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Old 01-05-2006, 07:12 PM
Tenney Tenney is offline
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Default Re: 1968 Hurst hemi darts and barracuda

On February 20, 1968, Chrysler-Plymouth general sales manager R.D. McLaughlin outlined for dealers- and racers - what they could
order. The following is a reprint of his letter ...


CHRYSLER ANNOUNCEMENT LETTER

1968 SUPER STOCK BARRACUDA

------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 20, 1968

TO: All Plymouth Dealers

Subject: 1968 Hemi Barracuda Super Stock



The Chrysler-Plymouth Division offers for the 1968 models a 426 Hemi-Powered
Barracuda Fastback for use in
supervised acceleration trials. These cars will weigh approximately 3,000
pounds and have been designed to meet
the 1968 specifications of the major sanctioning drag strip organizations.



The Hemi-Powered Barracudas will be available through production is limited
quantities in March. To order this
vehicle, use the Barracuda Order Form and specify Body Code BO29 and
Transmission Code, either 4 Speed
Manual, Code 393, or Automatic, Code 395. No other specifications are
necessary.



Description of Components

426 cu. In. 8-cylinder engine with dual 4-barrel carburetors-
12.5 to 1
compression ratio.

Cross Ram Intake manifold.

1 11/16" x 1 11/16" Holley carburetors.

Competition Hooker headers, exhaust pipes, and mufflers.

High capacity oil pump.

Roller timing chain (reduced timing chain stretch for more
consistent
engine performance).

Mechanical valve gear.

Dual breaker distributor.

Transistor ignition.

Metal core type ignition wires.

Unsilenced air cleaners.

Deep groove fan drive pulleys.

Heavy duty radiator.

Aluminum seven-blade fan equipped with Viscous drive.

Special offset 15" rear wheels.

Chrysler-built 8 ?" large stem pinion gear set, and
heavy-duty axle
shafts with automatic transmission (4.86 axle ration).

Dana-built 9 ?" heavy-duty axle with manual transmission
(4.88 axle
ration).

Sure-Grip differential.

135 Amp. Hr. battery (located in rear compartment).

Heavy-duty high control rear suspension.

Front disc brakes 41/2" Bolt Circle.

Fiberglass front fenders.

Fiberglass hood with scoop.

Light weight steel doors.

Light weight front bumper.

Light weight side window glass.

High capacity fuel lines.

Business coupe interior (2 bucket seats - no rear seat).



For Manual Transmission Only



Special heavy-duty 10 ?" clutch and flywheel.

Safety steel clutch housing.

Competition "Slick Shift" 4-speed transmission.

Hurst remote mounted floor-shift unit with reverse lockout.



For Automatic Transmission Only



High stall speed torque converter (large drive lugs and 7/16"

diameter attaching screws).

Heavy-duty manual shift TorqueFlite transmission.

Hurst floor-mounted shift unit.



Please Note:



The following items are deleted on this body type:

Heater, Body Sealer and Sound Deadeners, Silence Pads, Outside Mirrors,
Right Side Seat Belt and Body Color
Paint.

NO OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT OF ANY KIND CAN BE ORDERED

The policy of Chrysler Corporation is one of continual improvement in design
and manufacture, wherever
possible, to insure a still finer car. Hence, specifications, equipment and
prices are subject to change without
notice.



These vehicles are intended to use in supervised acceleration trials and
other competitive events, therefore, they
will be sold without warrant. Special stickers will be provided for plant
installation (attached to left "A" post)
which will read as follows: "This vehicle was not manufactured for use on
public streets, roads or highways and
does not conform to Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.



All customer orders must be accompanied by a signed disclaimer (sample
attached) indicating that the purchaser
understands that this vehicle is sold without warranty and does not conform
to Federal Vehicle Safety Standards.



Any prospective customer who desires to purchase one of these maximum
performance vehicles should be made
aware of the following characteristics which make them unsuitable for
general use.



A high idle speed is required to insure adequate lubrication, minimize
roughness, and to keep the
engine from stalling.

The modified intake manifold causes a rich surging condition, misfiring
and unstable engine
operation in cold weather, which makes ordinary street driving
extremely difficult and it is not
recommended for this use.

Higher than normal oil consumption will be encountered because of
increased lubrication to the
valve train and cylinder walls.

The carburetors are calibrated for maximum power and a high numerical
axle ration is used for
acceleration. As a result, the gas mileage is considerably less than
for a conventional car.

Engine noise would be objectionable due to increased piston clearance
and mechanical valve
tappet clearance.

The ignition system is designed for optimum engine output and must be
kept in top condition. This
makes it necessary to inspect, adjust and replace the spark plugs and
ignition points more
frequently than would be necessary on a standard engine.

On car equipped with automatic transmission, band adjustment must be
made frequently.

Due to performance characteristics, maintenance and operating expense
will be high since premium
fuel is required and frequent oil changes are a MUST.

Does not conform to Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.



Warranty and Policy Coverage



Any customer purchasing this model vehicle should be advised that due to the
expected use, the vehicle is sold
"as is" and the 24 month or 24,000 mile vehicle warranty coverage, the 5
year or 50,000 mile Power Train Warranty
coverage, or any other warranty coverage (including, but not limited to the
implied warranties of fitness for
purpose intended or merchantability) will not apply to the vehicle. The
manufacturer assumes no responsibility for
the manner in which such vehicles operate.



Any repairs or adjustments which you believe warranty factory participation
should be brought to the attention of
your Regional Service Office where such requests will be handled on
individual merits.



Attached is a form letter (to be prepared on your letterhead) which should
be thoroughly understood and signed
by each prospective purchaser and attached to your order for each Hemi
Barracuda Super Stock. The purpose of
the letter is to explain the normal operation characteristics of these
vehicles and clarify that the warranty
coverages do not apply. Be sure a letter in this form, signed by your
customer, is included with your order so
there will be no delay.
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