Let me see if I can fill in some blanks.
- The Daytona Charger was a 1969 mid-year introduction, first raced at the notorious inaugural race at Talladega. The 1969 model year began with the Charger 500 with its flat front grille and flush backlite.
- The Hemi breathed better than the wedge right off the bat. Still does. Seen any wedge motors in Top Fuel or Funny Car?
- The Gen-II hemi was fielded just in time for the 1964 Daytona 500, swept the top 7 places. It was available as a crate motor only until 1966 when it was offered in B-body cars.
- Ford ran the 427 from 1963-1968. They ran the 429 from 69-70.
- The 428 is in the same engine family as the 427, but shares no major parts. (Distributors and oil pumps are the only things that interchange IIRC.) The 428 was rated at 345 in the car. NHRA factored the motor to 360.
- Development was rushed, IMHO because Chrysler wanted to take advantage of the element of surprise. It worked. Not only did they sweep Daytona, but made a farce of the '64 season. The engine was banned for '65.
