Single quad-equipped 383 cubic inch mill puts out 330 "potent ponies."

Plush interior sports a folding arm rest and metal-to-metal safety belts.

Instrument layout is good except for the use of an oil pressure "idiot light."

DODGE FINALLY   joined the big swing to four speeds and announced the availability of the Warner T-10 gearbox. Finding this information out, we placed our order with the Dodge News Bureau for a new four-speeder for testing. Rather than request a stripped-down dragging model, we put our order in for the popular Polara hardtop. We wanted to see what a fully equipped road car would do when combined with a 383 cube mill and the new four speed Warner box.

After "Moon" Mullins put on 600 break-in miles, the Polara was turned over to us for testing. Our test car was an attractive Polara two-door hardtop with full power "goodies". Equipment consisted of power steering, power brakes, plush interior appointments, radio, etc. My biggest surprise came when I started the car. A quick turn of the key and the engine immediately came to life and idled as docily as a compact economy car.

After negotiating New York City traffic, I was convinced that "Moon" swapped the 330 hp 383 cube mill for a 318 cube 230 hp engine! When the traffic finally broke up, I found myself idling at a traffic light next to a spanking new Chrysler 300 J. The deep-throated rumble of his exhaust pipes confirmed the fact that he was running one of the new 390 hp powerhouses. A few disdainful glances from the 300 "pilot" encouraged me to find out just how potent this new four speed 383 is.

Burying the "loud pedal" in first gear plastered my back to the seat and a quick shift to second kept it there for quite a while.The 300 J came on strong, but ended up being represented by a small image in the rear view mirror! By flooring the pedal, that docile, well behaved powerplant turned into a storming Super/Stocker. It took a while to get used to the flexibility of this impressive engine. Cam timng, carburetion and proper gear ratios account for the flexibility.

Carburetion is handled by a single husky Carter AFB with two 1.437-inch diameter primary barrels and two 1.562-inch secondary barrels. Total venturi area with all four- barrels open is more than 7 square inches! The 268 degree hydraulic lifter cam is perfect for docile street operation as well as potent strip performance. Our test Polara was equipped with the popular Warner T-10 all-synchromesh transmission running ratios of 2.20-1st gear, 1.66 2nd and 1.31-3rd. The Sure-Grip rear end was equipped with 3.55 gears, nice for all around performance and road driving. For serious competition, the 3.91 rear would be closer to ideal.