If you are looking to restore or buy an early 60’s Valiant (or Dart) spend a bit of time researching the Early Valiant And Dart Engines (engine either in stock or best adaptable form).
Early Valiant And Dart Engines (lightweight A-Body cars) with their low hoods started in the early 60’s with the slant six for hood clearance and economy. This worked well when competing against competitor straight sixes.
Although capable of 145 HP & peak torque curve at a relatively low rpm, those slants were no match for the competitors a-body eight cylinders on the track. Hyperpak slants could almost reach 200 HP but were relatively costly and still limited. See more at:
Along with the earliest Cuda came the 273 LA small-block that gave those vehicles a little pick me up at 180 HP. Those engines were also offered in the Valiant and Dart. A close ratio cast iron four speed behind the V8 made it feel sporty but based on my experience this couldn’t pull a trailer well with the tiny clutch disc and higher rpm torque curve combination.
But not to fear as the Cuda Formula S ( optional in Dart GT, etc,) came with a high performance 235 HP 4 barrel 273 version to keep up with the competitors……at least for a bit. See more at:
EarlyValiantAndDartEngine273HiPerfV8 *
Of course the competition kept going bigger with big blocks so eventually a big block made it’s way into the bigger Cuda and Dart GTS around 1968 (383) but that discussion is for another day.
So depending if you want economy or performance pick wisely…..for my 65 daily driver the 225 Super Six Slant with 2 barrel carb and lightweight aluminum 4 speed Overdrive met my goal of combined good low end torque and good mpg (up to 31 mpg). So pick wisely to meet your needs as your choices are many for those early years among the several sixes and several eights.
*Article submitted by Bruce & Judi Nichols
ps: Before you replace that 273 with a later model 340 (with 275 HP) know that a decent 273 is hard to find and having your 273 rebuilt with high performance parts could be a better alternative in preserving that original appearance.