While surfing YouTube, I’ve found a video of a Charger 500 road test in 1969. It’s in “used vhs tape” condition, but is still worthwhile. The Charger 500 is compared to un-named “super” cars in its time.
The video does goes over the differences between the normal Charger and the 500 model too.
NOTE: The last half of the video (after 6:30) is just a replay of the car footage without any sounds.
Notes from the video for anyone to reference:
(this is the Automation forums after all, so I’m sure someone will want to reference these)
Dodge Charger 500
Midsize sedan
117" wheel base
59 1/2" front tracking width
58 1/2" rear tracking width
426ci HEMI pushrod V8
425 rated HP
Front Bucket seats rated great support, also comfortable
All Gauges dash board (no “dummy lights”)
3spd TorqueFlite auto trans
2.8s to 30 mph
4.0s to 45 mph
6.9s to 60 mph
14.10s quarter mile time
(all with wheel spin)
11" Disk front brakes, Drums for rear
40 ft to stop from 30 mph
71 ft to stop from 45 mph
178 ft panic stop from 65 mph
7 or 8 panic stops = overheated brakes
(all with wheel lock-up)
Front suspension = Wishbones with Torsion Bar
Rear suspension = Live Axle with Leaf Springs
Noted for excellent handling with a comfortable ride
That video was taken off the now defunct SpeedVision network (now Fox Sports 1), which specialized in all sorts of racing events and its related activities all over the world.
As for the Charger “500” specs though, it was considered as a full-size tourer judging by the wide front and rear tracks. That HEMI motor was a real handful on the corners and the streets as well. (That could be solved by adding some cool handling upgrades like firmer shocks and wide performance radials for a change)
…not to mention their overall auction price for a restored example, which can exceed US$250k for the “Daytona HEMI” variant
Most were seriously upgraded as drag racers…
…and even to Pro/Touring trim, sometimes including independent suspensions…
…which serve to demonstrate how popular these cars have become, all thanks to all the movies and TV shows where it appeared. (“General Lee” from the original “Dukes Of Hazzard” is a great example of this.)
Continuing the machining theme. Sandvik coromant, one of the largest cutting tool makes in the world, released a excellent short docu about how carbide cutting inserts are made.
Sharing an older vid I liked long ago (and of course still do like)
Details:
It’s a Dart block 331 (small block Ford) built for boost. The transmission is a built AOD that is full manual shift only (no drive mode). In this video I had 3.08 rearend gears, I’m now running 2.73’s. Cheers
Normally runs about 600 HP as stated in the comments in this dyno run:
I just lost it at the police car and traffic control truck.
