1970 Plymouth Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hardtop
1. Street Hemi Gets a Hydraulic Camshaft
2. "High Impact" Body Colors Arrive
3. Convertible Lost to GTX
4. Superbird Arrives
5. "Air Grabber" Hood Revised
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD: WINGED WARRIOR – Car Guy Chronicles“
Plymouth for 1970 – Keep it Crisp
With Just a Little Change
The styling was only enhanced for the mid-sized line in anticipation of the restyled 1971 models. The line had front and rear fascia changes, but the look remained. Even so, the car came off cleaner and crisper. The Superbird bowed. Engine offerings remained the same, but the Street Hemi received hydraulic lifters – with no loss of performance.
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Resources
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1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1970 Plymouth
| A4 Platinum | |
| B3 Ice Blue | |
| B5 Blue Fire | |
| B7 Jamaica Blue | |
| C7 In Violet | |
| E5 Rally Red | |
| F4 Lime Green | |
| F8 Ivy Green | |
| J5 Lime Light | |
| K2 Vitamin C | |
| K3 Burnt Orange | |
| K5 Deep Burnt Orange | |
| L1 Sand Pebble Beige | |
| M3 Moulin Rouge | |
| P6 Frosted Teal | |
| R6 Scorch Red | |
| T3 Sahara Tan | |
| T6 Burnt Tan | |
| T8 Walnut | |
| V2 Tor Red | |
| W1 Alpine White | |
| X9 Black Velvet | |
| Y1 Lemon Twist | |
| Y2 Sunfire Yellow | |
| Y3 Yellow Gold | |
| Y4 Citron Mist | |
| Y6 Citron Gold |
Collector Car Insurers
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1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Car
Significant Styling Changes – But the Same Body
The 1970 model year brought new front, and rear fascia styling to the basic 1968 body. Updates included a new grille, hood, front fenders, and quarter panels. Also new was a new rear fascia housing horizontal, rectangular tail lamps. The grille had a ‘kick up at the bottom center with the integral dual headlamps at each end. Round parking lights at the front similar backup lamps at the rear were on each side of the license plate holder region, both front and rear. “High Impact” colors, with names like In-Violet, Lime-Light, and Vitamin C, were available this year.
New were cloth & vinyl bench seat for the Road Runner, single-piston Kelsey-Hayes disc brakes that were improved from the small-rotor Bendix 4 piston calipers of ’68-’69, and even non-functional scoops in the rear quarters for both the GTX and Road Runner. The design and functionality of the Air Grabber option was changed. A switch below the dash actuated a vacuum servo to slowly raise the forward-facing scoop, exposing shark teeth decals on either side.
A heavy-duty three-speed manual became the standard performance transmission, and the four-speed was now optional along with the Torqueflite automatic. The engine lineup was left unchanged. This was the second and last year of the Road Runner convertible, with only 834 made. The convertible body style was no longer available in the GTX. The new high-back bucket seats were shared with other Chrysler products, which featured built-in headrests.
The 440 Six Barrel remained an option for both the Road Runner and the GTX, however a factory-produced cast iron piece replaced the 1969 Edelbrock aluminum intake. Some early cars built before January 1, 1970, were equipped with the left-over aluminum Edelbrock intake. The 426 CID Hemi was still an available option for all performance models.
Historical
1970 was the last time a convertible would be offered in the mid-size line.
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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This was the first year that the venerable 426 Hemi received a hydraulic camshaft. Prior to this it used a mechanical unit. The specifications were 284°/284° with 0.490″/0.480″ lift and 60° overlap. For more information see the AMA Specifications Sheet – page 7A HERE.
Developed specifically for NASCAR racing, the Superbird, modified from a Road Runner, was Plymouth’s follow-on to the 1969 Charger Daytona. The Superbird’s smoothed-out body and nosecone were further refined from that of the Daytona, and the street version’s retractable headlights added nineteen inches to the Road Runner’s original length. Of the 1,920 produced, only 135 models were fitted with the 426 Hemi.
This would be the last year for any Plymouth convertibles. For 1970, however, the convertible was offered in the Road Runner and Satellite only. See the Plymouth Mid-size Car Brochure Brochure for more information HERE.
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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Belvedere – Belvedere models had color keyed floor mats, front arm rests, rear ash tray/ arm rests/ cigar lighter, glove box lock, sill moldings, all-vinyl two-door coupe interior and in cloth and vinyl in the sedan, heavy-duty brakes (on wagon) and 225 cubic inch I-6 or the 318 CID V-8.
The Belvedere was offered in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and 2-seat station wagon.
Road Runner – The Road Runner featured three-on-the-floor, heavy-duty goodies including suspension and brakes, carpets, dual exhausts, all-vinyl trim, front and rear arm rests, cigar lighter, glove box light, cartoon emblems, “Beep-Beep” horn, performance hood, front bumper guards, 150 mile-per-hour speedometer, F70-14 wide tires, safety wheel rims, three-speed wipers, roof drip rails and upper door frame moldings, plus Heavy Duty shock absorbers.
The Road Runner was available in 2-door coupe, 2-door hardtop, and convertible.
Satellite – Satellites had all Belvedere items, plus Deluxe cloth and vinyl trim, all-vinyl in convertible), carpets, roof drip and wheelhouse moldings, swing-away day /night inside mirror, dual horns and, on wagons, heavy-duty brakes and rocker panel sill moldings.
The Satellite models were 3-door hardtop, convertible, 4-door sedan, 2-seat and 3-seat stations wagons.
Sport Satellite – The Sport Satellite was upscale from the Satellite and added Deluxe wheel covers, Deluxe all-vinyl interior (or cloth and vinyl sedan bench seat), body-side pinstripes, wheel opening, ‘B’ pillar, upper door and quarter window moldings, custom rocker sill trim, scalp moldings and 318 cubic inch V-8. Sport Satellite hardtops also had foam-cushioned front bucket seats, while wagons had bigger brakes and comparable exterior trim but did not have the custom sill moldings.
The Sport Satellite was available in 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan and 2-seat and 3-seat station wagons.
GTX – The GTX was the upscale performance model above the Road Runner. It added extras to the basic performance package. They included heavy-duty Torqueflite trans mission, Deluxe vinyl interior with foam-cushioned bucket seats, reflective body-side tape accent treatment, side markers, dual horns, 70-ampere battery, bright exhaust trumpets and big-block 440 cubic inch “Super-Commando” V-8 engine. In all, eight engines could be chosen for the full line of Plymouth intermediates, including a 390 HP “six pack” carburetion.
The GTX was only available in 2-door Hardtop only, the convertible was no longer offered.
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 145 HP 225 CID I-6
- 230 HP 318 CID V-8
- 290 HP 383 CID V-8 AMT
- 330 HP 383 CID V-8 AMT
- 335 HP 383 CID HiPo V-8
- 375 HP 440 CID V-8
- 390 HP 440 CID V-8
- 425 HP 426 CID Hemi V-8
225 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 225 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.40:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2400 RPM.
Camshaft: Solid valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 240°, Exhaust: 236°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.397″, Exhaust 0.393″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Holley R-4351A, California Holley R-4353A ; (automatic transmission) Holley R-4352A, California Holley R-4354A.
318 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.8:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 320 @ 2000 RPM.
Camshaft: Hydraulic valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 240°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.372″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Carter BBD-4721S, California Carter BBD-4723S; (automatic transmission) Carter BBD-4722S California Carter BBD-4724S with A/C Carter BBD-4895S.
383 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.7:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic .
Camshaft Timing: Intake 256°, Exhaust 260°, Overlap: 32°; Lift: (intake) 0.425″; (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Carter Two-barrel (automatic transmission) BBD-4726S, California BBD-4728S; With A/C BBD-4894S or Holley Two-barrel R4371A, California or with A/C: R4373A .
383 CID 4-barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.5:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 256°, Exhaust 260°, Overlap: 32°; Lift: (intake) 0.425, (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model (automatic transmission) AVS-4736S, California AVS-4734S, with A/C AVS-4732S.
383 CID High Performance 4-barrel V-8 -Road Runner Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.5:1.
Horsepower: 335 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450, (exhaust) 0.465″.
Carburetor: Holley Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) R-4367A, California R-4217A, (automatic transmission) R-4368A, California R-4218A, with A/C R-4369A.
440 CID 4-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 440 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.32 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.7:1.
Horsepower: 375 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 480 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.465″.
Carburetor: One Carter Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) AVS-4737S, California AVS-4739S; (automatic transmission) AVS-4738S, California AVS-4740S, with A/C AVS-4741S.
NOTE: Standard in GTX.
440 CID Three 2-barrel V-8 – Road Runner and GTX Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 440 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.32 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 390 @ 4700 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.465″.
Carburetor: Three Holley 2-barrels Model (Front) R-4382 A , California R-4175 A, (Center – manual transmission) R-4375 A (Center – manual transmission California) R-4374 A, (Center – automatic transmission) R-4376 A (Center – Automatic transmission California) R-4144 A; (Rear -automatic transmission) R-4383 A (Rear – automatic transmission California) R-4144 A.
426 CID Dual 4-Barrel Hemi V-8 – Road Runner and GTX Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Hemispherical heads. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.2:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 60°; Lift: (intake) 0.490″, (exhaust) 0.480″.
Carburetors: Carter Two 4-barrel Model (Front) AFB-4724S, (Rear) manual transmission: AFB-4745S automatic transmission (Front) AFB-4724S, (Rear) AFB-4746S.
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Wagons: 117.0 inches, Others: 116.0 inches.
- Overall length: Wagons: 209.1 inches, Others: 204.0 inches.
- Overall width: All: 76.4 inches.
- Overall height: Wagons: 56.4 inches, Sedans 54.8 inches, Hardtops & Coupes: 53.0 inches, Convertible: 54.1 inches.
- Front tread: 59.7 inches.
- Rear tread: I-6: 58.7 inches, with V-8: 59.2 inches, all Wagons: 59.2 inches.
- Tires: I-6: G78 x 14; 318-383 CID V-8 G78 x 14. 440-426 CID F70 x 14, Wagons G78 x 14.
- Optional tires: All V-8 F60 x 14, Wagons H78 x 14.
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 318 CID V-8: 1st – 3.08:1, 2nd – 1.70:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.90:1.
- 383 CID V-8: 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 383 CID Hi-Po V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.77:1, 3rd – 1:34, 4th – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.40:1.
- 426 & 440 CID V-8: 1st – 2.44:1, 2nd – 1.77:1, 3rd – 1:34, 4th – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.36:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- I-6: 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.21:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8 383 CID 2-bbl 3-Speed AMT – 3.45:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8 383 H-Po CID 3-Speed, 4-speed SMT & 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 4-Speed SMT – 3.54:1, Optional 4.10:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 4.10:1.
- V-8 440 CID All: 4-Speed SMT 3.54:1, Optional 4.10:1.
- V-8 440 CID All: 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 4.10:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.45:1 to 5.10:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios. See 1970 Plymouth AMA Specifications Sheets for all actual ratios HERE.
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard; with floor shift in some models ($14).
- Torqueflite automatic transmission, with Six ($175-$190); with V-8 ($191-$227).
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission, prices vary with model and engine ($188-$197).
- 225 CID 145 horsepower Valiant I-6 ($25).
- 383 CID “Commando” 290 HP V-8 ($70).
- 383 CID “Commando” 330 HP V-8 ($138).
- 383 CID “Commando” 335 HP V-8 Standard in Road Runner.
- 426 CID “Street Hemi” 425 HP V-8 in Road Runner ($841); in GTX ($711).
- 440 CID “Commando” 375 HP V-8 Standard in GTX ($234).
- 440 CID “Six Pack” 390 HP V-8 in Road Runner ($250), in GTX ($119).
- Heavy-duty, 70-ampere battery ($13).
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle, ($42).
- Evaporative emissions control system ($38).
- Available rear axle gear ratios: 2.76, 2.91, 3.23, 3.55, 3.91, 4.10, where available ($10).
NOTE: The high performance V-8s were not available with air conditioning, automatic speed control or trailer towing attachments. Three speed manual transmissions were no longer available with the 383 CID Hi-Po and all 426 and 440 CID V-8s.
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
- Prices Shown Where Known
- Adjustable driver’s seat, 6-way manual with bucket seats).
- Air conditioning ($357).
- Air Grabber hood scoop, Road Runner and GTX, standard with 426 Hemi ($66).
- Automatic speed control, V-8 only ($58).
- Bright exhaust trumpets, standard with “Hemi” and GTX, with Road Runner ($21).
- Color keyed racing mirrors, left-hand remote control ($26).
- Dust Trail tape stripes, on Road Runner ($16).
- Front center cushion with fold-down armrest (with bucket seats only).
- Front disc brakes ($28).
- Headlight time delay warning signal ($18).
- Heavy-duty brakes ($23).
- Hood hold-down pins, Road Runner and GTX only ($15).
- Hood Insulation.
- Locking gas cap.
- Mirror, left, outside, remote-control.
- Mirror. right. outside.
- Performance hood, Road Runner/GTX ($18).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power steering ($105).
- Power windows.
- Radio AM/FM ($135).
- Radio, AM with 8-track tape and three instrument panel mounled speakers ($196).
Radio, Music Master AM ($62). - Rear shoulder belts, left and right.
- Rear window defogger, all except convertibles and wagons ($27).
- Speaker, rear seat.
- Sport steering wheel ($32).
- Tinted windshield and windows ($33).
- Tinted windshield only.
- Two-tone paint ($23).
- Undercoating.
- White sidewall tires ($34).
- Windshield wipers, 3-speed electric (standard on GTX).
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Downloads and Images
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Brochure
1970 Plymouth “Rapid Transit” Performance Brochure
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Print Ads
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets
1970 Plymouth Superbird Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440-6 Road Test with Two Others – Motor Trend Magazine
1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1970 Plymouth Mid-Size Line will appear below
1970 Plymouth GTX 2-door Hardtop
The 1970 Plymouth GTX 2-door Hardtop was only offered in this body style in this year. 7,748 were sold.
1970 Road Runner Convertible
The 1970 Road Runner Convertible was the only performance convertible offered this year. Regardless, only 824 left the showrooms.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 2-door Hardtop
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner 2-door Hardtop was the most popular mid-size performance offering, with 24944 sold.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 2-door Coupe
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner 2-door Coupe sold very well. 15,716 were delivered.
1970 Plymouth Satellite Convertible
The 1970 Plymouth Satellite Convertible did not resonate with the buyer. Only 701 were delivered.
1970 Plymouth Sport Satellite 2-door Hardtop
The 1970 Plymouth Sport Satellite 2-door Hardtop was a popular offering, with 8,749 sold.
1970 Plymouth Satellite 4-door Sedan
The 1970 Plymouth Satellite 4-door Sedan was the most popular mid-size offering this year, with 30,377 produced.
1970 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Hardtop
The 1970 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Hardtop was an inexpensive alternative to the Satellite and sold well.
1970 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan
The 1970 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan was the entry-level 4-door, with 13,945 produced.
1970 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Coupe
The 1970 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Coupe was the least expensive coupe in the line. 4,717 were delivered.
1970 Plymouth Satellite Wagon
The 1970 Plymouth Sport Satellite Wagon shown here was one of a series made up of Belvedere, Satellite, and Sport Satellite models. A total of 17,201 Plymouth wagons were produced in 1970.