1963 Dodge RAMPAGE
Joe writes:
Thank God for Joe Lomastro senior, for letting me buy this car. I was 19. It
was fast: with cheater slicks (7 inch) the best was 12.99 at Flemington Drag
Strip, New Jersey. After installing Stage 2 carbs, and cam, it dropped down to a best
of 12.72.
Does anyone out there remember it? It was a 1963 white Dodge, with RAMPAGE on the
front fender.
I have no pictures of car, but if you do please email me!
Joe in New Jersey at this e-mail: wktu92@optonline.net
Paperwork from the car:
Reedman Dodge Inc.
RD #1 Lincoln Highway
Langorne, PA
Subject: Characteristics of maximum performance 426 cu.in. super stock
engine,and disclaimer of warranty coverage.
The Maximum performance 426cu.in. super stock engine is available on all 1963
Dodge models. These power plants are designed for maximum performance where
peak acceleration is desired.
Cars equipped with these engines are intended for use in supervised
acceleration trails. They are not intended for highway or general passenger car
use because of compromise of all around characteristics which must be made for
this type of vehicle.
Any prospective customer who desires to purchase a vehicle equipped with one
of these maximum performance engines should be made aware of the following
characteristics which make them unsuitable for general use:
1, a high idle speed is required to insure adequate lubrication,minimum
roughness,and to keep the engine from stalling.
2, a long-duration camshaft causes a rough high speed idle and poor low speed
response.
3, since there is no intake manifold heat control,the engine will be slow to
warm up and carburetor icing may occur,during cold weather, a rich surging
condition misfiring, and unstable engine operation will be encountered--
which makes ordinary street driving extremely difficult and it is not
recommended for this use.
4, higher than normal oil consumption will be encountered because of
increased lubrication to the valve train and cylinder walls.
5, the carburetors are calibrated for maximum power and a high numerical axle
ratio is used for good acceleration,as a result, the gas mileage is
considerably less than conventional cars.
6, engine noises would be objectionable due to increased piston clearance and
mechanical valve tappet clearance.
7, 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 plugs,
and ignition points more frequently than would be necessary on a standard
engine.
8, on cars equipped with automatic transmission, band adjustments must be made
frequently.
9, due to performance characteristics,maintenance and operating expense will
be high,since premium fuel is required and frequent oil changes are a must.
Warranty and Policy Coverage
As a prospective purchaser of the maximum 426 cu.in. super stock engine you
should be advised that due to the expected use of vehicles equipped with
these performance engines, the 12 month or 12,000 mile vehicle warranty
coverage and 5 year or 50,000 mile power train warranty coverage will not
apply to these vehicles.
6132184424 serial # ???????????????
As a prospective purchaser of a 1963 Dodge equipped with the maximum
performance 426 cu. in. super stock engine, I have read the performance details
and understand the warranty limitations as set forth in this letter.
Dealer
Reedman Dodge Inc.
Purchaser
Joe Lomastro
Date 7/3/63
Update June 2005
After 43 years I found the car! It’s still being raced out in Michigan.
I'm still asking for old pictures, so if anyone has some old photos of the 1963 Dodge Rampage please let me know at my wktu92@optonline.net e-mail.
Thanks for sharing the great memories, Joe! 
Anyone have a picture in their scrapbook of Joe's '63?
Gary H.
January 22, 2002;
Revised June 16, 2005