Posts Tagged: EPA
The 1971 Dodge Charger rolled out with a fresh look, as if it had just come from the muscle car spa. Now 115 inches long, it’s on a diet, shedding 2 inches but still packing a punch with six models to choose from. With 82,681 Chargers built, it was a roaring success, though only 85 brave souls got the Hemi engine and 277 the legendary 440 six-pack. It’s like finding the golden ticket in your chocolate bar! Shoutout to Gateway Classic Cars for the drool-worthy images.
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 is a muscle car marvel, boasting a revamped design and the most powerful engine of its era—the LS6 big block. With a whopping 450 hp, this beast could outpace your neighbor’s lawnmower with ease. Only 137 are officially registered today, making them rarer than a unicorn at a car show. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you’d better have a spare pair of pants for when you hit those exhilarating 500 bhp speeds!
The fourth-generation El Camino (1973-1977) was the largest yet, boasting a two-door Chevelle wagon platform with bumpers that could absorb a small asteroid. Think Malibu interior with a twist, and you’ve got the Classic model. Handling was as smooth as a jazz sax thanks to a wider wheel track and computer-designed coil springs. Engine options ranged from “get me there” to “hold my coffee,” peaking with a 454-cubic-inch beast. New features included swivel seats, turbine wheels, and a gas tank that could outlast your bladder.
The Plymouth Duster (1970-1976), a budget-friendly muscle car, rolled out with a two-door coupe design and shared its platform with the Valiant. Initially, it offered four engine choices, including the fan-favorite 340 cu in V8. The Duster’s price tag was lighter than a diet cola, making it an attractive option against pricier competitors. With trims like the Gold Duster and Space Duster, it covered style and utility. Despite EPA-induced horsepower dips, it still revved up excitement!
The 1970 and 1971 Plymouth Barracuda shed its economy car roots in favor of pure muscle, ditching the Valiant ties and embracing its new ‘cuda persona. With a platform shared with the Challenger, the ‘cuda packed a punch with its V8 options, including the beastly 426 Hemi. However, the 1971 model faced horsepower cuts due to stricter regulations. Despite this, the ‘cuda flaunted vibrant colors like “Sassy Grass Green” and luxurious interiors, proving it’s not just about brawn—it’s about style, too.
In 1968, the Dodge Dart got a facelift and a new attitude, thanks to some racing enthusiasts whispering sweet nothings in Chrysler’s ear. Enter the Hurst-Hemi Dart, a bare-bones, speed-demon with a 426-cubic-inch Hemi engine that could blaze through a quarter-mile in under 11 seconds. Only 50 of these beasts were made, each sporting fiberglass fenders, a Hurst shift kit, and a no-frills interior. If you find one, it might cost you around $250,000, but hey, what’s pocket change for a piece of automotive history?
Dive into the world of the Corvette C5 (1997-2004), where style met speed in a dance of engineering genius! From the debut of the fastback coupe and convertible—first with a trunk since 1962—to the snazzy fixed roof coupe, the C5 was all about options. With its LS1 engine and Borg-Warner T-56 six-speed, this beast could hit 175 mph, all while sipping fuel like a dainty tea-drinker. And with gadgets like HUD and variable assist steering, it was as tech-savvy as it was fast. A real speedster with a penchant for efficiency!
Fuel delivery systems have evolved, leaving carburetors reminiscing about their heyday. Fuel injection, the cool kid on the block since the ’60s, has taken over, offering precise power with fewer emissions. Carburetors, with their simple charm, can’t quite compete with injectors’ pressurized vapor party. Meanwhile, turbochargers and superchargers argue over who gives more oomph, while fuel injectors stand smugly, knowing they’ve got the muscle (car) edge.