So i just got a 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger and since i am new to a few things on it i wanted to see if anyone could answer my questions. First off. Does anyone know any good websites for performance parts for the slant 6? I am thinking of later on... few years from now changing it over to a 360 or a 440 but for the time being i would like to get a little more performance out of the slant. Second does anyone know anything about replacing vinal tops? the one on the car is white and is peeling off and just in not so good shape so i wanted to rip it off and replace it with a black top. i was just wondering how its held on.. is it some kind of glue or what? the only tops i am familiar with is the newer caddys. and they are screwed on. and finally i would like to do something with the wheels. the guy before me put 13s in the front and 14s in the rear. the fronts are a measly 155 80 13 which is not good for anything. i would like to have at least 15s front and back or if i am going to go all out i would do 17s in the front and 18s in the rear. my question is what backspacing do i need? and how wide can i go on the stock suspension.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

 

Look at the door tag. Should be able to fit 15x7 stock rim. Someone correct me if I am wrong. I think those were still a 4.25 backset. 17 and 18's are not made for Chryslers unless you are going to spend money on modifying the suspension. There are plenty of nice looking rim/tire combos in 15's. It may be the cool thing, but not the car to experiment with. My wife wants to do the same thing with the Challenger. I told her not spending money on mods.

 

thanks for the reply. i found some craigers in a 15x7 so i will probably do that. as for the other questions i am just going to do alot of searching since no one has any answers.

 

The best online forum I have found is *******. There are alot of people on there. This forum does not get many hits from what I can see.
I deal with the earlier Dart parts, 67-70, but if you need something let me know. My uncle is my mentor and he has been doing this stuff for over 40 years.

 

You can get an Offy intake and bigger carb for the 6, plus a header will open up the back side. If i remember you can still get a cam for it too.

Bad news is Darts don't have room for too much meat on the 15 inch wheels.

 

Darts have good traction and suspension without all the extras.Good springs and shocks with a well balanced motor can run strong. I have 4 darts and counting and never had to put a wider tire to keep up with those chevy or ford brands.

 

I put 15x8 and 15x6 Cragars on my 1971 Demon 340. The 15x7 will not fit in the front of mine....
FF