I've been challenged

[Marauder131]

As our cars attract considerable attention, I have found myself being challenged to a race with a 1970 Dart Swinger 340. From my understanding, the particular Dart in question is estimated to be putting close to 400 horsepower at the crank. The owner is a local engine builder. Other than that, I only know that his car is an auto with a high stall and is running on the stock rims and sized rubber all around, which would seem a little inadequate for the power and weight of the vehicle.

My Marauder is currently putting down 386 RWHP and 324 RWT, with forced induction, 4.10's and a 3000 stall converter. The challenge is for an 1/8 mile track, which to be honest, I am not a fan of. To me, 1/4 mile is preferable, especially with the considerable heft of the Marauder. I believe the Dart's best run is 8.7 in the 1/8, which is pretty decent. Considering the figures I am putting down, I suspect he would edge me out in the 1/8; however, in a 1/4 mile race, I might have top end on my side. Should be interesting should it be arranged for us to race. Just thought I would share and get some thoughts on such a match up.

[Aren Jay]

Push for a 1/4 mile. He challenged you, you name the race.

[Pat]

You sized up this situation correctly, I'll take $25.00 on you in the 1/4.
Those 340 darts can be quite impressive. Saw one run the other night on TV's "Pass time" and he surprised all with his performance.

[larryo340]

8.7 seconds in the 1/8 should put him at like approx 85 MPH, and in the 1/4 mid 13's at approx 100-106 MPH. It doesn't take much to get the 340 going (a stock rebuild on a engine dyno is around 301HP), and they love RPM. Trust me I KNOW (larryo340)
A real drag race is only done with 1,320 ft

It race happens let us know, and GOOD LUCK :burnout:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/larryo340/SBY-V13UcbI/AAAAAAAADq0/qcZhgoBrDGQ/IM001814.JPG?imgmax=576

[lastdaze04]

I used to own a 340 duster with a set of ported stock heads, intake, 750 holley crane fireball cam and 390 gears and traction bars. It ran 13.2 in the 1/4 and was awesome off off the line and pulled hard all the way to the end of the 1320. I will put my money on the Mopar (go ahead and flame away). The only reason I say this is that I to own a supercharged MM and I still feel the 340 got out of the hole way quicker. I feel you will be playing catchup. Just my two centavos worth. GL on the race and keep us POSTED.
Rick:beer:









As our cars attract considerable attention, I have found myself being challenged to a race with a 1970 Dart Swinger 340. From my understanding, the particular Dart in question is estimated to be putting close to 400 horsepower at the crank. The owner is a local engine builder. Other than that, I only know that his car is an auto with a high stall and is running on the stock rims and sized rubber all around, which would seem a little inadequate for the power and weight of the vehicle.

My Marauder is currently putting down 386 RWHP and 324 RWT, with forced induction, 4.10's and a 3000 stall converter. The challenge is for an 1/8 mile track, which to be honest, I am not a fan of. To me, 1/4 mile is preferable, especially with the considerable heft of the Marauder. I believe the Dart's best run is 8.7 in the 1/8, which is pretty decent. Considering the figures I am putting down, I suspect he would edge me out in the 1/8; however, in a 1/4 mile race, I might have top end on my side. Should be interesting should it be arranged for us to race. Just thought I would share and get some thoughts on such a match up.

[Motorhead350]

Only 386RWHP with forced induction? How much boost do you have? What supercharger is it? I think you need a tune.

[Mest30]

8.7 seconds in the 1/8 should put him in the 1/4 at mid 13's at like approx 85 MPH. It doesn't take much to get the 340 going (a stock rebuild on a engine dyno is around 301HP), and they love RPM. Trust me I KNOW (larryo340)
A real drag race is only done with 1,320 ft

It race happens let us know, and GOOD LUCK :burnout:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/larryo340/SBY-V13UcbI/AAAAAAAADq0/qcZhgoBrDGQ/IM001814.JPG?imgmax=576

Mid 13s at 85 mph? Is that even possible?

[Pops]

A 12 second car on the brakes!

[Bradley G]

I see you needing sticky tires and an excellent run to whoop him.
Keep the race a full quarter mile, and best of luck, I'd like to know how it goes too.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Mid 13s at 85 mph? Is that even possible?

No, something is wrong w/ that mph calculation. 85 mph is mid 16's in the 1/4.

[Master]

Standard Operating Procedure. He makes the challenge, you choose the track. I saw that on "Beachcoamers" once. Helluva race, too. Relic's Jet Boat vs a V-Hull drag boat as I recall. Your race should be just as dramatic (without the leap over a sand-bar) if you get him to the 1/4 mile. Let us know how it goes!

[Marauder131]

The only track locally is an 1/8 mile, unfortunately. I much prefer the 1/4. I'll see how it goes and keep everyone posted should it happen.

[larryo340]

Mid 13s at 85 mph? Is that even possible?


No, something is wrong w/ that mph calculation. 85 mph is mid 16's in the 1/4.
:o I fixed the original post. I meant 85 MPH at the 1/8.

[Marauder131]

My car has never been to the track, so I am not sure what it might do. And as mentioned I am not a fan of 1/8 mile races. With the gears, converter and blower I have hypothesized that the car might be capable of mid to high 12's in the 1/4, but I really don't know.

[Marauderman]

My car has never been to the track, so I am not sure what it might do. And as mentioned I am not a fan of 1/8 mile races. With the gears, converter and blower I have hypothesized that the car might be capable of mid to high 12's in the 1/4, but I really don't know.

I agree with you--stay on the 1/4 mile thingy--no 1/8th at all--if your car is as fast as you say--you will not get to use it to its full advantage on the 1/8----plus you'll need that extra road to slow her down--hope your brakes are upgraded ...

[vkirkend]

As our cars attract considerable attention, I have found myself being challenged to a race with a 1970 Dart Swinger 340. From my understanding, the particular Dart in question is estimated to be putting close to 400 horsepower at the crank. The owner is a local engine builder. Other than that, I only know that his car is an auto with a high stall and is running on the stock rims and sized rubber all around, which would seem a little inadequate for the power and weight of the vehicle.

My Marauder is currently putting down 386 RWHP and 324 RWT, with forced induction, 4.10's and a 3000 stall converter. The challenge is for an 1/8 mile track, which to be honest, I am not a fan of. To me, 1/4 mile is preferable, especially with the considerable heft of the Marauder. I believe the Dart's best run is 8.7 in the 1/8, which is pretty decent. Considering the figures I am putting down, I suspect he would edge me out in the 1/8; however, in a 1/4 mile race, I might have top end on my side. Should be interesting should it be arranged for us to race. Just thought I would share and get some thoughts on such a match up.

As the owner of several 340 Mopars in my youth i would suggest that you not take this offer. (1) you say he's an engine builder (the engine has some power) 2 It's a thousand pounds lighter that the MM (3) it's not that hard to get them to hook and they accerate at an impressive rate. But if do let us know how it comes out.:coolman:

[timfromme]

Hi,
I am too a Mopar owner and Marauder owner. I am planning on putting a 440 Big Block in a Plymouth Scamp. When I'm done with the Scamp, it will blow the doors off the Marauder. 340 Small Blocks mopars are pretty darn good built. I feel you will loose, especially the HP to weight factor of the cars. I was actually gonna put a 460 in a Cougar but sold the car and engine.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12 811&stc=1&d=1213935813

[Marauder131]

Hi,
I am too a Mopar owner and Marauder owner. I am planning on putting a 440 Big Block in a Plymouth Scamp. When I'm done with the Scamp, it will blow the doors off the Marauder. 340 Small Blocks mopars are pretty darn good built. I feel you will loose, especially the HP to weight factor of the cars. I was actually gonna put a 460 in a Cougar but sold the car and engine.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12 811&stc=1&d=1213935813

While I have to respect the very formidable Mopar 340's and would agree the Marauder would be better suited to a 1/4 mile race, I'm not necessarily intimidated in light of the Mopar's alleged best 1/8 mile time of 8.70. Such a time is good, but not to the degree that a s/c Marauder owner should find himself running for cover.

[Aren Jay]

You could just smile and turn him down. He will wonder if that means you would blow his doors off or if he is the better. Is there a 1/4 mile track anywhere in the area?

You might want to head to the 1/8 mile track some weekend and see what you can do.

[Glenn]

You need to get a good tune and get that HP and TQ both over 400. Also, get a 40-50 HP race tune on 101 octane gas. Then you will have no trouble with that Duster. 8.70 in the 1/8 mile is not that good for a worked 340 in a light Duster. I run 7.6 in the 1/8 at 11.96 seconds.

Glenn :burnout: