Mopar's Infamous Hemi - Notable Hemi Vehicles

BO29 - 1968 Plymouth S/S Hemi Barracuda

For many years, dropping the Hemi engine into the Barracuda was a popular way to gain dominance at the dragstrip. Chrysler, with the help of Hurst, sought to duplicate the efforts from the factory. Chrysler would build the Barracudas and ship them to Hurst for the final conversion.

The hood and fenders were fiberglass. The front bumper and doors were light-gauge steel. There was a Bostrom driver seat installed in the gutted interior. Getting the 426 Hemi into the engine bay took some modifications. The battery was moved to the truck. Both the right shock tower and master cylinder had to be moved. Custom headers, shift linkages for the four-speeds, and special rear-axle assemblies from Hurst.

The cars came with street tires and a shallow oil pan off the trailer. Install slicks, a deeper oil pan, camshaft and valvetrain and you were into the 10s... easy. The S/S Hemi Barracudas were delivered in early May so they would be ready to qualify for the NHRA Spring Nationals.

R.D. McLaughlin, Chrysler-Plymouth general sales manager, outlined for dealers and racers what they could order. Here is the letter:

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February 20, 1968

To: All Plymouth Dealers

Subject: 1968 Hemi Barracuda Super Stock

The Chrysler-Plymouth Division offers for the 1968 models a 426 Hemi-Powered Barracuda Fastback for use in supervised acceleration trials. These cars will weigh approximately 3,000 pounds and have been designed to meet the 1968 specifications of the major sanctioning drag strip organizations.

The Hemi-Powered Barracudas will be available through production in limited quantities in March. To order this vehicle, use the Barracuda Order Form and specify Body Code BO29 and Transmission Code, either 4 Speed Manual, Code 393, or Automatic, Code 395. No other specifications are necessary.

Description of Components

426 cu. In. 8-cylinder engine with dual 4-barrel carburetors-12.5 to 1 compression ratio.
Cross Ram Intake manifold.
1 11/16" x 1 11/16" Holley carburetors.
Competition Hooker headers, exhaust pipes, and mufflers.
High capacity oil pump.
Roller timing chain (reduced timing chain stretch for more consistent engine performance).
Mechanical valve gear.
Dual breaker distributor.
Transistor ignition.
Metal core type ignition wires.
Unsilenced air cleaners.
Deep groove fan drive pulleys.
Heavy duty radiator.
Aluminum seven-blade fan equipped with Viscous drive.
Special offset 15" rear wheels.
Chrysler-built 8 3/4" large stem pinion gear set, and heavy-duty axle shafts with automatic transmission (4.86 axle ratio).
Dana-built 9 3/4" heavy-duty axle with manual transmission (4.88 axle ratio).
Sure-Grip differential.
135 Amp. Hr. battery (located in rear compartment).
Heavy-duty high control rear suspension.
Front disc brakes 41/2" Bolt Circle.
Fiberglass front fenders.
Fiberglass hood with scoop.
Light weight steel doors.
Light weight front bumper.
Light weight side window glass.
High capacity fuel lines.
Business coupe interior (2 bucket seats - no rear seat).

For Manual Transmission Only

Special heavy-duty 10 1/2" clutch and flywheel.
Safety steel clutch housing.
Competition "Slick Shift" 4-speed transmission.
Hurst remote mounted floor-shift unit with reverse lockout.

For Automatic Transmission Only

High stall speed torque converter (large drive lugs and 7/16" diameter attaching screws).
Heavy-duty manual shift TorqueFlite transmission.
Hurst floor-mounted shift unit.

Please Note:

The following items are deleted on this body type:

Heater, Body Sealer and Sound Deadeners, Silence Pads, Outside Mirrors, Right Side Seat Belt and Body Color Paint.

NO OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT OF ANY KIND CAN BE ORDERED

The policy of Chrysler Corporation is one of continual improvement in design and manufacture, wherever possible, to insure a still finer car. Hence, specifications, equipment and prices are subject to change without notice.

These vehicles are intended to use in supervised acceleration trials and other competitive events, therefore, they will be sold without warrant. Special stickers will be provided for plant installation (attached to left "A" post) which will read as follows: "This vehicle was not manufactured for use on public streets, roads or highways and does not conform to Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

All customer orders must be accompanied by a signed disclaimer (sample attached) indicating that the purchaser understands that this vehicle is sold without warranty and does not conform to Federal Vehicle Safety Standards.

Any prospective customer who desires to purchase one of these maximum performance vehicles should be made aware of the following characteristics which make them unsuitable for general use.

A high idle speed is required to insure adequate lubrication, minimize roughness, and to keep the engine from stalling.

The modified intake manifold causes a rich surging condition, misfiring and unstable engine operation in cold weather, which makes ordinary street driving extremely difficult and it is not recommended for this use.

Higher than normal oil consumption will be encountered because of increased lubrication to the valve train and cylinder walls.

The carburetors are calibrated for maximum power and a high numerical axle ration is used for acceleration. As a result, the gas mileage is considerably less than for a conventional car.

Engine noise would be objectionable due to increased piston clearance and mechanical valve tappet clearance.

The ignition system is designed for optimum engine output and must be kept in top condition. This makes it necessary to inspect, adjust and replace the spark plugs and ignition points more frequently than would be necessary on a standard engine.

On car equipped with automatic transmission, band adjustment must be made frequently.

Due to performance characteristics, maintenance and operating expense will be high since premium fuel is required and frequent oil changes are a MUST.

Does not conform to Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Warranty and Policy Coverage

Any customer purchasing this model vehicle should be advised that due to the expected use, the vehicle is sold "as is" and the 24 month or 24,000 mile vehicle warranty coverage, the 5 year or 50,000 mile Power Train Warranty coverage, or any other warranty coverage (including, but not limited to the implied warranties of fitness for purpose intended or merchantability) will not apply to the vehicle. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for the manner in which such vehicles operate.

Any repairs or adjustments which you believe warranty factory participation should be brought to the attention of your Regional Service Office where such requests will be handled on individual merits.

Attached is a form letter (to be prepared on your letterhead) which should be thoroughly understood and signed by each prospective purchaser and attached to your order for each Hemi Barracuda Super Stock. The purpose of the letter is to explain the normal operation characteristics of these vehicles and clarify that the warranty coverage's do not apply. Be sure a letter in this form, signed by your customer, is included with your order so there will be no delay.