- 1970 daring, unique facelift
- The potent power plant and worth the extra cost
- A gear-bangin’ fast and fun car to drive
Dodge’s Super Bee was the budget performance model
Dodge’s Super Bee was their budget performance model and it came factory-equipped with a standard 383 Magnum engine, Rallye Suspension, Charger instrument panel, and a manual 3-speed transmission. Torqueflite automatics and 4-speed transmissions were optional, and heavily favored by those who knew and appreciated what these cars were all about, street and strip performance!
Two engine options could be had on Super Bees: the 426 Hemi rated at 425 HP and the “Six Pack” version of the 440-cubic-inch wedge, which had a 390 HP rating.
What the Chrysler engineers did was design a system that featured a center-mounted 350-cfm two-barrel carb (that handled the primary flow), fit it on the manifold where it had equal-length passages to all cylinders, and gave it the usual features including: idle, primary, acceleration, power and choke circuits. The two outboard carburetors with 500-cfm each, and appeared similar to the center unit, but operate via primary venturi vacuum. In total, the Chrysler 440 Six Pack induction provides some 1350-cfm, and it comes in smooth and with excellent throttle response!
The Six Pack was first available as a mid-year option in 1969, however, the ’70 440 six-barrel engines were given a new design with 10.5:1 pistons, new connecting rods with heavier cross-sections, a new lubrite-treated camshaft featuring tapered lobes with a 3-bolt cam sprocket, Hemi roller timing set, heavy-duty rocker arms and Hemi valve springs. The oil pump received a 60-psi relief valve and the intake was now cast iron, built by Chrysler. A very potent powerplant and well worth the extra $249.55 added cost over the standard 383.
This Plum Crazy Purple-painted Six Pack Super Bee is factory fitted with a RAMCHARGER fresh air package, 4-speed gearbox, 3.54 gears with Dana 60 differential, and a white Bumble Bee stripe. The car was ordered with a minimum of options, with performance being the priority. It has manual steering, standard drum brakes and not much else, and today the machine is equipped exactly as it was built back in September of 1969, save for modern rubber.
The standard steering wheel for the Super Bee and the standard dash was the Charger model, which was complete with faux wood finish.
This Super Bee has been preserved to its original condition and is enjoyed just as Mother Mopar intended all those years ago - as a gear-bangin’ fast and fun car to drive!
