Hi all...

I'm a converted small block guy, so the /6 is all kind of new to me. Some of you helped me out on a problem I had when I converted my '65 Dart to electronic ignition, and for that I am eternally grateful. My next question, which is probably the $64 million question, is what /6 configuration would yield the best results for a daily driver/weekend racer? I don't want to get too crazy, but I would like something that is quick, so that I don't get embarrassed some rice-burner or late-model chebby or mousetang.
The 225 doesn't seem to wind up too awfully quick, but I know that a rebuild, Hyper Pak, and good exhaust would help. I'm just not sure that those things, along with a quality fuel system, gears, and hot ignition will be enough.

Thanks,

Steve

P.S.: I am just a poor college student, so money is DEFINITELY an object, but I can do everything but the machine work myself.

The message is supposed to read "embarrassed", and now I guess I have good reason to be. I don't know where that conglomeration of letters came from, to be honest.

Steve,
See, that's why you're going to college. To learn not to do that anymore. At least you caught it first. Trust me, that's not the worst you'll see in spelling or grammar on here. We all butcher our native language severely. I suspect it's because we're all so excited about our common interest, the slant six powered MOPAR, that we just get carried away with our typing and forget to proof read. Sound like a good excuse, guys?

Anyway, you're here to learn MOPAR, not grammar, right? I'm helping my 14 year old son rebuild a '74 Dart Sport for his first car. There is no, I repeat NO, plans for any racing in his near future with this car. We're putting way too much time, energy, and money into this project for him to go out and tear something up. Our focus is to get him into a very safe and reliable daily driver, and he'll have something a little unique when he starts high school next year. Don't see too many of these rascals on the road anymore. It's our first attempt at anything automotive, and I will promise you this, these guys (and occasionally gals) will do all they can to help you with problems and answer your questions.

So, welcome to the pack. Lay it on these folks, they're eager for a challenge.

Jerry

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Hey Hemlocke,

You may want to start by taking a look at my "members" page on the slantsix.com site - http://www.slantsix.com/UBB/Forum4/HTML/000051.html

This has pretty current buildup specs on my '64 and '68 Darts. Please read that first, then ask any questions you may have.

Cheers,

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Thanks, Lou, I have really enjoyed reading about your Darts. I had previously checked out some articles on your '64 in one of the MOPAR mags, so I was very interested in the particulars of your drivetrain. I am doing the front disc upgrade soon, just waiting for my parts to get cleaned and I need to find new brake hoses for the front end as well. I am using Energy Suspension bushings with MOOG ball joints, so I hope that makes a world of difference in my handling. I hope to box the lower control arms soon, as well. I noticed a link in your article to used Holley Projection systems, but that no longer seems to be active. I am really interested in that setup, as EFI is where it is at, in my opinion for our older beasties. If you know of anyone who is selling them used, I would be very grateful for a hookup. I guess my original post was somewhat vague, because what I really meant to ask was whether building a nasty 170 would be quicker and better for the street than using the longer stroke 225?? I have read Doc's articles on the various buildups, but I guess I haven't heard or read any real comparisons between a warmed over 170 versus a 225, and which would make more sense for street/strip duty.

Thanks,

Steve

I don't remember a link to used ProJections, but I'd try Ebay. They are not really built for Slants, so the V8 units are very hard to tune. You may find a Jeep I6 kit that would work well. I am using the Holley ProJ TBI with the megasquirt computer, which works MUCH better.

The 225 will definitely make more power for an equivalent buildup, although if you use a turbo or nitrous, the 170 could be made just as quick. Charlie Schmid is our resident 170 nut, and he has run in the 13s with 170s on nitrous or turbo, and at least in the 16s on regular air.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

For a moderate build up, I would have to reccommend the 225. As the man said, " the only substitute for cubic inches, is cubic money".
The resident 170 nut.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

I walk into the parts store and ask the guy behind the desk for the correct plugs for a supercharged '60 Dodge slant with multiport fuel injection. At first he hasn't really heard what I said and starts typing on his computer but after 2 or 3 strokes he kinda twists his head up and looks at me with a blank look and says, "What did you say?"
I chuckle and give him the part number . . .

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Cheers!
Al T

That's a good one, Al. I get the same looks for parts on my '65, since so much is being converted to newer model parts. I always have to give them the equivalent newer models.

Yep, I have a notebook with my modded parts in it, but I need to complie a simple list of part numbers for the non-stock parts, just in case I die or something and somebody has to work on my car...

Good one, Al.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Yeah, people have asked me if I want to sell my Dart when I get it done, so that I can get one of my "Dream Cars", and I tell them I don't think I would be able to even if I wanted to do so. It would take too long, once it is done, just to explain what all the modifications will be, and what they need to ask for if they have to replace anything.

Steve

I find it interesting the number of people who are quick to tell me,"Oh you could never sell this car. Nobody else could figure it out!" I disagree.

Firstly I have absolutely no intention of selling but secondly if I did, the complexity of thought went into the building of it. Once its done, then anybody with mechanical aptitude and a solid understanding of cars can follow your solutions.

Lastly, I think most of the people who tell me this are from the 'back to original' crowd. Some of them don't understand what makes a hotrodder like me tick . . . and that's okay too

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Cheers!
Al T

Well said Al,
If it were not for the fact that "Slixers" have to engineer / make much of their own stuff, I would have gotten bored and left the Slant "cause" a long time ago. Truth is that I have done the factory original type of work to death.
SL6 EFI, Turbo, Blower, new manifold or cylinder head castings or getting a Slant 6 to ET like a V8, now there is a challange that only a handful of people have played with.
I think having stuff that has not been "done to death" is where the fun is.
DD

I agree entirely ,Doc. At one time ,hotrodders were engineers out of neccessity but now you can buy so much stuff that it is not challenge and the trailblazing aspect is all but gone but not with the Slixers.There are probably more wild projects going on in the slant community than anywhere else in the Mopar crowd and most of these projects are lowbuck junkyard deals. Dont get me wrong ,I do apreciate people like Clifford, Proline Fuel and Spitfire headers that still make or are making parts for the venerable slant but its the spirit of home brewed enginuity that draws me to the slant and the the very talented and unique people who love and build these engines.
Mark

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Ive got a slanted attitude and a heavy right foot.

Al - what do you mean by "sell" a car. Can't quite conceive of it.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988