Engines
Old Style 277-301-303-318 "A" Engines
(Note: there are some discrepancies in this section referring to the term "Hemi". 340 engines were not Hemi's and the Hemi was first put into production and performance use as early as 1951, not in the late 60's as the last paragraph suggests. For more info on the Hemi see Chrysler Hemi engine.)
These engines were manufactured from 1955 to 1966. And the newer "LA" engines were introduced in 1967 running all the way till 1992. These engines have led to a lot of confusion with the inclusion of the 273-318, 340-360 "LA" engines also referred to as "A" engines. The old style "A" engine was introduced as a 277 ci engine (also referred to as Polyspheres due to the polyspherical cylinder head combustion chamber) with 187 hp (139 kW) as standard. The 301/318 engines were introduced in 1957. The 318 2-barrel carb (1957–1966) had 230 hp (170 kW), while the 318 4-barrel (1958–62) had 260 hp (190 kW). In the '57, there was a 4-barrel 318 performance package that had 290 hp (220 kW), being the largest output for stock "A" engines. As with the vintage the Polysphere was not the choice for hotrodders because the lack of support for performance parts such as headers, cams, intake manifolds, and cylinder heads that were widely available for the 318 "LA" (1967–1991) and the 340/360 engines. And hence the confusion where old car enthusiasts refer to the 1967 as being the "A" style, which is incorrect if you look at Chrysler's engine history.
New Style 273/318/340/360 "LA" Engines (Commonly referred as "A" but is not correct) The 273 was introduced midyear in 1964 with a 2-barrel 180 hp, 1965 saw a 4-barrel 235 hp (175 kW) with performance camshaft, 1966 saw a limited production of the 273 with dual exhaust, steel headers, a 700-cfm Holley carb, and a 0.500" lift performance camshaft making 275 hp (205 kW); installation was only in 50 specially equipped Dodge Darts designed specifically for NHRA D-stock drag racing, the car was tagged "D-Dart". In 1967, the new style 318 was introduced with a 2-barrel carb and was not meant to be a performance engine. This engine was a bigbore version of the 273 and used the latest lightweight casting technology found in the 273. A 318 4-barrel version was introduced in 1978 after a period of 10 years of having the 318 ship with a 2-barrel. The 318LA was replaced after 1991 with the introduction of the 1992 5.2 L Magnum (SMPI).
The 340 was introduced in 1968 and began to build what was one of the most popular and best small block V8 engines. The 340 had high-flow cylinder heads and a 180°, 2-level intake manifold. The 340 reached its highest stock performance peak in 1970 with a three two-barrel carburetor package and featured a thick web block, specially machined cylinder heads, adjustable rocker arms, and special intake manifold and carbs. In 1972, the 340 was bumped down in compression from 10.4:1 to an emissions friendly 8.5:1 and shortly thereafter we had the 1973 oil crisis.
The 360 was introduced in 1971 with a 2-barrel carb and a 9:1 compression ratio. After the 340 was discontinued in 1973, many of the 340 parts were installed on the newer 360 and continued with the 340's performance heritage; with the discontinuance of the B and RB engines after 1978, the 360 E58 became the highest output Chrysler VB8 for 1979 and 1980.
Read more about this topic: Plymouth Belvedere
Famous quotes containing the word engines:
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—Thomas McGuane (b. 1939)