1974 Dodge Dart Sport

[BornNaked]

Hey Fellas.

This year, Im taking on my very first muscle car project. A 1974 Dart Sport with a 340 my dad bought back when I was 13 in 1997. I am no mechanic. But Im good with my hands and im typically a smart guy. Been a Mopar guy since childhood thanks to a great father.

Ive taken the better half of the last year to learn as much as I can about the mechanics of the fuel system, brake system, drivetrain and the motor (340 4bbl)

Plans for 2025:
Pull motor out of car so I can prep to send it out for a rebuild (Going to have a bunch of questions for that coming soon.)
Drop gas tank to inspect (It sat for the better part of 20 years)
Fix brake lines (There is a leak by the driver side front tire)
Clean out the interior. Looks moldy in spots. Smells musty.

From what I remember when I drove it in my teenage years (Im 40 now), I know that the rear end is 4:10 sure grip. It didn't like highways and it shifted hard (Maybe a shift kit on the 727 automatic) So I can image myself looking to change out for 3.55so it would be a better cruiser.

I don't have many people to bounce ideas off of. I'm hoping all of you can be my guidance through out the journey. Thank you all in advance

 

[supertruck]

Great to see another 340 Sport on here. Not too many make it. For inspiration, here's my 4-year project, exactly like the first new car I ever bought. Tracked it down in 2016, purchased it, and restored it. Lots of body work and rust repair. Wasn't in as nice a shape as yours. For your gearing, consider the 200-4R swap. Keep the 4.10, get an OD transmission, and not have to cut the tunnel.

 

[Kern Dog]

I don't think they still had the 340 in 1974 so someone swapped that one in.
No matter, these cars get modified and parts get replaced all the time. I love all the Dusters, Dart Sports and Demons. I've had a few myself.
Here is one of mine....a 1973 that was an original 340 model that I bought as a roller:

The wheelwells were radiused for some reason. The fenders were replaced so I replaced the quarter skins too.

I am not usually a fan of body colored bumpers with the exception of black cars.

I tucked the bumpers in as tight as I could do.

This one was sold about 7-8 years ago.
Cheers!

 

[BornNaked]

I do know the 340 is not original to the 74. But its such a fun motor, its staying

The first stage of the restoration will be pulling the motor. Im still learning about all of the functionality.

Does anyone have any resources that makes learning things about the drive train and how things function? Im currently learning why all the vacuum tubes exist that is connected to the motor.

 

[QuickDart360]

I do know the 340 is not original to the 74. But its such a fun motor, its staying

The first stage of the restoration will be pulling the motor. Im still learning about all of the functionality.

View attachment 1716347557
Does anyone have any resources that makes learning things about the drive train and how things function? Im currently learning why all the vacuum tubes exist that is connected to the motor.

Looks nice in engine bay. We'll outer side of car is clean too. Why don't you try and get it running as is? Maybe spray Marvel mystery oil in all cylinders to soak and try to fore it up after soaking for some days or a week. I bet it'll run good!!

 

[HPP]

Nice starting point.

I'd suggest getting a Factory Service Manual. You want to get original factory manuals, not something like Chilton or Motor. These also are more in depth than the glove box owner's manual as they get into all systems, options, troubleshooting and service.

For this year there will be two, one for all the mechanical systems and one for the body and related panels and items. You can get these as electronic copies that you can view on your computer and print out pages for when you work on the car, or you can get physical copies that you can keep inthe garage.

Online versions can be here: Service Manuals – MyMopar