1967 ~ Barracuda 383-S and Dart GTS-383 ~ 280 HP 'How can this be.'

Here's what Hemmings had to say.

The task of fitting an A-body Mopar with a 383 included more than just shoehorning the big-block engine into the compact chassis, though that feat required some modifications to the unit-body's K-frame to accommodate the larger block. In order to fit in the smaller chassis, the exhaust manifolds had to be redesigned to fit inside the fender wells and clear the steering shaft on the driver's side and the torsion bar on the right side.

But Chrysler engineering re-worked the engine beyond the simple cast-iron jujitsu required to fit the more restrictive manifolds. The engineers spec'ed a similar Carter AFB carburetor as found on the bigger cars, but fitted one with a slightly reduced capacity. The '67 A-body 383's AFB was rated a 525 CFM, versus the B-body's 575 CFM. Cylinder heads with smaller exhaust valves and a milder cam matched the exhaust manifold changes, and the carburetor was calibrated for the slightly lower output engine. The end result was a drop in output from the Charger's 325 hp and 425 lb.ft. of torque to 280 hp and 400 lb.ft. in the Dart GT. Though in a car weighing several hundred pounds less than the Charger, the Dart GT's 383 gave plenty of go power.

The lack of power steering had nothing to do with drag strip intentions and reducing parasitic losses. It was simply that the modified exhaust manifold did not leave enough space for a power-steering pump, giving all '67 383 Dart GT owners a workout navigating parking lots. Make that a sweaty workout, as the installation of the 383 also obviated the availability of air-conditioning.