1968 Dodge Dart Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1968 Dodge Dart GT/GTS
1. Side Marker Lights Appear
2. 80 Hemi Darts Built for Drag Racing
3. 383 CID V-8 Gets 300 HP
4. 318 and 340 CID V-8 Engines Appear
5. Shoulder Harness Seat Belts Arrive
1968 Dodge Dart – Sticking With a Good Thing
Changes for 1968 were relatively subtle. The park and turn lights in the grille were moved slightly inboard and made round. Side marker lights were added to the front fenders and rear quarter panels. Disc Brakes were now available and the 318 CID and 340 CID V-8s were new, the latter being a true performance engine. The 273 performance V-8 was gone.
1968 Dodge Dart Facts: Resources
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1968 Dodge Dart Car Facts Body Paint Color Codes
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1968 Dodge Dart
| A Silver | |
| B Black | |
| C Medium Blue | |
| D Pale Blue | |
| E Dark Blue | |
| F Light Green | |
| G Racing Green | |
| H Light Gold | |
| J Medium Gold | |
| K Light Turquoise | |
| L Medium Dark Turquoise | |
| M Bronze | |
| P Red | |
| Q Bright Blue | |
| R Burgundy | |
| S Yellow | |
| T Medium Green | |
| U Light Blue | |
| W White | |
| X Beige | |
| Y Medium Tan | |
| 33 Charger Red | |
| 66 Dark Green |
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1968 Dodge Dart Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Dodge Dart
Changes for 1968 were somewhat subtle. The parking and turn signal lights in the grille were moved slightly inboard and were now round. Side marker lights were added to the front fenders and rear quarter panels, in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Shoulder harnesses that were separate from the lap belts were new, and non-glare matte finish on the windshield wiper arms were for safety. The steering linkage, as were the windshield and rear window gaskets and trim-lock strips, were revised.
Disc Brakes were now available on all models, all engine choices. All disc brake card received 6.95 X 14 wheels/tires with D or E70 x 14 tires optional.
Engines Added
Chrysler Corporation’s engine “clean air package”, an emission control system, was now standard equipment in all 50 states. New for this year were the addition of a 2-barrel carbureted 318 CID V-8 in place of the high performance 273 and the new 340 CID performance V-8 – way under-rated at 275 HP. Many say this was done so as not to diminish the performance value of the 383, only rated at 300 HP when fitted to the Dart.
The standard rear axle ratio moved down from 2.93:1 to 2.76:1 in the automatic transmission versions of the slant six and the 319 V-8. A part-throttle downshift function was added to the Torqueflite automatic transmission in 6-cylinder cars, this was to retain city performance with the new taller rear axle ratio.
Hemi Dart
On February 20, 1968, Dodge released a limited option for 1968 only, code LO23 Hemi Dart. It was assembled by Hurst Performance for the Company. This engine package was not the popular Street Hemi, but the full, cross-ram, race 426 CID engine. These 80 special models were created specifically for drag racing and included a non-warranty disclaimer.
A fiberglass hood and front fenders were fitted. The hood had a functional air scoop and used four hood pins to hold it in place instead of standard hinges.. Lightweight (acid-dipped) steel doors with thin side window glass were used. The doors did not receive window mechanisms, instead a strap was attached to the bottom of the glass on the interior door panel to raise or lower it. The interior included only two bucket seats from a Dodge van. Any center console, the heater, sound deadener, the side-view mirrors, radio, carpeting, and door armrests were omitted.
These Darts were available with either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions. The manual transmission cars (order code A-833) were fitted with a Dana 60 built heavy-duty axle with a 4.88 gear ratio, a heavy-duty clutch, and a steel bell housing. A Hurst floor-mounted shifter came standard.
The automatic transmission cars used the Chrysler-built 727 Torqueflite three-speed an were fitted with 8-3/4 inch center section with a 4.86 gear set and used a 2,600 rpm high speed torque converter. They were also modified with a floor-mounted Hurst shifter for manual shifting.
1968 Dodge Dart Factoids
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New for this year was the “LA” 340 CID V-8, replacing the previous 273 performance V-8. The 318 CID block was bored to 4.04″ but the 318’s 3.31″ stroke was unchanged. It had a forged steel crankshaft. A 4-barrel carburetor and a high-rise, dual plane, intake manifold were new, as well as high-flow cylinder heads. The engine was equipped with hydraulic lifters. The 4-speed transmission cars received a hotter cam. Power output was an under-rated 275 HP.
The 383 CID “B” big-block, was now rated at 300 HP, with the increase related to better exhaust manifolds for free breathing. The Carter Carburetor was also increased in size, with the secondary barrel size up from 1.56″ to 1.69″.
On February 20, 1968, Dodge released a limited option for 1968 only, code LO23 Hemi Dart. It was assembled by Hurst Performance for the Company. This engine package was not the popular Street Hemi, but the full, cross-ram, race 426 CID engine. These 80 special models were created specifically for drag racing, and included a non-warranty disclaimer.
1968 Dodge Dart Facts – Models Offered
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Dart Base Model. The Dart continued as the base trim level and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings, no side chrome and the Dart name, in block letters, along the side of the rear fenders. The Dodge name, also in block letters, appeared on the front of the hood and across the vertical section of the trunk lid.
The Dart was available as a 2-door sedan and 4-door sedan.
Dart 270. The Dart 270 was the intermediate trim level once again and included all the Dart features including a full-width all-vinyl bench seat and included all the base Dart features,a full-width all-vinyl bench seat, a heater and defroster, electric windshield wipers, the 170 CID Slant-Six engine and manual three-speed transmission. and carpeting. Added were plush carpeting; cigar lighter; half horn ring and dual horns.
The Dart 270 was available as a 2-door hardtop and 4-door sedan.
Dart GT. The GT was the top trim level Dart for 1968 and included all the 270 features, plus 14 or 15 inch wheels and tires with Deluxe wheel covers. The hardtops had bucket seats and the convertibles had power tops and full-width all-vinyl bench seats. The GT models included “GT” model designation on the sides of the front fenders, just behind the front wheel openings. The convertible received a bench seat as standard with bucket seats optional.
The Dart GT models included a 2-door hardtop and a convertible.
Dart GTS. The Dart GTS was a special, high-performance version of the GT and received its own body designation. It was equipped with the new 340 cubic inch V-8 engine, with the 383 as an option. Standard were hub caps; firm-ride shock absorbers; Rallye suspension; E70 x 14 Red Stripe Wide Oval tires; Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission or four-speed manual transmission; “Bumblebee” stripes across the sides of the rear fenders and trunk lid. The GTS models included “GTS” on the sides of the front fenders, just behind the front wheel openings. 383 CID engine versions had “383” just under the GTS designation. The convertible received a bench seat as standard with bucket seats optional.
The Dart GTS models included a 2-door hardtop and a convertible.
1968 Dodge Dart Facts – Engines
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- 170 CID I-6 115 HP
- 225 CID I-6 145 HP
- 273 CID V-8 190 HP
- 318 CID V-230 HP
- 340 CID V-8 275 HP SMT
- 340 CID V-8 275 HP AMT
- 383 CID V-8 300 HP
170 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 170 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 3.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.50:1.
Horsepower: 115 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 155 @ 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) Ball and Ball-BBS-4414S; (automatic transmission) Ball and Ball BBS-4415S.
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-3919 A; (automatic transmission) Holley R-3920 A.
273 CID 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: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 190 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 2000 RPM.
Camshaft: Hydraulic valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 240°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 20°. Lift: (Intake) 0.372″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4416A; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4417 A.
318 CID 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 240°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 20°. Lift: (Intake) 0.372″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4420S; (automatic transmission) Ball & ball BBD-4421S.
340 CID V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 340 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.04 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 276°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 52°. Lift: (Intake) 0.445″, (Exhaust) 0.455″.
Carburetor: Carter four barrel: (manual transmission) AVS 4424S.
340 CID V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 340 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.04 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 44°. Lift: (Intake) 0.430″, (Exhaust) 0.445″.
Carburetor: Carter four barrel: (automatic transmission) AVS 4425S.
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: 300 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 2400 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) AVS 4426S; (automatic transmission) AVS-4401S.
1968 Dodge Dart Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 111.0 inches.
- Overall length: 195.4 inches.
- Overall width: 69.7 inches.
- Overall height: I-6: 2 & 4-door sedan: 53.5 inches, hardtop: 52.5 inches, convertible: 53.4 inches. V-8: 2 & 4-door sedan: 53.8 inches, hardtop: 52.8 inches, convertible: 53.4 inches.
- Front tread: 57.4 inches.
- Rear tread: 55.6 inches.
- Tires: I-6: 6.50 13, V-8 7.00 x 13.
- Optional tires: 6.95 x 14; GT/GTS with HD suspension: D 70 x 14 or E70 x 14. All with Disc Brakes: 6.95 x 14; Optional: D 70 x 14 or E70 x 14.
1968 Dodge Dart Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 170 CID I-6: 1st – 3.22:1, 2nd – 1.84:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 4.14:1 on column.
- 225 CID I-6: 1st – 2.95:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 3.80:1 on column.
- 273 & 318 CID V-8: 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.76:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 3.95:1 on column.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All 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
- All I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1; 2.93:1.
- All I-6: 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1; 2.93:1.
- V-8: 273 CID 3-Speed SMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 273 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 273 CID 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 340 CID 4-bbl – 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:11, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8: 340 CID 4-bbl – 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:11, Optional 3.55:1.
- V-8 383 CID 4-bbl – 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:11, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 383 CID 4-bbl – 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:11, Optional 3.55:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.73:1 to 5.10:1. Sure Grip available in most ratios when dealer installed, See 1968 Dodge Dart AMA Specifications Sheets, page 4 for more information HERE.
1968 Dodge Dart Facts – Powertrain Options
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- I-6 and 273/315 CID V-8: 3-speed manual transmission was standard.
- 4-speed manual floor shift transmission, with V-8 only ($179). Note: Four-speed manual gearbox not available with I-6.
- Automatic transmission, with I-6 ($172), with V-8 ($181).
- Dart 225 CID 145 horsepower I-6 ($38).
- Dart 273 CID 170 horsepower 2-barrel V-8 ($128).
- Dart 318 CID 230 horsepower 2-barrel V-8.
- Dart GTS 340 CID 270 horsepower 4-barrel V-8.
- Dart GTS 383 CID 300 horsepower 4-barrel V-8.
- Heavy-duty battery, 70-amp/hour ($8).
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($39).
NOTE: Available rear axle gear ratios: 2.93:1, 3.23:1, 3.55:1 and 3.91:1.
1968 Dodge Dart Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning.
- Basic group included AM radio, wheel covers, power steering and variable speed windshield wipers.
- Buffed paint on 270s and GT/GTS .
- Console on GT .
- Deluxe wood grained wheel.
- Power brakes ($32).
- Power front disc brakes.
- Power steering.
- Radio, AM.
- Rallye suspension.
- Remote control outside rear view mirror.
- Tachometer on GTs with Console.
- Tinted glass, all windows.
- Tinted Glass windshield only.
- Two-tone paint.
- Vinyl top ($58).
- Wheel covers.
- Wheel covers, Simulated “Mag”.
- White sidewall tires.
1968 Dodge Dart Downloads and Images
1968 Dodge Dart Facts – Related Document
Downloads
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1968 Dodge Dart Canadian Brochure – NOTE: US Brochure Ultra Rare
1968 Dodge Performance Models Brochure
1968 Dodge Performance Models Magazine Insert Brochure
1968 Dodge Dart AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Dodge Dart GTS 340 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1968 Dodge Dart GTS 340 Road Test – Car and Driver Magazine
1968 Dodge Dart GTS 340 vs Nova, Falcon & Rogue – Motor Trend Magazine
1968 Dodge Dart Facts – Related Images
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1968 Dodge Dart GTS Convertible
The 1968 Dodge Dart GTS Convertible was the top line Dart this year, featuring either a 340 CID or 383 CID V8, with the 383 an option. Convertibles received a bench seat as standard, with buckets/console optional.
1968 Dodge Dart GTS 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Dodge Dart GTS 2-door Hardtop was the top line hardtop this year. The standard engine was the 275 HP 340 CID V-8 with the 383 CID 300 HP V-8 optional. All GTS hardtops came standard with bucket seats.
1968 Dodge Dart GT Convertible
The 1968 Dodge Dart GT Convertible was the base convertible, delivered with a bench seat unless optional buckets were ordered. As in the hardtop, the base engine was either a 273 CID 190 HP V-8 or a 170 CID 115 HP I-6. Other engines could be ordered.
1968 Dodge Dart GT 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Dodge Dart GT 2-door Hardtop was the sport hardtop in the line, featuring bucket seats. The base engine was either a 273 CID 190 HP V-8 or a 170 CID 115 HP I-6. More potent engines could be ordered.
1968 Dodge Dart 270 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Dodge Dart 270 4-door Sedan was an upscale version of the standard Dar 4-door. It featured an upgraded interior and an exterior with more brightwork. All engines up to the 318 CID V-8 were available as options.
1968 Dodge Dart 270 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Dodge Dart 270 2-door Hardtop differed from the GT version in that it had a bench seat as standard and lacked the special handling package. The base engines were the 115 HP I-6 and the 190 HP V-8. like the GT, more powerful engines were optional.
1968 Dodge Dart 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Dodge Dart 4-door Sedan was the entry level 4-door. It had a vinyl interior and many items were optional. V-8s were available up to the 328 CID 230 HP version.
1968 Dodge Dart 2-door Sedan
The 1968 Dodge Dart 2-door Sedan was the entry level Dart this year. Solid transportation, it was part of 56,900 I-6 base cars delivered that year.