1965 Plymouth Belvedere II
Max Wedge
Max Wedge Gene writes: Let me tell you about my 1965 Plymouth.
This car I purchased as an original 361 CID 4 speed car and started the search for the parts to complete a Max Wedge Motor.
It took almost 2 years, but it was worth the wait.
The car is complete as to the original build sheet with the interior by Legendary and Just Dashes.
The motor was built by Ray Barton and is 471 cid with 488 Hp and is regularly street driven:
I remember the day we had the motor on the dyno at Barton's.
Ray looked over the dyno sheet and the torque numbers and remembered that this motor was going
into a 4-speed car with only 3:23 gears for use on the street: he said "Enjoy, but be careful."
Here are some specs:
MP 4.15 crank, J and E pistons 10:1, Eagle rods,
Solid Lifter custom grind Comp Cam, Max Wedge Exhaust Manifolds, MSD ignition,
Accurate Ltd 3 inch Max Wedge Exhaust, Hemi 4 speed with Centerforce clutch by Brewer's Performance.
The heads are uncut Stage I's with Stage III carbs.
See Full Engine Specifications
This car is street driven and a local show winner. Whether at a show or just a cruise this car always attracts a crowd with comments like: "Is that all stock?" or "What is the ride like?"
Some changes for the Spring will be to use original steel wheels with the original hub caps.
I had a Max Wedge years ago that Al Corda, an old friend and Max Wedge Racer, helped me put into a 1965 Coronet 500 with an automatic transmission and a 4000 stall speed converter with 4:88 gears. I thought that beast was responsive, but this one doesn't care what gear you are in, just touch those 2 Carter AFB's and this thing is gone! :-)
I know I could go on and on talking about this car, but I guess it is like that for everyone that has a '62-'65 Mopar. MOPAR surely knew what they were doing when they designed the 426's in those years.
This Plymouth is a great ride!
Fantastic, Gene!
Getting your '65 to the point it is now certainly was worth the two year wait!
Hum, let's see, a 4 speed and all that torque -- makes a fun experience!
I don't have to tell you to enjoy your Plymouth!
How could you not? :-)
Gary H.
November 22, 2001; revised December 7, 2001
