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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