1968 Dodge Hemi Dart - Hemi Companion

Rick Perry finished the rest of the body work and gave the A-Body a bath in Lamp Black paint outside and sprayed the inside in Viper Red with a pearl additive. The Dart was sanded and polished before returning to John's for final assembly. A 528-cubic inch Mopar Mega Block Hemi built by Speed-O-Motive in West Covina, California, was installed. It's backed by a JW Performance-built 727 transmission with a JW Performance 9-inch 2500-stall converter. The monster Hemi breathes through a 3-inch exhaust that features tti 2 1/4-inch primary headers with a 4-inch collector and Flowmaster mufflers.

When the combination came together it was finished ahead of schedule. "It's hard to believe, but the entire build was finished in about 12 months," Ed says. He is impressed at how streetable the Dart is, despite its aggressive nature. Because of its mild street manors, Ed has the Dart out as much as possible. He takes it around to local cruises, car shows, and plans to take it to Orlando Speed World in the future. "I'm happy to report that this car won't be seeing a lot of garage time." Above all, the Dart has made an excellent companion for his 'Cuda.

Fast Facts
'68 Dodge Dart
Owned by: Ed Faath Orlando, FL

Mopar Power
Engine: The project called for a Hemi Dart clone so there was only one engine option in mind. Speed-O-Motive out of West Covina, California, built the engine. Starting with a Mopar Mega Block, bore was increased to 4.5-inches and the stroke was set to 4.15-inches. Forged Ross pistons, Speed-O-Motive H-beam rods and 4.15 8-bolt crankshaft make up the rotating assembly. A pair of Stage V ported aluminum cylinder heads sit on top while a 254/258 .750-inch lift Crower solid roller camshaft spins inside. The rest of the valvetrain includes Stage V roller rockers, Com Cams springs, and Manley Gen II valves. Air and fuel are delivered from custom dual Holley 770cfm carburetors from Performance Carburetors into a Tim Hogan sheet metal intake.

Exhaust: TTI headers 2¼-inch primary headers with 4-inch collectors flow into 3-inch pipes with Flowmaster mufflers.

Transmission: A JW performance-built 727 transmission with a 9-inch 2500 stall converter, shift kit, and a Precision Performance shifter.

Rearend: A Moser 9-inch with a Detroit locker, 35-spline axles, and 4.57 gears receives all the punishment of the monster Hemi.

Sure Grip
Suspension: Custom coilover shocks and springs suspend the front and rear suspension. The rear was converted to a Chassis Engineering 4-link by John Wallauer.

Brakes: Wilwood front and rear drag brakes.

Wheels & Tires: Holeshot stars with red centers. Up front, 15x5-inches with 26x7.5-inch Mickey Thompson front runners. Out back, 15x16-inches with 33x19.5-inch Mickey Sportsmans.

High Impact
Body: The roof came from a donor car located in a junkyard in Phoenix. Aside from that, it's entirely original. Fabricating for the four-link rear was performed by John and the roof was replaced by Bill Haskell. A fiberglass hood and hood scoop was installed to add to appearance and increase the breathing of the large motor.

Paint: Final body work and paint was done by Rick Perry. For the outside, Lamp Black urethane basecoat-clearcoat was chosen and 2006 Viper Red with pearl was applied inside.

Interior: Ed was able to keep the original interior parts but had to recover the seats and install new carpeting. The detail work was all done by Kevin and Paul at American Auto Upholstery in Orlando, Florida.