Slant Six Power! Tuning And Tire Smoke In A '65 Dodge Dart Convertible

[@bigwrenchtech]

From Mopar wizard to Mopar mad scientist!!!! What an evolution!!! EPIC!!! And I appreciate the information on how to adjust those rods

[@Coronetguy]

My first was a 67 dart gt with the 273. Great car. I now have a. 68 coronet 500 Bee tribute. Like the channel.

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

I had a 1961 Valiant wagon slant 6 back in the 70's and that was one of the most reliable cars Ive ever owned. I really liked it too. Girl friend and me hop in it and off to the drive in we went fogging up the windows in the back. The wagon makes a great bed. The Dart is basically the same car. Its like the Falcon and Ranchero of the early 60's. Today I have a 1960 Dodge Phoenix, the first Dodge Dart but a completely different car sharing the same platform as the 58 Plymouth Belvedere (Christine). Yours is a nice car. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThisValiantAdventure]

That front end proves Neons were modern Darts! Also, looking forward to you bringing in a “Road Toad” someday. Those early Valiants & Lancers are very cool.

[@beljames1563]

I had a 67 Dart 270 with a slant. Picked it up in 1977 with 61k miles on it. Paid $1100. It was near mint until someone decided to rearrange the front left fender body lines in the Yard Birds parking lot. Great little car. I remember leaving my brother in the dust with it. He was driving 64 Impala 283.

[@scottday8]

Your making me fall in love with my slant again thanks I like the physical proof how are you fixing things and I just just turn this and do that

[@musclecarmitch908]

Cool little car! My brother had a 65 GT, hardtop, had the 273 hi po and was a factory red car. It was a great all original numbers matching car, another one that should have been kept and not gotten away!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Dang it. I definitely prefer a hardtop myself. I’ve yet to own a Dart this early, but I’d like to some day. The Barracudas does fill the slot pretty well.

[@aceadman]

The slant six 225 in my stock ‘73 dart swinger does NOT do that at all. (20:30). It too has a 1920 carb, but doesn’t do much at all when I hit the gas. I’m working on it, but the thing you mentioned that is most important is not tools, but experience. And I have virtually none. Just the nostalgia to buy a copy of the car my mom drove me in as a small boy. And some sense of adventure. Thanks for your terrific videos. You’re a great watch. 😊👍👍

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you! Yeah, not all slant sixes do that - I’ve done the research on that one. Haha.

[@tedcorey3054]

Cool car , convertible ,not rotted out , runs really nice . I had an '85 D 100 w/ a Super Six ,short bed ,I loved that truck .

[@syyenergy7]

Convertibles are always the best. I owned a '69 Roadrunner in B5 blue for 7 years back in the day. Bucket seats , center console and factory cruise control. Great cruiser.

[@m1a1hm]

Cool video!! Don't see many of those old Dodge Dart on the road any more . It's cool seeing you work on one and driving it.

[@Cfchild1]

My 65 Dart had a Carter carburetor atop the "Charger" 225 slant six and column shifted Torqueflite automatic. Yes, the tiny drum brakes were downright dangerous in my car. The plugs were missing on the brake backing plates and there be no braking for the first several seconds of brake pedal application when you drove in the rain. Great video.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Wow. Yeah… sounds about right. I didn’t mention the higher probability of having a column shifter in a ‘65 in the video, obviously. I was too excited about the floor shifter.

[@Cfchild1]

@@DeadDodgeGarage The slant six in mine had pretty good power. I remember a coworker at the time commenting on how it looked liked my Dart pulled harder from a standing start than his '70 350 C-10 pickup. Nothing special in performance, but it was a great balance of fuel economy and good highway power.

[@chrisgurney2467]

It is so awesome to see an American car guy that likes I6 engines :D

[@staceyrenner5418]

Huh, I don't dislike the choice of seat color as much as I thought I would. It's definitely interesting but works better than it should. Also, that factory shifter is all kinds of cool.

[@hickeyskustomresto]

I enjoyed this one. The right amount of funny to make me forget about the sterring column I just removed lol

[@dantupper1784]

Neat car, don't see many on the road anymore. With the top down, GT means 'Gets There.....eventually'-and that's the point with a Convertable on a nice day. The 5 minute fix worked pretty good. Now for all the other little fixes, missing stuff and corrections...and upgraded brakes & a sway bar!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh yeah. It’s a convertible, who cares what kind of engine it has? I found the slant more than adequate. It really moves pretty well for what it is.

[@ExUSSailor]

The Leaning Tower of Power!

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Oh yah great engines.Really reliable. 👍

[@idaholineman5788]

Smoky slant 6 burnouts with a floor shifter!! The five minute fixes are awesome… now if we could get a 318vs 360 differences and swap tips video that would be sweet! Keep up the awesome content!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m going to do that! I’ve realized there is a need for it - more than I realized.

[@idaholineman5788]

@@DeadDodgeGarage yes!! It will be a top video I’m sure

[@majortwit]

Jealous again. I know it’s getting tedious, sorry. 50 years ago I had a ‘65 Mustang. The engine was called…seriously…200 Thriftpower Six. In a blessed Mustang. How did that get by Lee Iacocca? Anyhoo, loving this gorgeous teal sweetie.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

They should start a band called the dart Brothers and the headlighting band could be the 440s that that's pretty cool I like that you don't see many of those

[@bigwrenchtech]

Awesome! You're here to do the convertible deal

[@79tazman]

My very first car had a 225 Super Six in a 1979 Dodge Aspen 2 door it was red on red and it was a awesome car and ran like a top.

[@richjordan9375]

Very nice; I have a soft spot for soft-top Mopars. Never had one, just a very green (VERY green) /6 '73 Swinger which was also the only Mopar I ever had ignition system problems with. I still liked that car and was sad when I had to let it go when I moved.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I had a ‘74 Dart sedan that died on me in the McDonald’s drive through once… I didn’t know much then and honestly don’t know how I figured out it was the ignition module. Maybe because a crappy Ford product had given me the same problem years earlier. In the same drive through I actually lost almost all forward gear movement in my ‘66 Charger a couple years later… somewhere between those two episodes, I was in the nearby Burger King drive through in my ‘70 Swinger after doing a burnout when I realized that I had lost reverse and neutral - it was all forward gears, all the time. I’ve had that happen in at least one other 904… I’ve broken my share of Torqueflites over the years apparently. The only “convertible” I’ve ever had was my Cobra replica. It was wild… and terrifying.

[@richjordan9375]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Yep, ignition module failed but it was intermittent. It cut out then started working again a few times so I ended up finding it by process of elimination; ballast resistor, then pickup, then I swiped the module from the Challenger, and problem solved! I'm happy to say I have never broken a torqueflite... the Challenger came with its 904 pre-broken.

[@vincerencher9128]

My first car was one of these, about 1981. This example is missing some trim, but has less rust. If it's a power top, the switch would be on the left side of dashboard. I still have it (the switch) , and 1 hubcap.

[@Jayreganmusic]

Nice video, I can only get my 66 Dart's slant to burn out around corners. I'll have to try some of your timing tricks. I have a Holley 1920 on it now and you're right they are terrible carbs. I have my timing "feel set" now, having it at factory specs makes it bog, I have it set by ear around 15 degrees BTDS but feel that's not quiet right either. I'll have to make a tribute video trying your tips.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Cool! Let me know how it goes!

[@kenjohnson3641]

Very cool car great video 😊

[@linwoodlane7006]

OOOF - A floppy top - suits it really well

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

225 tyres on 6 inch rims an a large front sway bar with a smaller one on the rear an some decent shock on all 4 corners matching brand an she be fine 👍🏻🇦🇺.

[@Bob-Whiting]

Not bad, not bad at all. Does this car have Sure Grip rear end? Hmmm

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I don’t know for sure, but it sure seems to be doing things on both sides in some measure…

[@Bob-Whiting]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Yeah it does! And I ALL-ways like that kind of thing.

[@danielventura8073]

You don't see those anymore. Same for the Rambler or Falcon ragtops.

[@gasser66]

"Strangely from both tires"😅

[@LongIslandMopars]

I have a 4 blade Slant 6 fan from my 64 Valiant in my garage. Car is long gone.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I used to have a handful of them, with other factory fans, and various performance aftermarket units. I guess I pitched them during the purge last year. That sucks…

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I've been on a purge for a while now. Been getting rid of my Volare/Valiant pile. Sold a bunch on the forums for A, B, and FMJ bodies. As soon as I get a box to fit the fan I'll be throwing it up there along with a slant 6 points distributor

[@ScottDLR]

That was fun, I had a 69 that idled so smooth that my friends would ask it it died at stop lights.

[@moparcasey3135]

My Holley 1920 still works great!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

😍Nice!!!!!👍👍

[@Moletastic69]

Old oil filter gasket is a good carb to air cleaner gasket!

[@trojan440]

Nice firm shifts for a slant 904.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh yeah. I’m very pleased with it. Really a nice running slant too. I’ve driven many that weren’t…

[@matthewsmith6486]

That's a great car!

[@timrayburn2461]

Great video

[@michaelnault5905]

It's not a seat belt problem. It's an auto eject function :-)

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Damn right!

[@79tazman]

you forgot to check the lash if you keep it tight and get some extra lift out of those valves = more HP and the old 225 can always use some more of that.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I didn’t forget - I chose not to. It runs awesome and doesn’t make any valve noise, so I decided it wasn’t worth the time.

[@trojan440]

Chrome valve cover,battery hold down,what a car. Who was driving that car. Sounded like you . Good one.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

😅

[@allanperryman388]

Nice car.

[@scottday8]

So much to say please do a fallow up video on those fixes and thank you for proof the slant can do a burn out and if I’m not mistaken GT model has the rare 7 1/4 Pawsey traction it was only offered in the GT for the slant six also can you do an update on those gauges

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It may well have a Suregrip. It seemed like it at times. I don’t think there is enough left to do a whole follow up video really. I do have a video on gauges already, and while it’s a different cluster, the same info applies.

[@scottday8]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I’m looking forward to what ever you got! But yea my friend told me that the GT version for the six was a suregrip

[@noahlearn7531]

I need you to take a look at my 67 Valiant I can’t get the kick down cable to work correctly. To bad I’m in Pa….

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

What kind of Mopar? I am planning to do a guide video just on that.

[@patricklynch1962]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I'd like to see one on adjusting the kickdowns for 318 2bbl cars circa 1968.

[@TigerDominic-uh1dv]

I liked the 65 4 Door

[@rexkean]

GT life!

[@rickloera9468]

I've never been a fan of these mid sixties Dodge Dart/Plymouth Valiant. The 65 Valiant 2 door sedan and hard top would be the only exceptions. I like the 1960/62, and the 1967/73 Dart and Valiants are my favorite body styles.

[@AIRWOLF222bMW3]

I wish you could help me work on the roadrunner. Need a Mopar pro.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Where are you at? Have we discussed this? I’m in western Washington, pretty far from most things.

[@AIRWOLF222bMW3]

No we’ve never discussed it. I wish. I’m in western Kentucky. Mine spent 30 years in climate controlled storage. So no rust, but you know…she needs…everything.

[@AIRWOLF222bMW3]

Also, have you ever thought about doing short 5 or 10 minute how to videos? Your electrical no start video helped me tremendously. All I ever find online is Chevy and modern stuff or magically they just skip to the end of a complete project. Your instruction videos are awesome and simple to follow.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s unfortunate. Kentucky is a long, long way from here… I’d tell you to ship it on over here but I’ve got just about enough projects to keep me going until o croak. I’d love to help with information if I can. You can always email me at [e-mail].

[@AIRWOLF222bMW3]

Thank you so much!

[@masterofnothingfabrication]

Go the slant six videos !!!

[@JimmyLoose]

Brothers having matching cars. I didn't realize this was a thing. My brother and I both have a '69 Charger, so it must be true.

[@riknaddal2231]

no 60s pony car lighter than an early/late 60s dodger dart gt...imo..and by all means update those front drums to disk brakes....

[@willmont8258]

Why did they get rid of the push button transmission?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I think I read somewhere recently that shifters had to be standardized across the industry starting in ‘65.

[@willmont8258]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I don't like the push button. I wish they never made the push button for the early Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant. Too candy ass for me. That alone would have made me buy something else even though I like the early Dart and Valiant. They also must have been a reason for accidents because it is too easy to push the wrong button by mistake.

[@deepfreezevideo]

Come on man, it's the Buzzin Half Dozen from yer Cousin!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh hell yeah! Technically my buddy’s cousin - but I love a good slant six!

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Should not need that after market fan . The butterfly in the manifold is making it run hot 🔥 put some extractors on it an a 2 barrel manifold with a 350 Holley . An a decent exhaust . That only needs a 4 blade fan . Your losing power an economy . Index the plugs. An adjust the rockers a few extra thou . Look way better in gold 👍🏻💯⛽️🇦🇺 MOPAR for life . .

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The butterfly in the manifold is stuck open. It’s not actually running hot at all. I installed the mechanical fan because the electric setup is nowhere near ideal. It runs awesome and does burnouts without wasting any more of my time. Not my car. Done deal.

[@videodudeX]

Didnt recognize you!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes I’ve been getting that a lot. Haha.

[@Ross046]

The brakes,suspension and steering in that thing terrify me. Compounded by the drop top and seatbelts(????). I'm no safety Sally but a '50's quarter midget might be more survivable in an altercation. Or at least better at avoiding the crash in the first place.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It was the early 60s, we died like men!

[@Ross046]

@@DeadDodgeGarage 🦴🦴🦴😆😆😆😆🦴🦴🦴🦴

[@dnfd737]

add a 2bbl leave stock exahust leave electric fans, 35-45 extra hp easy

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It does burnouts now, I think it’s fine. Lol.

[@graydude4698]

👽 .... ..

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

🥸

[@xlmi7021]

Jamie 2.0...you can actually see the facial expressions without the beard and hat...less homeless vibe, more quirky car dude. Good move!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes my wife told me on the first day that I’m much more expressive without it. I find this funny but it does make sense. Quirky, indeed… 😅

[@brianandrews7099]

I would respectfully argue that the Carter RBS 1 bbl carburetor is the worst carburetor ever made … and I have had the sore feet from walking home due to their failures to back up my claim!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thankfully I’ve never had any run ins with that one. I will try not to…

[@dnfd737]

the electric cooling fan can be worth 25 hp!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’d much rather use a clutch fan to save some drag. Haphazardly slapping an electric fan on isn’t the way.

[@williamanthony5021]

WELL I HOPE THIS COMMENT PUTS A HUGE GRIN ON Y'ALL S FACES 1977 ASPEN WAGON WITH A SUPER SIX BEST STRAIGHT BADD AZZ SIX I EVER HAD. A TWO BARREL CARB. OOOOOHHHH YEAH

[@dnfd737]

lol 2 stage breaks

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Classic

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Loss the after market fan 💩

[@gertv6777]

Lmao a burnout in a stock slant 6

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Isn’t that friggin minty?!

[@TheBest-iv7zi]

BOLO Stolen Green 1970 GTO

[@0004612]

Which state?