1963 Dodge Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts, Figures, and Specifications

1962 Plymouth Facts Specifications Information Data

The 1963 Dodge now sat on a 119 inch wheelbase, competing with Chevrolet and Ford, with only the 880 Series on the longer 122′ wheelbase. Styling was cleaner, but a far cry from its competitors at Mercury and Pontiac.

 

Cleaning up the Look
for 1963

Dodge restyled again for 1963, cleaning up the rather odd, and considered by some, “ugly”. The front fascia was still controversial, but that would be rectified next year.

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General Year Information – 1963 Dodge Mid-Size Car

NOTE: The 1963 Dodge Dart and Polara are categorized in our Fact Sheets as a mid-size car due to its shorter 119 inch wheelbase (which was new for 1963).  It was now called the “Standard Size Dodge”,  versus the Series 880  that sat on a 122 inch wheelbase that it shared with the Chrysler Newport, Chrysler 300 and 300J. The 880 Line will be covered in its own Fact Sheet.

A Restyle Enhances the Look

The full-size Dodge was once again totally restyled for 1963. The rear end styling was very attractive and the front was just slightly less so. A massive full-width grille, featuring a vertical theme and convex styling, contained the inboard headlights. These were located lower than the outboard units, exactly the opposite of the 1962 styles. A nearly horizontal feature line angled back from the front fenders, to the rear of the car, and dropped down to just in front of the taillights. Large rectangular taillights were used and a three-pointed stylized star, located on the trunk lid, housed the trunk lock. The license plate was recessed in the escutcheon panel.

It should be noted that the “Dart” name was now assigned to the Compact Dodge, replacing the Lancer nameplate. This model will also be covered in a separate Fact Sheet.

Historical

The 1963 Dodges were the absolute terror of the country’s drag strips during 1963. Dodge also continued to be the brand to catch on the drag strips of America. Teams like the Ramchargers, of Michigan, competed in several different classes with their 426 cubic inch powered sedans and station wagons. This popular team painted their cars white with red stripes running along the top surfaces of the cars. The manual transmission equipped cars were called “Candysticks” and the automatic transmission equipped cars were called “Candymatics”.

1963 Dodge Factoids

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The 426 CID Ramcharger V-8 replaced the Ramcharger 413 V-8s. Horsepower increased 415 HP at 5400 RPM with 11.0 compression and 425 HP with 13.5:1 compression – however engineering changes truly added more power and torque. See “Engines” below for more information.

 

The 426 CID Ramcharger V-8 II replaced the Ramcharger 426 V-8s. The primary bores of the carbs were increased to  1.6875″ And the heads were modified, and a more aggressive camshaft was fitted. (This engine is sometimes called “Ramcharger 426-A”. See “Engines” below for more information.

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Models Offered

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The Dodge 330 was the base trim level Dodge for 1963 and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings, turn signals, electric windshield wipers, sun visors, PCV engine system, and a power tailgate window on nine-passenger station wagons. The Dodge name, in block letters, was found on the right side of the trunk lid. The “330” model line designation was on the roof “C” pillars.

The Dodge 440 was the intermediate trim level Dodge and included all the features of the 330 models, plus front foam cushions, carpeting, and power tailgate window on nine-passenger station wagons. The “440” model designation was found on the roof  “C” pillars.

 

The Polara was the top trim level mid-size Dodge. It included all the features on the 440, plus backup lights, Custom interior and upholstery trim, exterior moldings, and a power top on the convertible. The Polara designation was shown on the roof “C” pillars.

A special high-performance sport model, called the “Polara 500” was available. It included all the features of the Polara, plus bucket seats, rear foam cushions, padded instrument panel, DeLuxe steering wheel, special wheel covers, and the 265 horsepower 383 cubic inch V-8 engine.

Polara 500 models also included special exterior trim on the rear quarter panels behind the rear wheel well.

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Engines

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225 CID Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 225 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches. Compression ratio: 8.20:1. Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 215 @ 2800 RPM. Four main bearings.  Solid valve lifters.  Valve Timing: 232°, Exhaust: 228°, Overlap: 8°. Valve Lift: Intake  0.371″, Exhaust  0.364″. Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball one­-barrel: BBS-3466 S or  Holley R-2537 A; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBS-3468 S or Holley R-2538 A; or Stromberg WA-3-219.

Base 318 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 318 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.397″, (Exhaust) 0.403″. Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3472 S  or Stromberg WW3-222; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3473 S or Stromberg WW3-223.

Dodge 383 CID Single 2-Barrel V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches. Compression ratio: 10.00:1. Horsepower: 305 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 410 @ 2400 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Hydraulic Lifters. Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap: 26°; Lift: (intake) 0.392″, (exhaust) 0.390″. Carburetor: Ball and Ball Two-barrel Model BBD-3475-S.

Dodge 383 CID Single 4-Barrel Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches. Compression ratio: 10.00:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″. Carburetor: Carter  Four-barrel Model AFB-3437-S.

Dodge 383 CID Single 4-Barrel Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 320 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 2800 RPM. Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″. Carburetor: Carter  Four-barrel Model AFB-3397-S (1.62″/1.69″) or Large Bore AFB-3559-S (1.69″/1.69″) .

NOTE: Five Different Camshafts were available for this engine – SEE page 6 of the 1963 Dodge High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets for all specs – HERE.

Dodge Dual 4 Barrel In-line Carburetor 383 Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 420 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings.

Camshaft Timing:

  • Mechanical Lifters: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (intake) 0.444″, (exhaust) 0.456″.
  • Optional Mechanical Lifters: Intake 276°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 58°; Lift: (intake) 0.450″, (exhaust) 0.455″.

Carburetor: Two Carter  Four-barrel Model Front: AFB-3258-S, Rear: AFB-3259-S.

NOTE: Five Different Camshafts were available for this engine – SEE page 6 of the 1963 Dodge High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets for all specs – HERE.

1963 Dodge 370 HP 426 CID V-8 .  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 370 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 460 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Camshaft: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.509″. Carburetor: One Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3559-S

Dodge 415 HP V-8 “Super Stock 426”.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 415 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 470 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Camshaft: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.509″. Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-2903S, (Optional) AFB-AFB-3447S.  

Dodge 425 HP V-8 “Super Stock 426”.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 13.5:1. Horsepower: 425 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 480 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Camshaft: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.509″. Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-2903S, (Optional) AFB-AFB-3447S.  

Dodge Stage II 385 HP V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.1875 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 12.5:1. Horsepower: 385 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 465 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Camshaft: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 82°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″. Carburetor:  Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-3559-S, (Optional)  Holley R-2814-A.

NOTE: The Stage II Heads had breathing improvements including a larger exhaust valve (1.88″) and a cut in the cylinder head on the intake side for more clearance.

NOTE: Five Different Camshafts were available for this engine – SEE page 6 of the 1963 Dodge High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets for all specs – HERE.

Dodge 415 HP V-8 “Super Stock 426 Stage II”.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 415 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 470 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Camshaft: Mechanical Lifters.

Camshaft Timing:

  • Standard – Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap 82°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
  • Optional – Intake 300°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap: 74°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″

Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3705S.

NOTE:  The Stage II Heads had breathing improvements including a cut in the cylinder head on the intake side for better breathing.

NOTE: Five Different Camshafts were available for this engine – SEE page 6 of the 1963 Dodge High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets for all specs – HERE.

Dodge 425 HP V-8 “Super Stock 426 Stage II”.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 13.5:1. Horsepower: 425 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 480 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Camshaft: Mechanical Lifters.

Camshaft Timing:

  • Standard – Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap 82°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
  • Optional – Intake 300°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap: 74°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″

Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-3705-S.

NOTE: The Stage II Heads had breathing improvements including a cut in the cylinder head on the intake side for better breathing.

NOTE: Five Different Camshafts were available for this engine – SEE page 6 of the 1963 Dodge High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets for all specs – HERE.

The Dodge 361 CID V-8. This engine was not available in the mid-size line. The 260 HP 2-barrel version was available on the 880 Series as the base engine.

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: 119 inches, except wagons – 116 inches.
    • Overall length: Wagons: 210.7 inches, Others: 208.1 inches.
    • Front tread: 59.5 inches.
    • Rear tread: 57.5 inches.
    • Width: 76.5 inches.
    • Height (V-8s): Wagons: 54.0 inches, Sedans & Hardtops: 53.9, Convertible: 54.3 inches.
    • Tires:  All: 7.00 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless – white walls optional.

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Significant Options

    • Air­temp air conditioning ($445).
    • Backup lights, standard on Polara ($11).
    • Electric clock ($16).
    • Hardtop trim, All-vinyl – for Polara standard Polara 500 ($25)
    • Heater and defroster, without air-conditioning ($74)
    • Padded dashboard ($14).
    • Power brakes ($43).
    • Power seats ($96).
    • Power steering ($77).
    • Power windows ($102).
    • Radio, deluxe ($84)
    • Radio, Music Master push button ($59)
    • Rear view mirror, Day/Nite inside ($4).
    • Rear view mirror, left-hand outside ($6).
    • Roof luggage rack, wagons ($48).
    • Seat belts ($19)
    • Steering wheel, DeLuxe standard on Polara 500 ($11)
    • Tinted glass, all ($40); windshield only ($22)
    • Torqueflite automatic transmission, with six-cylinders ($192); with V-8s ($211).
    • Wheel covers, standard on Polara ($19).
    • White sidewall tires ($33-$48).
    • Windshield washer ($12).
    • Windshield wipers, variable speed ($6).

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Powertrain Options

    • Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
    • Four-speed manual transmission ($146)
    • Torqueflite automatic transmission with I-6($197).
    • Torqueflite automatic transmission with V-8 ($221).
    • 225 CID 145 horsepower I-6 was standard. and included in I-6 pricing.
    • 318 CID 230 horsepower V-8 was standard. and included in V-8 pricing.
    • 383 CID 305 horsepower V-8 ($103), standard on Polara.
    • 383 CID 330 horsepower V-8 ($125)
    • 426 CID Ramcharger V-8 ($445).
    • Crankcase ventilation system for California vehicles ($5).
    • Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($50).

NOTE: The 320 and 325 Hi-Po 383 V-8 engines were special order and pricing was set at the time of  ordering.

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts –
Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1963 Dodge Mid-Size

 

  A Turquoise
  B Onyx
  C Light Blue
  D Medium Blue
  D Medium Blue
  E Dark Blue
  E Navy Blue
  G Surf Green
  H Forest Green
  J Aqua
  K Slate Turquoise
  L Teal
  M Ivory
  M Ivory
  N Steel Gray
  N Steel Gray
  P Vermilion
  W Polar White
  X Beige
  X Beige
  Y Sandalwood
  Y Sandalwood
  Z Cordovan

1963 Dodge Facts –
Current Market Values

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts –
Powertrains

  • Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
    • All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1  NOTE: The 383 CID and 426 CID V-8 cars used a much stronger Torqueflite, but the ratios were the same.
  • Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
    • I-6: 1st – 2.95:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.80:1
    • 318 CID V-8 (Early) : 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1
    • 318 CID V-8 (Late) : 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.76:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.66:1
    • 383 CID V-8: 1st – 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1
    • 426 CIDV-8: 1st – 2.10:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.66:1
  • Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
    • 318 CID V-8 Only: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd –  1.51:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1
    • 383 & 426 CID V-8 Only: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.66:1, 3rd –  1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1
  • Rear Gear Standard Ratios
    • I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.55:1, Station Wagon 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
    • V-8 Except High Performance 3-Speed SMT – (Early) 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1 (Late) 2.93:1, Optional
    • 3.23:1, 3.55:1.
    • I-6 Wagons 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1
    • I-6 3-Speed Other AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.31:1 and 3.55:1
    • V-8 Std 318 CID Except High Performance 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1 Optional 3.23:1
    • V-8  383 CID 305 HP 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1 Optional 3.23:1
    • V-8  383 CID 305 HP 4-Speed SMT – 3.55:1 Optional 3.23:1
    • V-8  383 CID 305 & 330 HP AMT – 3.23:1 Optional 2.76:1
    • 383 CID 320 & 325 HP V-8 3-Speed SMT and AMT 3.23:1
    • 383 CID 320 & 325 HP V-8 4-Speed SMT 3.55:1
    • 426 CID V-8 3-Speed SMT and AMT 3.91:1
    • 426 CID V-8 4-Speed SMT 3.55:1

NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.76:1 to 6.17:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios. See 1963 Dodge High Performance Options AMA Specifications Sheets  for all actual ratios HERE.

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts –
Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1963 Dodge Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:

1963 Dodge Standard Size Car Brochure

1963 Dodge and Plymouth Max Wedge Technical Bulletin

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Car Print Ads

1963 Dodge High Performance V-8s AMA Specifications Sheets

1963 Dodge 330/440/Polara AMA Specifications Sheets

1963 Chrysler Corp 426 CID V-8 Info & Evaluation- Cars Magazine

1963 Dodge Polara Road Test – Car Life Magazine

1963 Dodge Ramcharger 426 Super Stock Stick vs Automatic Test – Car Life Magazine

1963 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Car Production Figures

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts –
Related Images

Related Images to the 1963 Dodge Mid-Size Line will appear below

1963 Dodge Facts Specifications Information Data

1963 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible

1963 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible was the ultimate 1963 Dodge, with a bucket seat interior and up to 330 HP available on tap. Check out the back in the day test in our downloads section!

1963 Dodge Facts Specifications Information Data

1963 Dodge Polara 500 2-door Hardtop

The 1963 Dodge Polara 500 2-door Hardtop was the top level hardtop Dodge. It also sported the bucket seat interior and the base 383 CID V-8 for power.

1963 Dodge Facts Specifications Information Data

1963 Dodge Polara Convertible

The 1963 Dodge Polara Convertible was visually similar to the upscale Polara 500 Convertible, however it did not have the bucket seat interior. The 383 CID 330 HP V-8 was available.

1963 Dodge Polara 4-door Hardtop

The 1963 Dodge Polara 4-door Hardtop was the top of the line 4-door offering. It was only available with V-8 power.

1963 Dodge Facts Specifications Information Data

1963 Dodge Polara 2-door Hardtop and Polara 4-door Sedan

The 1963 Dodge Polara 2-door Hardtop and Polara 4-door Sedan filled out the Polara line. The contributed to the 39,800 Polara produced in 1963.

1963 Dodge Facts Specifications Information Data

1963 Dodge 440 2-door Hardtop

1963 Dodge 440 2-door Hardtop was sought after when you were looking to go fast and did not want the extras found in the Polara line. The special order 325 horsepower 383 CID dual 4-barrel engine found a home in these cars.

1963 Dodge 440 4-door Sedan

The 1963 Dodge 440 4-door Sedan was an upscale version of the 330 and had a more plush interior.

1963 Dodge 440 2-door Sedan

The 1963 Dodge 440 2-door Sedan was the car ro have if you wanted at least 330 street horsepower. Lighter than the Polaras, its performance rivaled most other brands.

1963 Dodge 440 Station Wagon

The 1963 Dodge 440 Station Wagon cam in both 6- and 9-passenger configurations. Their base engine was the 318 CID V-8.

1963 Dodge 330 4-door Sedan

The 1963 Dodge 330 4-door Sedan was the least expensive 4-door offering. It contributed greatly to the production numbers for 1963.

1963 Dodge Facts Specifications Information Data

1963 Dodge 330 2-door Sedan

The 1963 Dodge 330 2-door Sedan was the least expensive Dodge this year, but it was also the home of the 426 CID 425 HP Ramcharger V-8. We have a test of both the manual and auto transmission cars in race trim in the downloads section!

1963 Dodge 330 Station Wagon

The 1963 Dodge 330 Station Wagon was available in 6- and 9-passenger versions. When equipped with the I-6 engine it was the least expensive Dodge wagon.

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