66 Dart Owners thread

Welcome to the club Ed. (and welcome to the Mopar world) That's a nice 66 you have there. It looks like a fun driver. You can enjoy it as you're fixing it up. Those west coast cars are so clean compared to those from the rust belt here in the midwest. Mine was an Iowa car but 2 owners ago it was owned by an old guy that didn't drive it in the winter. The next owner had it stored for years and I don't drive it in the snow so mine has had a pretty easy life the last 15 years or so. It helps preserve it.
I don't know of any way to tell if the engine is a true HP except by looking the pistons. They are domed whereas the standard motor has flat tops with 4 valve reliefs. The pistons, carb, intake, air cleaner, valve covers, and dual point dist. make the HP engine and I'll bet that's what you have. Look at the rear axle and if it has a metal cover like a 10 bolt Chevy it will be the 7 1/4. If it has a smooth back like a 9" ford it is the 8 3/4. Most of the automatic cars had 7 1/4's unless they were ordered with the HD package. You have the 10" brakes so you may have the 8 3/4 though. Do you have a front sway bar also? I had better get to work. Keep us posted on your progress. Mike