In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dodge offered a full roster of performance cars for buyers who wanted both power and muscular styling. By 1972, the lineup of sporty models was slimming down and consisted of the Charger, Challenger, Demon, and Dart. Enthusiasts looking for V8 power in a smaller package would have been drawn to the A-body Demon and Dart models. While the Demon offered somewhat sportier semi-fastback styling, the Dart was considered the more premium car. This was due, in part, to its slightly longer wheelbase of 111 inches versus the Demon’s 108 inches. With large quantities of both models having been produced, current buyers looking for a project have no shortage of choices. Our feature vehicle, a 1972 Dodge Dart Swinger, provides a good starting point with a solid body and a 318ci V8 engine. Located in Katy, Texas, it can be found here on eBay with a BIN price of $10,500.
While the hottest engine option for the Dart in 1972 was the 275hp 340ci V8, this one features the milder 230hp 318ci V8. It looks to be mostly stock, other than the addition of chrome valve covers and an aftermarket air cleaner. The engine is backed up by an automatic transmission, likely a three-speed Torqueflite. The seller notes that the vehicle runs and drives, but the mileage is unknown. The engine bay appears to be fairly rust-free, and the paint looks to be original.
The ad notes that the vehicle needs some interior work, but it doesn’t look like it needs anything too extensive. The seats obviously need to be reupholstered, the passenger side kick panel is missing, and some wiring hanging under the dash needs to be cleaned up. A carpet kit and a good cleaning would finish out the details and help to make things presentable again.
The body shows some rust in the typical areas, but it looks to be fairly solid overall. The fact that the paint is likely original means that its flaws are clearly visible, with no previous sins hiding underneath. With a total of over 140,000 Dodge Dart Swingers produced for the 1972 model year, it is by no means a rare car. However, this one provides a great starting point for restoration, or it could be a drivable work-in-progress. Would you keep the current 318ci V8, possibly with a few upgrades, or swap it out for something even better?
First thing I would do is swap out the mustang hood scoop or aftermarket look a like mustang hood scoop
Looks like the vinyl roof was removed to allow rust repairs and attention. One less task. I can live with the scoop but wish it had the 340…
can 340 heads fit on the 318?
Fit, yes. Worth it? Maybe, depending on what else you do to the engine.
340 heads will fit on a 318. I did that with a hotter cam too. 83/4 grip 323:1 also.
Yes, 340 heads will fit a 318 block. They will give you better breathing with 2.02 intake and 1.60 exhaust valves. What they won’t give you is a forged steel crank and connecting rods, 10.5 to 1 compression cast aluminum pistons with floating pins, a hotter cam, beefed up 2 bolt main caps, a double-row roller timing chain and a windage tray. I’m sure I’m forgetting some things, but those are the major differences between a 318 and 340. There is a reason 340 motors were bulletproof and made a very conservatively rated 45 more hp than 318’s.
I think as long as its an LA motor the heads interchange…..someone more versed in chrysler products would know for sure….
I’m conflicted with this car, on the one hand it’s a fair price for a running V8 car that’s not 100% rust, but it does need rust repair, paint and/or a new vinyl top.
That hood scoop makes my heart hurt. And I’m not digging the homespun bumblebee stripe that’s not legit when a legit one can be had for $100. Looks like a giant piece of electrical tape.
Good starting point for a restoration but I’d try to knock off a couple thousand from the price.
More like about about 2,500 top price. It needs a good bit to make it a $10,500 car. When you can look around and find alot nicer one for alot less then he is asking.
In 1972, as far as Darts go the 340 was only in the Dart Sport and a handful of this body style Darts in Canada, not for US market. So, essentially, this was the biggest engine option in this car for 1972.
You spelled “crappy” wrong.
1972 Darts Never came with a 340, last year was 1971 and sold in Canada only