Test drive report for a 340 Challenger

by **jh27n0b** » 27 Dec 2007 22:04

I was given a December 1969 Popular mechanics magazine. In it is a road test of a 1970 Challenger 340 four speed. It is lime green with a white vinyl top. I found it to be very interesting. I hope you guys do also.

I hope everyone is having a good holiday.
Bob

by **jh27n0b** » 27 Dec 2007 23:10

I found it interesting that it has 14" wheels and no hood scoops. I thought all 340 Challengers came with those options as part of the 340 package. This must be an early built car. I wonder if this car still exists? Maybe Barry has it on file?

Bob

by **Jimiboy** » 28 Dec 2007 11:30

Cool articles Bob! That looks a bit woobly i think, wonder if it is swaybars on that car?

It surely are an "earlie built" one, the Mag. was from -69 right? :wink:

Maybe the scoop came along with the R/T package and later the Rallye package, not necessary with the engine size...(?) Dave?
The F70*14 (Good Year) came as standard with the later Rallye package, like mine anyway, and 15" was special order.

I also wish everyone a Great Holiday!

/Jim

by **Eddie** » 28 Dec 2007 14:27

farout man! :mrgreen:

Thanks for posting Bob!!

by **christer** » 28 Dec 2007 22:04

jh27n0b wrote:I was given a December 1969 Popular mechanics magazine.

The cover looks like this in case anyone wonders.

by **christer** » 28 Dec 2007 22:09

Jimiboy wrote:That looks a bit woobly i think, wonder if it is swaybars on that car?

No rear sway bar if you ask me. It looks like the rear of the car is sitting too low (Take a look at the fourth scan.). Or?

by **christer** » 28 Dec 2007 22:18

Very intresting reading! Thanks for posting.

"Trunk surprised me with its roominess, thanks mainly to collapsible spare tire."

I have NEVER heard anyone saying THAT before! :s022:

Compared to what?

"Those wipers are really hidden. The rear lip of the hood sweeps up an inch or two and the gap for the wipers to move through isn´t great, meaning there shouldn´t be a lot of snow caught there. This, of course, is a guess on my part, but I´m no stranger to snow and the troubles that it can whip up in a hurry on the highway."

Are you having problems with your Challengers in the winther-time, guys? :mrgreen:

I bet it is only Santa who is foolish (?) enough to be driving a Challenger in the winther-time? :s025:

Please, correct me if I am wrong.

by **dave-r** » 28 Dec 2007 22:41

christer wrote:No rear sway bar if you ask me. It looks like the rear of the car is sitting too low (Take a look at the fourth scan.). Or?

The rear will squat down at speed due to the amount of lift (370lbs at 100mph) at the front. This added 75lbs of weight to the rear.

I think rear sway bars were an after thought that came in later in the model year?

by **Jon** » 28 Dec 2007 23:00

Thanks for posting the article. An interesting look at the early 70's era. :s002:

I wondered if the car tested had the a66 option. It does lean quite a bit towards the outside rear. Mine has no rear sway bar on it so maybe that was not a part of the performance package option?

The discussion about the lack of noise from the wind screen area seems correct. I have always bragged about being able to hold a conversation (without yelling) while driving with the window open. There is very little wind turbulence, I can easily light a cigarette even at cruising speed.

Re: Test drive report for a 340 Challenger