1966 Plymouth Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Plymouth for 1966:
Here Comes the Street Hemi!
The mid-size Plymouth line received newer, more massive-looking bodywork. The line still continued with the Belvedere I, Belvedere II, and Satellite nameplates. In response to demands of racing sanctioning bodies, that required engines be available to the general public, Chrysler released the “Street” version of the famous 426 CID Hemi in the Belvedere line!
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Resources
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1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1966 Plymouth
| 2 Charcoal | |
| 6 Light Mauve | |
| A Silver | |
| B Black | |
| C Light Blue | |
| D Medium Blue | |
| E Dark Blue | |
| G Dark Green | |
| K Light Turquoise | |
| L Dark Turquoise | |
| P Bright Red | |
| Q Dark Red | |
| R Yellow | |
| S Soft Yellow | |
| W White | |
| X Beige | |
| Y Saddle Bronze | |
| Z Citron Gold | |
| Z Spice Gold |
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1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars
The Belvedere line was divided into the Belvedere I, Belvedere II, and Satellite sub-series, the latter available only as hardtop coupe and convertible, and featuring the 273 cu in (4.5 L) “LA block” V8 as standard equipment.
The Belvedere line received a major restyling in 1966. It had a very square body. The fenders had a slab-like look, but were also gently sculptured, forming a full-length, rectangular depression panel above bumper top level. The large front wheel opening curved up into the rectangle, but the feature line passed over the rear wheel cutout. In profile, the edge of the front fender pushed forward into a wide ‘V’ shaped form. Sedans had a squarish, angular roof with thick rear pillars. Hardtops retained the cantilevered roof treatment with a thicker base. This treatment was now visible at the rear of station wagons as well.
Street Hemi Arrives
The “Street Hemi” was released. On pressure from the various racing bodies, Chrysler was required to release a “street” version of the hemispherical head RB block. In actuality, this was a boon for both Plymouth and Dodge – allowing them to have the dominate muscle car engine for the next 5 years. It had a bore and stroke of 4.25 x 3.75 inches, domed pistons with 10.25:1 compression, dual four-barrel carburetors and was rated (conservatively) at 425 horsepower at 5000 RPM.
See “What Makes Hemi So Hot?” on on the release of the Street Hemi – HERE. Otherwise, the 383 CID 4-barrel was the only other performance engine choice, leaving a gap that would be closed next year.
Historical
Richard Petty won the Daytona 500 with an average speed of 160.627 miles per hour driving a Belvedere hardtop coupe with a de-stroked 404 CID “Race Hemi”. Petty’s engine produced over 550 horsepower. A total of only 3,629 Chrysler products were built with 426 cubic inch V-8s this season, with only part of these being Plymouths.
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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The “Street Hemi” was introduced in 1966 for its mid-size Dodge & Plymouth cars. The engine was similar to the race Hemi but with two inline four-barrel Carter AFB carburetors, a lower compression ratio of 10.25:1 and a less aggressive camshaft and with cast iron exhaust manifolds instead of steel tube headers. See more information in the Plymouth Brochure HERE.
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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Belvedere I – Standard equipment on the Belvedere I included a Belvedere I nameplate behind front wheel housing, thin, straight moldings along the lower feature line (from behind front wheel housing to rear bumper), heater and defroster, front seat belts, oil filter and five blackwall tires. Base power teams were three-speed manual transmission with the 225 cubic inch Slant Six or 273 cubic inch V-8.
The Belvedere I was offered in 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan and 2-seat station wagon.
Belvedere II – The Belvedere II Series had its identification nameplate set a bit higher and was adorned by a wide full-length chrome spear placed above the body side centerline. Standard equipment included the heater and defroster, front seat belts, oil filter and five blackwall tires, also included were upgraded upholstery, front foam cushions and backup lights. Base power teams were three-speed manual transmission with the 225 cubic inch Slant Six or 273 cubic inch V-8.
The Belvedere II was offered in 2-door hardtop, convertible, 4-door sedan and both the 2- and 3-seat station wagons.
Satellite – Satellites had seat belts, dual outside rear view mirrors, dual brake system, flashers, energy absorbing steering column, cigar lighter, padded dash, two-speed wipers with washers, backup lights, front and rear arm rests, rocker panel moldings, front foam seats, parking brake warning lamp, wraparound taillights, carpeting, wheel opening moldings, front bucket seats with console or center arm rest seat) DeLuxe wheel covers, glove box light, fender top turn signals, upper body accent stripe, and courtesy light.
The Satellite models were 2-door hardtop and convertible only. All Satellites were V-8 powered, starting with the base 273 CID V-8.
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 145 HP 225 CID I-6
- 180 HP 273 CID V-8
- 230 HP 318 CID V-8
- 265 HP 361 CID V-8
- 325 HP 383 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 0.394″, Exhaust 0.390″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Holley R-3279A; (automatic transmission) Holley R-3280A. California: (manual transmission) Holley R-3281A; (automatic transmission) Holley R-3282A.
273 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 273 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.63 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.8:1.
Horsepower: 180 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 1600 RPM.
Camshaft: Hydraulic valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 240°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.395″, (Exhaust) 0.405″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4113 S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4114 S. California: Ball & Ball BBD-4115 S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4116 S.
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: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM.
Camshaft: Hydraulic valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.3797″, (Exhaust) 0.403″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Stromberg WW3-258; (automatic transmission) Stromberg WW3-259. California: (manual transmission) Stromberg WW3-260; (automatic transmission) Stromberg WW3-261.
361 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.120 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic .
Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap: 26°; Lift: (intake) 0.392″; (exhaust) 0.390″.
Carburetor: Two-barrel (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4125S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4127S. California: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4126S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4128S.
383 CID 4-barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 256°, Exhaust 260°, Overlap: 32°; Lift: (intake) 0.425, (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) AFB 4130S; (automatic transmission) AFB-4131S. California: (manual transmission) AFB 4132S; (automatic transmission) AFB-4133S.
426 CID Dual 4-Barrel Hemi V-8. 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: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 276°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 52°; Lift: (intake) 0.480″, (exhaust) 0.460″.
Carburetors: Carter Two 4-barrel Model all transmissions: (Front) AFB-4139S, (Rear) AFB-4140S.
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All except wagons: 116.0 inches; wagons: 117 inches.
- Overall length: Wagons: (2-seat) 207.1 inches, (3-seat) 208.8 inches, Others: 200.5 inches.
- Overall width: All: 76.4 inches.
- Overall height: Wagons: 56.2 inches, Sedans 55.0, Hardtops & Coupes: 54.0, Convertible: 54.1 inches.
- Front tread: All: 59.5 inches.
- Rear tread: All 58.5 inches.
- Tires: I-6: 7.35 x 14; 276-383 CID V-8 7.75 x 14; 3-seat wagon 8.25 x14; 426 CID Red Streak 7.75 x 14.
- Optional tires: All 8.25 x 14 Except 426 CID V-8 cars – None.
1966 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: 1st – 2.95:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.80:1 on column.
- 273 & 318 CID V-8: 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.76:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.95:1 on column.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 361-383-426 CID V-8: 1st – 2.66:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1:39, 4th – 1.0:1, Reverse – 2.58:1.
- 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; wagons 3.23:1 standard, 2.93:1 N/A.
- V-8: 273 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.94:1,, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 273 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.21:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8 361 CID 2-bbl & 4-bbl – 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- V-8 361 CID 2-bbl & 4-bbl – 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.94:1.
- V-8 383 CID 4-bbl 4-speed SMT – 3.23:1.
- V-8 383 CID 4-bbl 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.94:1.
- 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.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.45:1 to 5.10:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios when dealer installed.
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 3-speed manual transmission was standard.
- 4-speed manual floor shift transmission with 361 and 383 CID V-8s ($188).
- Automatic transmission, with Six ($192), with 273 CID V-8 ($203), with other V-8s ($211).
- Commando V-8 318 cubic inch 230 horsepower two-barrel engine ($30).
- Commando V-8 361 cubic inch 265 horsepower two-barrel engine ($88).
- Commando V-8 383 cubic inch 325 horsepower four-barrel engine ($150).
- Street Hemi V-8 426 cubic inch 425 horsepower dual four-barrel engine ($1105).
- Race Hemi V-8 426 cubic inch 425 horsepower dual four-barrel engine ($1800).
- Crankcase vent system, mandatory for California built cars ($5).
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($39).
- Available rear axle gear ratios: 3.23:1, 3.55:1, 2.93:1 and 2.94:1.
NOTE: Some V-8s listed above were standard in certain models; not available in others. Prices varied from one version to another. Some engines required specific transmission.
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($355).
- Belvedere II vinyl interior trim ($24).
- Buffed paint ($21).
- Cigar lighter, Belvedere wagon ($4).
- Cleaner Air package, with I-6 ($18), with V-8 ($25).
- Electric clock ($15).
- Front and rear bumper guards ($31).
- Full horn ring Deluxe steering wheel, except wagon ($5).
- Heavy-duty shock absorbers, standard in GTX ($4).
- Heavy-duty suspension package, except wagon ($22).
- Power brakes ($42).
- Power steering ($90).
- Power windows, two-door ($100).
- Road Wheels ($77).
- Radio, AM ($57).
- Radio, AM/FM ($127).
- Station wagon roof top luggage rack ($47).
- Tachometer, Satellite ($49).
- Tinted glass, all windows ($40).
- Tinted glass, windshield only ($21).
- Two-tone paint, except convertible ($22).
- Variable speed wipers ($5).
- Vinyl roof, except wagons and convertibles ($75).
- Wheel covers, 14 inch sport ($18).
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Downloads and Images
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document
Downloads
Files directly related to the Plymouth Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1966 Plymouth Full Line Brochure
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Brochure
1966 Plymouth What Makes Hemi Hot Brochure
1966 Plymouth The Hot Ones Brochure
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Print Ads
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Plymouth SAE Hemi Development Paper #660342
1966 Plymouth Hemi Engine Exposed – Car Life Magazine
1966 Plymouth Satellite 383 CID V-8 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1966 Plymouth Street Hemi Test and Expose – Car and Driver Magazine
1966 Plymouth Street Hemi Test and Expose – Car Life Magazine
1966 Plymouth Street Hemi Test and Expose – Hi Performance Cars Magazine
1966 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Line will appear below
1966 Plymouth Satellite Convertible
The 1966 Plymouth Satellite Convertible was the top tier convertible with a sport interior – 2,759 were delivered.
1966 Plymouth Satellite 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Plymouth Satellite 2-door Hardtop was Plymouth Sport model for 1966 with a bucket seat interior. 35,399 were sold.
1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Convertible
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Convertible was the mid-line convertible, selling only 2,502 units.
1966 Plymouth Belvedere II 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II 2-door Hardtop was the only other hardtop in the 1966 Plymouth line. 36,644 were produced.
1966 Plymouth Belvedere II 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II 4-door Sedan was the top tier 4-door for Plymouth in 1966. It was the best-selling unit that year with 49,911 made.
1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Wagon
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Wagon was the top tier wagon for Plymouth with the 6-passenger selling 4,726 and the more popular 9 passenger delivering 8,667 cars.
1966 Plymouth Belvedere I 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere I 4-door Sedan was the line’s low-price leader. 31,063 found buyers.
1966 Plymouth Belvedere I 2-door Sedan
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere I 2-door Sedan was the most spartan of all the 1966 Plymouths, however, its light weight resulted in 156 Street Hemis built of its of its 9,381 total.
1966 Plymouth Belvedere I Wagon
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere I Wagon was the entry-level wagon, available in only 6-passenger configuration. 8,200 were sold.