based on early '60's Mopar Logo

October 2002 Mopar of the Month

1963 Dodge 330

Ken wrote:
 My 1963 Dodge 330 is an ex drag car;
it is mini tubbed with a ladder bar set up.
1963 Dodge 330 front


1963 Dodge front full view


The inner fenders and firewall were cut out long before I bought it. I found a 4 door parts car locally and work began. I completely disassembled the 330 and had the 4:10 geared Dana 60 narrowed 10 inches to accomadate the big Mickey Thompson's. Next I transplanted the firewall and inner fenders. I rebuilt the front suspension and put disc brakes up front.
The engine is a .020 over 440 from Herb McCandless with 9:1 flattops so I can run on pump gas. Herb also fixed me up with a pair of freshened up "452" heads. Wes Leopold port matched the heads to the Max Wedge cross ram which I topped off with a pair of Carter 625 carbs. I put an Mopar Performance 509 cam in the 440 and it fires from an MSD ignition and an MSD billet distributor with Taylor wires. The spent gases exit via TTI headers and 3 inch exhaust with 2 chamber Flowmasters. The Be Cool rad and B&M tranny cooler handles the cooling. 1963 Dodge 440 engine


The torqueflite, including reverse manual valve body and 3000 stall converter, are from Dynamic and I put a 1965 tailshaft and housing on to accomadate the slip yoke setup. Everything is monitored by Autometer tach and gauges and I rewired the entire car with a kit from American Auto Wire.

1963 Dodge 330 dash


Specialized Auto Interiors did the interior, including replacing the outdated roll cage with a Chris Alston Chassis Works 6 point cage with spring loaded swing out bars. The bar behind the front seat swings out too, so the back seat is easily accessible. The battery is mounted in the trunk, under the package tray, and is hidden by a pullout panel.

1963 Dodge 330 roll bar


1963 Dodge 330 trunk 1963 Dodge 330 trunk


The Dodge rolls on polished American Racing torque thrusts and Mickey Thompson's.


1963 Dodge 330 pass side


I did all the body and paint work myself, using PPG base/clear. Knowing it would be black, I spent many, many hours block sanding. Hey, if it ain't right - paint it white! ;-)

The work all paid off when I won first place at the 2001 Mopar Nats in the B-body Dodge modified '62-'72 class with 298 points out of a possible 301.

Since then I've been driving and enjoying this car and hope
to someday have a '63 Plymouth maxie next to it in my garage.
1963 Dodge 330 rear view



Great job, Ken!   smile!

Gary H.


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