Mailbag

Our Readers Sound Off.

Press on Regardless

I want to thank Roger Meiners for writing the article in Jan/Feb MM about my father (Gene Henderson). Gene passed in April of 2005 after succumbing to long time diabetes symptoms. He was still very much involved with rallying in North America right up until about 2003 at which point he finally sold his rally retail business “Competition Ltd.” (est. 1969). Though Gene has left his mark in rallying, his name has begun to fade. It was refreshing to know (through Mike Van Loo) that you were going to write an article about my (I consider famous) father. Publishing an article about him keeps him “alive” for me, if for no one else. Not only was he a Dearborn police officer, but he had also served his country in the Philippines along with General MacArthur. He also performed numerous rally adventures at the Arctic Circle from the 1990s–2001 (Alcan 5000, Rally of the Lost Patrols).
Mark Henderson
Via e-mail

Mopar Magazine is honored to publish an article about an icon automotive rallyist that had accomplished so much in his lifetime including serving his community and country. —Ed.

1964 Dart V-8

Regarding the Tech Q&A section of the Jan/Feb MM issue, where the reader posed the question about installing a 4-bbl carb in his 1964 Dart w/318 and MM pointed out that Mopar does not offer any parts for the “poly” 318 (1957–66). I would like to point out that the 1964 Dart was not available with the “poly” 318 V-8 engine. The only V-8 available (from the factory) was the “LA” 273 engine. I’m an automotive parts inventor with a few patents, and longtime collector/restorer of Mopars and I’m just trying to save the reader time and money in case his or her car does not have the poly 318 under the hood—that may have been installed over the vehicle’s life (not factory installed).
Bill Willison
Via phone

Thank you for taking the time to clarify this important information about V-8 engine availability in the 1964 Dart. Mopar offers a number of parts for the LA family of engines: 273 (1964–69), 318 (1967–91), 340 (1968–73) and 360 (1971–92), including an aluminum dual-plane 4-bbl intake manifold, part no. P4876335AB (shown above) available for the LA 273/318 w/stock cylinder heads. —Ed.

My Mopars

I am Mopar crazy as you can see. Pictured are my 2008 Ram 2500 along with my son’s 2006, 2001 Viper GTS/ACR, 1971 Demon with 440 cid engine, 2007 Charger SRT8,® 1968 Dart GTS with 572 cid wedge & 1968 Plymouth Sport Coupe with only 62,000 original miles. Hope to be adding more soon. I really like your magazine, keep up the good work.
Jerry Cox
Midland, Texas

Wow … that’s quite a fleet of Mopars, Jerry, and thanks for the kind thoughts! —Ed

Rumble in my Ride

I e-mailed in late November about putting a Mopar Cat-BackTM exhaust on my 3.5L 2007 Charger. I had it done through my Dodge dealer. You were right, a little rumble. The performance magazine said: improved horsepower and torque. Well depending how you start from a stop influences the rumble or roar. Keep the start below 2000 RPMs and you’re okay. But you do get more horsepower, torque and yes, improved fuel economy. Anyone with a 3.5L that wants a little more go-go-go may want to consider this mod.
Ray Barrett
Via e-mail

Thanks for your insights, Ray. Many MM readers have a 3.5L in their LX/LC platform Chargers, 300s, Magnums and Challengers. We’re glad to pass along the info. —Ed.

Viva Dodge

I love Dodge! Since gas prices have dropped, I plan to buy one soon. I’m in the San Fernando Valley on a Huffy. That should say it all. Anyhow business is all right and it’s time to buy American, right—yes.
Dave Cost
Tarzana, Calif.

That kind of enthusiasm for Dodge deserves some coverage in Mopar Magazine. —Ed.