option, but only with with heavy duty suspension, and E60x15 Goodyears were also optional, but only with heavy duty suspension and disc brakes, or heavy duty brakes.
• For 383ci models, the E78x14 Goodyear Polyglas GTs were standard, with a F70x14 Goodyear Polyglas GTs option (standard on the R/T), but only with with heavy duty suspension, and E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs were also optional, but only with heavy duty suspension and disc brakes, or heavy duty brakes.
• 340 models came standard with F70x14 Goodyear Polyglas GTs, with optional F78x14 or E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs.
• 383 R/T models came standard with F70x14 Goodyear Polyglas GT with an optional F78x14 Goodyear Polyglas GTs.
• 440ci and 426 Hemi R/Ts came standard with F70x14 Goodyear Polyglas GTs, but as as option E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs were offered.

  >> Drivetrain Specifications

1971 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:06 AM
Interior Specs
    


Interior Specifications:

Dashboard Area:
•
 Unlike the 1970 Challenger, the nameplate was now a stick on piece as opposed to being embossed on the dash.
•
 The dash held one center mounted speaker with the AM-mono radio, and if the stereo radio was chosen, it had the center mounted speaker, as well as one mounted in each end of the dashboard.
•
 The dashpad was color coded to match the interior trim color.
•
 Manual transmission cars had a reverse warning light fitted on the dash between the ashtray and glove box.

Gauge Cluster:
•
 The standard cluster had a large 120 MPH speedometer wth four smaller gauges to the right, with those gauges being fuel, engine temp, alternator and, the clock.
•
 An optional 'Rallye' instrument cluster contained four large equal sized pods. From left to right, they were a 150 mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tachometer, clock and one pod containing four gauges, being oil pressure, alternator, engine temperature and fuel.
Steering Wheel: Door Panels: Seats:
• The standard steering wheel had a wood grain grip with three padded spokes, with a padded center horn button.
• An upgrade of the base model steering wheel looked similar in style, excpet it had a chrome "horn ring" going about half way around the inside of the grip.
• The last option was the "Tough Wheel". It had a black or color coded grip and center horn button, with brushed silver finish on the sides of the horn button and the 3 split style spokes also had the brushed silver look. 		• The standard door panel was one piece molded plastic, in the interior trim color.
• The option door panel came with the power window option, and included a strip of matching carpet along the bottom and a reflector on the lower end of the door. 		• Standard seating consisted of a front and rear bench seat.
• High back bucket seats in the front were optional on all models, and standard in the R/Ts.
• The seats all came standard in vinyl with either cloth of leather inserts offered on all models.

  >> Exterior Specifications

1971 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 9:03 AM
Introduction
    

This page details nearly all of the specifications and various options offered for the 1971 Dodge Challenger, if you see something that we have excluded, feel free to let us know!

The 1971 Challenger offered four models

•
Challenger Deputy
•
Two door hardtop
•
Two door convertible
•
R/T two door hardtop

Body Dimensions:

Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 76.5 inches
Height: 51 inches
Weight (Dry Weight, Varies by model and engine chosen):
•
 Two door hardtop, I6 = 2970
•
 Two door hardtop, V8 = 3020
•
 Two door hardtop, R/T, V8 = 3390
•
 Convertible, I6 = 3085
•
 Convertible, V8 = 3130

>> Interior Specifications

1970 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 8:59 AM
Drivetrain Specs
    

Drivetrain Specifications:

Braking systems:

•
 The Standard base model Challengers came with 10 X 2.5 inch drum brakes in the front and rear.
•
 The R/T models came standard with 11 X 3 front drums and 11 X 2.5 rear drums.
•
 Optional front vented disc brakes measured 10.75 inches with single piston, floating, pin type callipers, and they were known to warp under heavy braking. When equipped with the front discs, 10 X 2.5 inch rear drums were standard.

Engines
Slant Six Options:

• 198 cubic inch, 1 barrel carb, making 101 bhp - offered on the Deputy only.
• 225 cubic inch, 1 barrel carb, making 145 bhp

Small Block V8 Options:

• 318 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 230 bhp
• 340 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 275 bhp
• 340 cubic inch, 3x2 barrel carbs, making 290 bhp - Challenger T/A only.

Big Block V8 Options:

• 383 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 290 bhp
• 383 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 330 bhp
• 440 cubic inch, 3x2 barrel carbs, making 390 bhp

"Magnum" V8 Options:

• 383 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 335 bhp
• 440 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 375 bhp

The 426 Hemi

• 426 cubic inch, 2x4 barrel carbs, making 425 bhp

Transmission Options:
•
 Slant six models were equipped with either an A-903 3 speed manual or the A-904-G automatic.
•
 318ci models came with either an A-904-LA automatic, the A-230 3 speed manual, or a rare A-833 4-speed
•
 340ci and bigger came with the A-727 automatic transmission or the option of either an A-230 3 speed manual or the A-833 4 speed manual, which was standard in the T/A models.

Differential Options:
•
 Low Performance models came standard with a 7.25 inch housing with either 2.76:1 or 3.23:1 ratio gearing.
•
 High Performance models came standard with a 8.75 inch housing with 2.76:1, 3.23 :1, 3.55:1, and 3.91:1 ratios, and an option of "SureGrip" limited slip. The 3.23 and 3.55 were the most common, with the 3.55:1 being standard in the T/A with an optional 3.91:1.
•
 Hemi models with a manual transmission came with a 9.75 inch Dana 60 "SureGrip" axle standard offering either 3.54:1 or 4.10:1 gearing, and in 440 and Hemi automatic models, this rear differential was optional, in place of the 8.75 housing.

Option Packages:

• Light Group (A01), included Ashtray lamp, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, map/courtesy lamp, ignition switch lamp w/time delay, time delay instrument panel floodlight, fender mounted turn signals except the R/T or 340 models, headlight-on reminder buzzer.
• Basic Group (A04), included AM radio (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), power steering, left remote mirror, upgrades could be ordered at differential price, variable speed wipers and electric washers.
• Protection Group (A05) included vinyl insert body side moulding, bumper guards (f&r w/rubber inserts), door edge protectors.
• High Performance Axle Package (A31) Available on 340 or 383 4bbl cars. Included 3.91 axle gears with Sure Grip, high cool radiator with seven blade fan and heavy duty suspension.
• Super Performance Axle Package (A32) Available on the 440 and 426 powered cars with automatic transmission. Included 4:10 geared Dana 9.75inch axle with Sure Grip, seven blade fan, and high cool radiator. Not available with A/C.
• Track Pack (A33) Available on 440 and mandatory on 426 powered cars with 4-speed manual transmission. Included 3.54 gears with Sure Grip in a Dana 9.75 inch axle, seven blade fan, high cool radiator and a dual point distributor.
• Super Track Pack (A34) Same as Track Pack but with 4.10 gears and power front disc brakes.
• Trailer Tow Package (A35), included high flow cooling system, heavy duty brakes with auto adjusters, heavy duty suspension, heavy duty turn signal flasher and stop lamp switch, heavy duty wheels, heavy duty performance axle (3.23 ratio). This was not available with 440 six pack or 426 engines.
• Performance Axle Package (A36), available on cars with 4bbl or multiple carburettors. Included 3.55:1 axle gears with Sure Grip in a 8.75 inch axle, heavy duty cooling and heavy duty suspension.
• Backlite Louver Group (A44), included backlite louvers, black backlite moulding, body colored racing mirrors on both sides, and a black vinyl roof, if chosen. Not available with SE or convertible.
• Aerodynamic Spoiler Package (A45), included front chin spoiler, T/A type aerodynamic rear spoiler.
• Rallye Instrument Cluster (A62), included variable speed wipers withelectric washers, tachometer, electric clock, heater control floodlight, 150 mph speedometer, woodgrain cluster applique, oil pressure gauge. Available on V8 models only, standard on the R/T models.
• Moulding Group A (A63), belt molding, front splash pan scoop, cowl moulding, rear Astrotone-painted applique. Standard on SE models.
• Challenger 340 Performance Package (A66), 340 engine (E55), E60x15 inch raised white letter tires (U82), performance hood, heavy duty brakes, heavy duty suspension (S13), Bumble Bee paint stripe, Scat Pack (bee) decal, wheel lip moulding deleted.

• Western Sport Special Group (A91), included Western Sport Special decal, vinyl roof, wood grain instrument panel appliqué, remote control mirror, rim blow steering wheel, sill moulding, belt moulding, front splash pan scoop, cowl moulding, rear Astrotone appliqué, pedals dress-up, bumper guards w/rubber inserts, F78x14 inch white side wall tires, and Rallye wheels. Engine choices were a 225 slant six, 318ci V8, or 383ci V8. This package was released mid-December. 1969 to Los Angeles and San Francisco areas only.
• Seat Belt Group (C15), included instrument panel "fasten seat belt" light with time delay, high styled push button buckles (color keyed), loop guides on belt ends, buckle stowage brackets.
• Floor Console (C16), two different center consoles were used on manual and automatic cars although they were very similar.
• Rear Window Defroster (H31), 2dr hardtop models only. Included an electric heater and blower motor mounted under the rear shelf panel and blew up onto the rear window through a duct and vent.
• Air Conditioning (H51), Belt driven R12 freon system, not available on 340 six pack, 440 six pack, or Hemi models.
• Body Sill Mouldings (M25), wide sill mouldings. Available on all models except T/A.

1970 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 8:57 AM
Exterior Specs
    

Taillights:
• Single light bar style, with center section serving as reverse indicator, with Dodge logo on reverse indicator.

Hoods offered:
• Standard flat hood with low rising center molded peak.
• Power Bulge Hood. Contained a raised center section which ran almost the width of the hood towards the rear, containing 2 air vents, with the engine designation on each outer side of the bulge, and a chrome Dodge logo along the front of the bulge.
• Shaker Hood. This hood system, unlike the Power Bulge Hood, did feed air directly into the engine. Hood scoop was actually affixed to the carburators, and moved with the engine while poking through the large hole cut in the hood.
• Fiberglass T/A Hood. This hood featured a large, molded hood scoop which fed air directly into the engine, and came finished in matte black. It was rumored that due to a shortage of the Shaker Hoods, several R/T models were equipped with the T/A hood.
Gas Caps:
• Body color, flush mounted filler cap.
• Chrome, raised, flip open race style cap with "FUEL" in raised chrome letters on the black background.

Exterior Mirrors:
• Standard manually controlled chrome mirror.
• Optional chrome or body colored remote controlled "racing mirror".
• Passenger side chrome or body colored manually controlled "racing mirror".

Exterior Striping Offered:
• T/As had a thick black stripe which ran from the front of the car, to the area over the rear wheel, and ended with the T/A emblem.
• R/Ts had the option of the stripe that ran the length of the body, below the body line, or the tail end "bumble bee stripe".
• Base models could also opt for the stripe that ran the length of the body, below the body line, at an additional charge. This stripe was originally offered in black, white and red, then green and blue were added, and after March 11th, 1970, chartreuse or magenta were added.

Roofline Options:
• Vinyl roof was offered on all hardtops Challengers. The offered vinyl roof colors were black, white, green or Gator Grain.
• The Deputy came with a white vinyl roof, and it was a brighter white than what was offered on non-Deputy models.
• ALL 1970 S.E.s came with a vinyl top due to the rear window modifications.
• A power sunroof (option code M51) was available in conjunction with the vinyl roof, and worked both by a switch or by hand.

Exterior Specifications

Headlights:
• Dual, recessed

Exterior Colors Offered
Standard Color Options:

• Light Blue Metallic (EB3)
• Bright Blue Metallic (EB5)
• Dark Blue Metallic (EB7)
• Bright Red (FE5)
 • Light Green Metallic (FF4)
• Dark Green Metallic (EF8)
• Dark Burnt Orange Metallic (FK5)
• Beige (BL1)
• Dark Tan Metallic (FT6)
• White (EW1)
• Black (TX9)
• Cream (DY3)
• Light Gold Metallic (FY4) 		Upgrade Color Options
(Titled the "High Impact" Colors,
cost 14 dollars extra):

• Plum Crazy (FC7)
• Sublime (FJ5)
• Go-Mango (EK2)
• Hemi Orange (EV2)
• Banana (FY1) 		Color Options Offered
after February 24, 1970:

• Silver Poly (EA4)
• Green Go (FJ6)
• Panther Pink (FM3)


Wheel Options: Tire Options:
• Standard steel wheels came one of two ways, painted to match the body color with a small "dog dish hubcap" which only covered the lug area; or they came painted black with a full rim cover. The full rim cover came in three styles, a simulated wire wheel (W15), deep dish (W13), or deluxe (W11). On Challengers equipped with a slant six or 318, the stock rim size was 14x5 inch. Big block cars came with 14x6 inch steel wheels, or an optional 15x7 inch steel wheel. T/As and hemi cars came with the 15x7 inch steel wheel, standard.
• The Chrome Road wheel (option code W23) was one optional wheel, and came in 14x5.5 inch. This was also known as the Magnum 500 wheel.
• The slotted Rallye Wheel (option code W21), which has become one of the most popular "Stock wheels for restroration projects, and they came as either 14 X 5.5 or 15 X 7 inch. They came with a polished seperate center cap and chrome "beauty ring", but were only polished in 1970. 		• For slant six models, only an E78x14 Goodyear was the only tire available.
• For 318ci and 383ci models, the E78x14 Goodyears were standard, with a F70x14 Goodyear offered.
• 340 non-T/A models came standard with E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs.
• 1970 T/As came standard with E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GT in the front and G60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GT in the rear.
• 383 and 440ci R/T models came standard with F70x14 Goodyear Polyglas GT with an optional E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GT
• 426 Hemi R/Ts came only with E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GT

1970 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 8:48 AM
Interior Specs
    


Interior Specifications:

Dashboard Area:
•
 Unlike the later years of the Challenger, the logo was embossed, where the rest of the years were stick on badges.
•
 The dash held one center mounted speaker with the AM-mono radio, and if the stereo radio was chosen, it had the center mounted speaker, as well as one mounted in each end of the dashboard.
•
 The dashpad was color coded to match the interior trim color.
•
 Manual transmission cars had a reverse warning light fitted on the dash between the ashtray and glove box.
•
 While not part of the dashboard area, SE models also had a small overhead console with warning lights for door ajar, low fuel and the seat belt light.
Gauge Cluster:
•
 The standard cluster had a large 120mph speedometer wth four smaller gauges to the right, with those gauges being fuel, engine temp, alternator and, the clock.
•
 An optional 'Rallye' instrument cluster contained four large equal sized pods. From left to right, they were a 150 mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tachometer, clock and one pod containing four gauges, being oil pressure, alternator, engine temperature and fuel. This cluster was offered in the T/A, but was not standard even though it was a performance model.

Steering Wheel: Door Panels: Seats:
• The standard steering wheel had a wood grain grip with three padded spokes, with a padded center horn button.
• An upgrade of the base model steering wheel looked similar in style, excpet it had a chrome "horn ring" going about half way around the inside of the grip.
• The last option was the "Tough Wheel". It had a black or color coded grip and center horn button, with brushed silver finish on the sides of the horn button and the 3 split style spokes also had the brushed silver look. 		• The standard door panel was one piece molded plastic, in the interior trim color.
• The option door panel came with the power window option, and included a strip of matching carpet along the bottom and a reflector on the lower end of the door. This was standard on the SE models. 		• Standard seating consisted of a front and rear bench seat.
• High back bucket seats in the front were optional on all models, and standard in the R/Ts.
• The seats all came standard in vinyl with either cloth of leather inserts offered on the SE at first, and then on all models.

1970 Dodge Challenger

By IBxAnders on February 25, 2009 8:43 AM
Introduction
    

Dodge Challenger SS Concept

By IBxAnders on February 24, 2009 4:03 PM

Dodge Challenger SS Concept


This page details nearly all of the specifications and various options offered for the 1970 Dodge Challenger, if you see something that we have excluded, feel free to let us know!

The 1970 Challenger offered eight models

•
Challenger Deputy
•
Two door hardtop
•
Two door convertible
•
SE two door hardtop
•
R/T two door hardtop
•
R/T two door convertible
•
R/T SE two door hardtop
•
T/A two door hardtop


Body Dimensions:

Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 76.5 inches
Height: 51 inches
Weight (Dry Weight, Varies by model and engine chosen):
•
 Two door hardtop, I6 = 2970
•
 Two door hardtop, V8 = 3020
•
 Two door hardtop, R/T, V8 = 3390
•
 Convertible, I6 = 3085
•
 Convertible, V8 = 3130
•
 Convertible, R/T, V8 = 3500
•
 Formal Coupe, I6 = 2980
•
 Formal Coupe, V8 = 3030
•
 Formal Coupe, R/T, V8 = 3395

Dodge Challenger Magazine Ads

By IBxAnders on February 24, 2009 4:39 PM
Dodge Challenger Magazine Ads
While the Plymouth Barracuda had been in production for some six years prior to the formal introduction of the Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Corporation was determined to help the Challenger make a name for itself. In a point in time where more people read magazines then had televisions, the magazine advertisement was very common as it helped get the images and features of the new cars to the public. While a flip through your modern day car magazines will bring you lots of automobile advertisements, in the late 60s and early 70s, they were in every magazine, from People to Playboy, if people read it, large, full color pictures of the Challenger were present, complete with a quick run down of the new features. From a television advertisement which depicted an officer pulling over a gentleman in his new Challenger R/T, then going over the car with the two debating whether it was a street car or race car, to the full color, sometimes two-page magazine advertisements, Chrysler Corporation was putting images of the gorgeous new pony car everywhere. It is thanks to this wide spread ad campaign, as well as the help of several kind members, that we offer these magazine ads from both the original Challenger of the early 70s, as well as several from the late 70s when the Challenger was actually built by Mitsubishi but marketed by Dodge.
1981 Dodge Challenger 1970 Dodge Challenger
1971 Dodge Challenger
1973 Dodge Challenger
1979 Dodge Challenger
1983 Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger - Vin Decoder

By IBxAnders on February 24, 2009 4:37 PM

Dodge Challenger - Vin Decoder

1970 VIN Decoder

First Digit: Car Line
B - Plymouth Barracuda ("E" Body)
C - Chrysler Newport, 300, New Yorker ("C" body)
D - Dodge Polara, Monaco ("C" body)
J - Dodge Challenger ("E" Body)
L - Dodge Dart ("A" Body)
P - Plymouth Fury ("C" body)
R - Plymouth Belvedere, Satellite ("B" body)
V - Plymouth Valiant, Duster ("A" body)
W - Dodge Coronet ("B" body)
X - Dodge Charger ("B" body)
Y - Imperial Crown, LeBaron ("C" body)

Second Digit: Price Class
E - Economy
L - Low
M - Medium
H - High
P - Premium
S - Special
K - Police
T - Taxi
N - New York Taxi

Third and Fourth Digits: Body Style
21 - 2 door sedan or coupe
23 - 2 door hardtop
27 - Convertible
29 - 2 door sports hardtop
41 - 4 door sedan
43 - 4 door hardtop
45 - 6 passenger station wagon
46 - 9 passenger station wagon

Fifth Digit: Engine
B - 198 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder
C - 225 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder
E - Special Order 6 Cylinder engine
G - 318 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
H - 340 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
J - 340 3-2BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
K - 360 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
L - 383 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
N - 383 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
R - 426 2-4BBL 8 Cylinder (Hemi)
T - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder
U - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
V - 440 3-2BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
Z - Special Order 8 Cylinder engine

Sixth Digit: Model Year
0 - 1970

Seventh Digit: Assembly Plant
A - Lynch Road, MI
B - Hamtramck, MI
C - Jefferson, MI
D - Belvedere, IL
E - Los Angeles, CA
F - Newark, DA
G - St. Louis, MO
H - New Stanton, PA
R - Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Last Six Digits:(Production Sequence Number)
----------------------------------------------------------------
1971 VIN Decoder

First Digit: Car Line
B - Plymouth Barracuda
C - Chrysler Newport, 300, New Yorker
D - Dodge Polara, Monaco
J - Dodge Challenger
L - Dodge Dart, Demon
P - Plymouth Fury, Gran Coupe/Sedan
R - Plymouth Satellite, Sebring
V - Plymouth Valiant, Duster, Scamp
W - Dodge Charger, Coronet
Y - Imperial LeBaron

Second Digit: Price Class
E - Economy
L - Low
M - Medium
H - High
P - Premium
S - Special
K - Police
T - Taxi
N - New York Taxi

Third and Fourth Digits: Body Style
21 - 2 door sedan or coupe
23 - 2 door hardtop
27 - Convertible
29 - 2 door sports hardtop
41 - 4 door sedan
43 - 4 door hardtop
45 - 6 passenger station wagon
46 - 9 passenger station wagon

Fifth Digit: Engine
B - 198 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder
C - 225 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder
E - Special Order 6 Cylinder engine
G - 318 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder "LA" engine
H - 340 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
K - 360 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder "LA" engine
L - 383 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder "B" engine
M - 400 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
N - 383 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
R - 426 2-4BBL 8 Cylinder (Hemi)
T - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder
U - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
V - 440 3-2BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
Z - Special Order 8 Cylinder engine

Sixth Digit: Model Year
1 - 1971

Seventh Digit: Assembly Plant
A - Lynch Road, MI
B - Hamtramck, MI
C - Jefferson, MI
D - Belvedere, IL
E - Los Angeles, CA
F - Newark, DA
G - St. Louis, MO
H - New Stanton, PA
R - Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Last Six Digits:(Production Sequence Number)
------------------------------------------------------------------
1972 VIN Decoder

First Digit: Car Line
B - Plymouth Barracuda
C - Chrysler All
D - Dodge Polara, Monaco
J - Dodge Challenger
L - Dodge Dart, Demon
P - Plymouth Fury
R - Plymouth Satellite, Sebring
V - Plymouth Valiant, Duster, Scamp
W - Dodge Charger, Coronet
Y - Imperial LeBaron

Second Digit: Price Class
L - Low
M - Medium
H - High
P - Premium
S - Special
K - Police
T - Taxi
G - New York Taxi

Third and Fourth Digits: Body Style
21 - 2 door coupe
23 - 2 door hardtop
29 - 2 door sports hardtop
41 - 4 door sedan
43 - 4 door hardtop
45 - 6 passenger station wagon
46 - 9 passenger station wagon

Fifth Digit: Engine
B - 198 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder "G" engine
C - 225 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder "RG" engine
E - Special Order 6 Cylinder engine
G - 318 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
H - 340 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
K - 360 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
M - 400 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
P - 400 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
T - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder
U - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
V - 440 3-2BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
Z - Special Order 8 Cylinder engine

Sixth Digit: Model Year
2 - 1972

Seventh Digit: Assembly Plant
A - Lynch Road, MI
B - Hamtramck, MI
C - Jefferson, MI
D - Belvedere, IL
F - Newark, DA
G - St. Louis, MO
R - Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Last Six Digits:(Production Sequence Number)
---------------------------------------------------------
1973 VIN Decoder

First Digit: Car Line
B - Plymouth Barracuda
C - Chrysler All
D - Dodge Polara, Monaco
J - Dodge Challenger
L - Dodge Dart, Dart Sport
P - Plymouth Fury
R - Plymouth Satellite, Sebring
V - Plymouth Valiant, Duster, Scamp
W - Dodge Charger, Coronet
Y - Imperial LeBaron

Second Digit: Price Class
L - Low
M - Medium
H - High
P - Premium
S - Special
K - Police
T - Taxi
G - Dodge Taxi

Third and Fourth Digits: Body Style
21 - 2 door coupe
23 - 2 door hardtop
29 - 2 door sports hardtop
41 - 4 door sedan
43 - 4 door hardtop
45 - 6 passenger station wagon
46 - 9 passenger station wagon

Fifth Digit: Engine
B - 198 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder
C - 225 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder
E - Special Order 6 Cylinder engine
G - 318 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
H - 340 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
K - 360 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
M - 400 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
P - 400 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
T - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder
U - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
Z - Special Order 8 Cylinder engine

Sixth Digit: Model Year
3 - 1973

Seventh Digit: Assembly Plant
A - Lynch Road, MI
B - Hamtramck, MI
C - Jefferson, MI
D - Belvedere, IL
F - Newark, DA
G - St. Louis, MO
R - Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Last Six Digits:(Production Sequence Number)
--------------------------------------------------------------
1974 VIN Decoder

First Digit: Car Line
B - Plymouth Barracuda
C - Chrysler All
D - Dodge Polara, Monaco
J - Dodge Challenger
L - Dodge Dart, Dart Sport
P - Plymouth Fury
R - Plymouth Satellite, Sebring
V - Plymouth Valiant, Duster, Scamp
W - Dodge Charger, Coronet
Y - Imperial LeBaron

Second Digit: Price Class
L - Low
M - Medium
H - High
P - Premium
S - Special
K - Police
T - Taxi
G - Dodge Taxi

Third and Fourth Digits: Body Style
21 - 2 door coupe
23 - 2 door hardtop
29 - 2 door sports hardtop
41 - 4 door sedan
43 - 4 door hardtop
45 - 6 passenger station wagon
46 - 9 passenger station wagon

Fifth Digit: Engine
B - 198 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder
C - 225 1-1BBL 6 Cylinder
E - Special Order 6 Cylinder engine
G - 318 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
K - 360 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
L - 360 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
M - 400 1-2BBL 8 Cylinder
P - 400 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
T - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder
U - 440 1-4BBL 8 Cylinder (High Performance)
Z - Special Order 8 Cylinder engine

Sixth Digit: Model Year
4 - 1974

Seventh Digit: Assembly Plant
A - Lynch Road, MI
B - Hamtramck, MI
C - Jefferson, MI
D - Belvedere, IL
F - Newark, DA
G - St. Louis, MO
R - Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Last Six Digits:(Production Sequence Number)

Dodge Challenger Desktop Wallpaper

By IBxAnders on February 24, 2009 4:35 PM
Dodge Challenger Desktop Wallpaper

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Dodge Challenger Timeline

By IBxAnders on February 24, 2009 4:30 PM
Dodge Challenger Timeline
1965 - Work begins on the first Dodge badged pony car.
1968 - The first of the Dodge Challenger prototypes is produced.
1969 - Friday, August 1, 1969, the Dodge Challenger is officially released to the public, as a 1970 model.
1970 - The first full year of the Dodge Challenger. Offered in five different trim lines, including the T/A model, which was only offered in 1970. Engine options started with the economical 225 cubic inch "Slant Six", to the mighty 426 cubic inch Hemi, with several variations of the 340, 383, and 440 cubic inch motors offered as well. Almost 73,000 units were sold.
1971 - The T/A option is dropped, but a base model convertible is offered, as well as 50 "Indianapolis 500 Pace Car" models. Sales slumped from 1970, even with the additions of new mid-range engines. Roughly 30,000 units were sold.
1972 - Only two engine options are offered, and sales slumped much more. All of the "big block" engines were dropped, which included the 426 Hemi. The R/T and R/T S/E models were gone, and the most powerful model was the Rallye, which only boasted 240 hp, only ten more than the base V8 model one year earlier. Around 26,600 units were sold.
1973 - Only the base model was offered, but with the same two engine options as in 1972, and roughly midway through 1973, a 360 cubic inch V8 with 245 hp was offered in place of the 340 cubic inch engine. 32,596 units were sold.
1974 - This would mark the end of the Challenger model run, and the introduction to the economy car era. The 318 and 360 cubic inch engines were still offered, with the same 150 and 245 respective horsepower. Sales declined from 1973 by about 50%, to a mere 16,437.
1983 - Production of the Mitsubishi built Dodge Challenger ceased, but it was likely that very few people noticed.
2005 - After some 22 years without the Challenger name plate, and 31 years without a high-performance Dodge Challenger, rumors begin to travel about the possible reincarnation of a Hemi-powered rear wheel drive Pony car from Dodge, which would carry the Challenger name. Late in 2005 photos surface of what is believed to be the "next Challenger".
2006 - In early January of 2006, several car magazines release articles showing pictures confirming that the 2005 photos which were suspected to be the next Dodge Challenger were correct, and the magazines confirm that this new Challenger will come equipped with a 6.1L, 425 hp Hemi. On Jaunary 8, 2006, the North American International Auto Show opens, and pictures from every possible news source debut the first moving pictures of the Challenger, and on January 14, 2006, the general public is introduced to the 'Dodge Challenger Concept', as the public viewing days begin at the North American International Auto Show.

Dodge Challenger History

By IBxAnders on February 24, 2009 4:22 PM
1964-1969

When most of America hears "pony car" today, only one car really comes to mind, the Ford Mustang, as it is the longest living of the great Pony Cars. But what most people do not know is that Ford was not the first company to release the pony car. It was actually the Chrysler Corporation, with the release of their 1964 Plymouth Barracuda, which was released a few months prior to the Mustang.
The 'Cuda, as it became known, was very popular, but in 1969 Chrysler Corporation released to the public the redesigned 'Cuda, for the 1970 model year. It was also at this time when they introduced another car that would become very popular to the American public, but it was from Plymouth's sibling company, Dodge. That new car, the Dodge Challenger, was the first pony car from Dodge. While the Challenger may have seemed like nothing more than a rebadged Plymouth Barracuda, as the two cars shared Chrysler Corporations new "E-body" platform, the Challenger was actually a car whose design process began some 5 years before production began.
1964-1969
Recognizing the popularity of the 1964 Plymouth and 1964.5 Mustang, designers at Dodge began working on a pony car of their own. The Barracuda received gradual upgrades year to year, including the addition of trim lines and performance enhancements, but Dodge continued to work on their own model, rather than rebadging one of the early Barracudas, which were on Chrysler's "A-body" platform.

While exterior styling design was a key point during the development of the Challenger, being competitive was one of the bigger concerns, and by the late 60s, Ford was putting huge displacement motors in some of the Mustangs. While the 340 cubic inch packed Barracuda S was fast, and handled well, it was no match for the 428 cubic inch Cobras. Design team head, Carl Cameron, recognized the need for a new look for this new car, and the need for a big engine, and in late 1968 the first of the Dodge e-body based prototypes were being made.

The 1969 Dodge Yellow Jacket Concept was the first look at what would become the Dodge Challenger, but this car has several major variations from what would actually be released to the public as the Challenger. The Yellow Jacket was originally painted Pearl White, but it was badly scratched while being transported to a show, and was repainted a honey-gold color. It featured a removable Targa style top, with only two seats, and a rear deck lid section that extended all the way to the back of the front seats. The taillights were those of a Dodge Challenger, but they differed from what actually came on the 1970 Challenger, and the taillights of the Yellow Jacket did not actually make it to production until later years. When the Challenger ended its run, it had the same multi-piece taillights as the Yellow Jacket. this Yellow Jacket later received a new front end, which would never see production, and was renamed the Dodge Diamante.


Big Thanks to Steven Juliano
for the images



Dodge Challenger Videos

By IBxAnders on February 24, 2009 4:14 PM
Dodge Challenger Videos
1970 was considered by many to be one of the best years of the touted American Muscle Car Era. The horsepower race included several cars from just about every American automaker, and since restrictions were at their lowest, horsepower was at its highest, and advertising campaigns were crucial to help push the car in question to the public in case comparative advantage was not enough. Also, by 1970, most households in the United States had television sets, so this was a key new point in advertising.

It was during this time that Dodge released the awesome new Challenger, and they wanted to capitalize on this new, quickly expanding television advertising world, and prior to the release of their new pony car, they released what became a very popular advertising campaign. Since the Challenger had many options which bolstered its "race ready" look and feel, the ad campaign centered itself around a small town officer, who was always engaged in the close watch for street racing and the illegal driving of race vehicles on public roads. Much to his dismay, the cars that he often pulled over were not the illegally street driven race cars, but instead, the new Dodge Challenger.

Clip from the 2006 Auto Show
Video #1 (Requires Real Player)
Video #2 (Requires Real Player)
Video #3 (Requires Real Player)

The Challenger makes more noise at a national auto show.

When the Dodge Challenger concept debuted in January at the North American International Auto Show, it stole the show with little rebuttal from the Chevrolet's new Camaro Concept. The Challenger dazzled both classic cars lovers and modern car enthusiasts with its modernized vintage lines, and its high performance Hemi engine. It stood basically at the center of the NAIAS floor, on its elevated platform, like a beacon of hope for those Mopar lovers who had been hoping and praying for so long to have a modern pony car from DCX. Its bright orange paint glowed in the many spotlights surrounding the platform, and at no given time during the opening or closing day was there less than a 3-deep crowd around the display.

Fast forward to October of 2006. Among rumors of gigantic Hemi engines and a possible Chrysler Cuda Concept, those same Mopar lovers who were wowed at the NAIAS eagerly waited to see what goodies DCX had in store for the SEMA crowd. The hopes of a 'Cuda release were not answered, but the rumors of a larger engine in a Challenger were verified, just not in a car that will likely see production.

The Dodge Challenger Super Sport Concept built by Mopar, could someday stand among the greatest factory production race cars of the 1960s, and like those factory race models, this new Super Stock Concept is packed with a high horsepower Hemi. The most famous of these factory race cars from the 1960s is the 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart, and its Plymouth cousin, the Barracuda. There were 50 of each of these models made, and it has been shown that in almost "stock" form they were capable of 9 second quarter mile times. While some people found ways to register a few of them, they were specifically made for track use, and supposedly were listed as "not for public highways". The reasoning behind these cars was very simple; to run the NHRA Super Stock class, you had to sell cars to the general public and not just offer the car to factory backed racers. The Super Stock class is just as it sounds, high performance stock vehicles, with a book full of rules helping to determine what exactly is "stock", but when the Hemi Dart came off the assembly line with no heater, no power options, no rear seats, fiberglass body panels, lightweight seats, etc. The full information on this new Dodge Challenger Super Stock is candid at best, but what do know is what we can see. It is equipped with Goodyear drag slicks, wheelie bars, a roll cage, and a T/A style hood scoop to feed the carbureted 392 cubic inch Hemi. This Challenger Super Sport Concept is finished in red, white and blue with a red side stripe similar to the stripe package found on the 1970 Challenger T/A, and with the T/A hood scoop and duckbill style T/A rear spoiler, the Challenger Super Sport presents an interesting theory of possible production. It could just be coincidence, but when the Challenger T/A and Plymouth A Cuda AAR were released to the public, they did so in order to make the 340 powered cars legal for SCCA production classes. Could it be that the features of a vintage production race model were added to hint to the fact that the new Challenger will have the option of factory production race models?

While the Challenger draws the attention, unfortunately the Challenger Super Sport was not at SEMA to introduce a new model. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the 293 cubic inch Hemi, and while there were precursors to the 392 Hemi, it was not until the 392 hit the showrooms (and the race tracks) that a Hemi began making the name famous. Along with this awesome race ready concept, Dodge officially announced the availability of the 392 crate motors to the performance catalog. The 392 is offered in three different forms, with the specifications listed below, as provided by DaimlerChrysler:

Three different versions of the new 392 are available from Mopar:

  • P5153604 392 HEMI Crate Engine - Carbureted, 540 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft of torque
  • P5253605 392 HEMI Crate Engine - SEFI, 525 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque
  • P5153603 392 HEMI Long Block HEMI Crate Engine
Technical specifications include:
  • Deep-skirted cast iron block with cross-bolted mains
  • CNC-ported aluminum twin-plug cylinder heads
  • Stainless steel 2.100? intake and 1.600? exhaust valves
  • Ovate wire (beehive competition) valve springs
  • Viton competition valve stem seals
  • 279°/285° hydraulic roller camshaft with 0.584? intake and 0.552? exhaust lift
  • Forged pistons (4.055? bore)
  • 10.5:1 compression ratio
  • Aluminum single plane high rise intake manifold with holley 870 cfm 4-bbl carburetor for carbureted 392 applications (1)
  • 4140 forged steel crankshaft - 3.795? stroke
  • 4130 forged- steel I-beam performance connecting rods - 6.200? length
  • SFI-approved competition crankshaft damper
  • "Plug-and-Play" wiring harnesses (2)
  • 80 mm manual throttle body on fuel-injected engines (3)
  • Premium tri-metal performance engine bearings
  • Precision balanced rotating assembly
  • Distributorless coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system

Now, while this Challenger Super Sport does not seem any more unrealistic as a vehicle for public sale than does the Super Stock Hemi Dart, people should keep in mind the strict emissions laws now, which were not a concern in 1968. Also, the Challenger Super Sport Concept is equipped with a carbureted engine, and there has not been a non-fuel injected car sold by Dodge in a few decades. So, while there is the outside chance that someday a Super Stock ready Challenger could be offered, the public should not get their hopes too high for the car to be as it appeared at SEMA 2006, unless it is going to be non-street driven. However, this does show that the Challenger, set for a 2008 release, does have an engine bay which will handle the 392 Hemi, and with so many speculations on what engine offerings may be available once the Challenger hits the showrooms, this could be yet another hint at things to come. Either way, the Challenger Super Sport Concept provides a great look at what we could be seeing in the not so distant future, if not from DCX, from high performance minded fabricators looking to turn heads and great times on the drag strip.

Dodge Challenger Concept

By IBxAnders on February 23, 2009 1:08 PM
Introduction
  

It is no secret that the exterior of the new Dodge Challenger was designed around its muscle car ancestor, but the interior also shows clear similarities to the early 70s version, but with a twist of technology and modernization. As you open the door and climb into the car, you do not have the stale look that can often come with copying an older model, but instead, it is a sharp angular take on a retro muscle car feel. The leather, high back seats have a sunken in, ribbed look, just like the seats which came in the 1970 Challenger. These seats wrap around the driver and passenger to provide more comfort and support than do the old model, and provide more grip under spirited driving. The shift console takes cues from the muscle car era as well, but again, with some minor enhancements to improve functionality, without losing its retro aesthetics. As you pull the door shut once you are settled into the drivers seat, the doors also carry a retro look, with the molded arm rests set in the inner door panels, and the door handles are mounted in the underside of that molded armrest. The door panels are trimmed in brushed silver to match the rest of the interior, as opposed to the muscle car era Challenger, which was mostly trimmed in wood grain.
Like the seats and the center console, the dashboard carries strong resemblances of the muscle car era. One of the most popular steering wheel options of the Dodge Muscle car era was the Tuff Wheel. It was a leather wrapped steering wheel with a matching leather horn button. Connecting these leather wrapped portions were three brushed aluminum spokes, at a slightly more than 90 degree angle from the bottom spoke, to each of the side spokes. The modern Tuff Wheel has actually been used before, on both the Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger, which is fitting seeing as how they are also both reborn Dodge legends. The new Tuff Wheel still carries the thick black grip, with the matching center section, but the center section of the new wheel has been enlarged, and affixed with a chrome Dodge badge. the three brushed aluminum spokes are still present, but the side spokes have been moved down the wheel slightly, forming a 90 degree angle with the bottom spoke, and the three spokes are shorter due to the enlarged center section. Like the vintage Tuff Wheel, the new wheel is connected to the dashboard by means of a ribbed plastic cuff, which also matches the steering wheel color.
One of the popular items of the 70s Challenger was the "slap stick" shift console, and it is that look that the Dodge designers used when designing the center section of this new model. The 70s console had a raised section around the shifter itself, providing a sort of guard around the shifter area, and gradually dropping as it went back, and finally flattening out at the console mounted storage compartment. The new Challenger concept has the same raised section on the passenger side of the console, but whereas the shifter was sunken into the old console, the flat shifter surface is elevated, at a sharp angle to meet the high side of the console. Also, the wood grain finish of the muscle car era has been foregone for a brushed silver finish. this new console protects the allure of the old console, but with the elevated shifter surface, it allows for a more comfortable feel for the driver.
A look through the retro styled steering wheel brings forth another modernized look of the classic Muscle car. Like the 1970 Challenger T/A, the new Challenger concept has a four gauge cluster, with one large gauge on the left side, then three matching, slightly smaller gauges to the right. While the old cluster had the four gauges set in black plastic, sitting down under the over hanging hood of the dash pad, the new Challenger has a silver gauge face area contrasting to the black dash pad, and it is also flush to the bottom of the dash pad, as opposed to being set back a bit. The "dummy lights" which were located in the gaps between the under side of the gauges on the 1970 Challenger, are now located above the gauges. Where the "dummy lights" were placed on the old dash area, there is now black trim, giving the bottom of the gauge cluster a defined seperation from the lower dash area with is also finished in silver. The top of the dash, and the lines of the dash itself strongly resemble the original Challenger. The top dash pad has a downward slope to it except for the area over the gauges, which flares up to allow room for the gauge cluster. The top of the dash slopes downward, as mentioned, and the underside of the dash slopes up and in, and the two sloping portions meet at a flat face, which still holds the Challenger moniker in silver on the black background on the far right side. just above the glove compartment. Where the archaic AM stereo was set in the predominantly black along with the crude heater controls, the center stack of the new Challenger concept is set in brilliant silver, and the antiquated radio and heater controls have been ditched, and in their place, a state of the art audio system and climate control system.
>> Continue to the Projected Specs

I just finished installing Movable Type 4!

By IBxAnders on February 2, 2009 9:42 AM | 1 Comment
Welcome to my new blog powered by Movable Type. This is the first post on my blog and was created for me automatically when I finished the installation process. But that is ok, because I will soon be creating posts of my own!
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