1963 Dodge Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts, Figures, and Specifications

1962 Plymouth Facts Specifications Information Data

The 1963 Dodge now sat on a 119 inch wheelbase, competing with Chevrolet and Ford, with only the 880 Series on the longer 122′ wheelbase. Styling was cleaner, but a far cry from its competitors at Mercury and Pontiac.

Cleaning up the Look
for 1963

Dodge restyled again for 1963, cleaning up the rather odd, and considered by some, “ugly”. The front fascia was still controversial, but that would be rectified next year.

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1964 Dodge Resources

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1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts –
Body Paint Color Codes

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1963 Dodge Mid-Size

	A Turquoise
	B Onyx
	C Light Blue
	D Medium Blue
	D Medium Blue
	E Dark Blue
	E Navy Blue
	G Surf Green
	H Forest Green
	J Aqua
	K Slate Turquoise
	L Teal
	M Ivory
	M Ivory
	N Steel Gray
	N Steel Gray
	P Vermilion
	W Polar White
	X Beige
	X Beige
	Y Sandalwood
	Y Sandalwood
	Z Cordovan

1964 Dodge – What’s It Worth?

Related valuations for the 1964 Dodge Line will appear below

1963 Dodge Facts –
Current Market Values

1963 Dodge Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1963 Dodge Mid-Size Car

NOTE: The 1963 Dodge Dart and Polara are categorized in our Fact Sheets as a mid-size car due to its shorter 119 inch wheelbase (which was new for 1963). It was now called the “Standard Size Dodge”, versus the Series 880 that sat on a 122 inch wheelbase that it shared with the Chrysler Newport, Chrysler 300 and 300J. The 880 Line will be covered in its own Fact Sheet.

A Restyle Enhances the Look

The full-size Dodge was once again totally restyled for 1963. The rear end styling was very attractive and the front was just slightly less so. A massive full-width grille, featuring a vertical theme and convex styling, contained the inboard headlights. These were located lower than the outboard units, exactly the opposite of the 1962 styles. A nearly horizontal feature line angled back from the front fenders, to the rear of the car, and dropped down to just in front of the taillights. Large rectangular taillights were used and a three-pointed stylized star, located on the trunk lid, housed the trunk lock. The license plate was recessed in the escutcheon panel.

It should be noted that the “Dart” name was now assigned to the Compact Dodge, replacing the Lancer nameplate. This model will also be covered in a separate Fact Sheet.

Historical

The 1963 Dodges were the absolute terror of the country’s drag strips during 1963. Dodge also continued to be the brand to catch on the drag strips of America. Teams like the Ramchargers, of Michigan, competed in several different classes with their 426 cubic inch powered sedans and station wagons. This popular team painted their cars white with red stripes running along the top surfaces of the cars. The manual transmission equipped cars were called “Candysticks” and the automatic transmission equipped cars were called “Candymatics”.

1963 Dodge Factoids

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The 426 CID Ramcharger V-8 replaced the Ramcharger 413 V-8s. Horsepower increased 415 HP at 5400 RPM with 11.0 compression and 425 HP with 13.5:1 compression – however engineering changes truly added more power and torque. See “Engines” below for more information.

The 426 CID Ramcharger V-8 II replaced the Ramcharger 426 V-8s. The primary bores of the carbs were increased to 1.6875″ And the heads were modified, and a more aggressive camshaft was fitted. (This engine is sometimes called “Ramcharger 426-A”. See “Engines” below for more information.

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Models Offered

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The Dodge 330 was the base trim level Dodge for 1963 and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings, turn signals, electric windshield wipers, sun visors, PCV engine system, and a power tailgate window on nine-passenger station wagons. The Dodge name, in block letters, was found on the right side of the trunk lid. The “330” model line designation was on the roof “C” pillars.

The Dodge 440 was the intermediate trim level Dodge and included all the features of the 330 models, plus front foam cushions, carpeting, and power tailgate window on nine-passenger station wagons. The “440” model designation was found on the roof “C” pillars.

The Polara was the top trim level mid-size Dodge. It included all the features on the 440, plus backup lights, Custom interior and upholstery trim, exterior moldings, and a power top on the convertible. The Polara designation was shown on the roof “C” pillars.

A special high-performance sport model, called the “Polara 500” was available. It included all the features of the Polara, plus bucket seats, rear foam cushions, padded instrument panel, DeLuxe steering wheel, special wheel covers, and the 265 horsepower 383 cubic inch V-8 engine.

Polara 500 models also included special exterior trim on the rear quarter panels behind the rear wheel well.

1963 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Engines

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225 CID Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 225 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches. Compression ratio: 8.20:1. Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 215 @ 2800 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Valve Timing: 232°, Exhaust: 228°, Overlap: 8°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.371″, Exhaust 0.364″. Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball one-barrel: BBS-3466 S or Holley R-2537 A; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBS-3468 S or Holley R-2538 A; or Stromberg WA-3-219.

Base 318 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 318 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.397″, (Exhaust) 0.403″. Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3472 S or Stromberg WW3-222; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3473 S or Stromberg WW3-223.

Dodge 383 CID Single 2-Barrel V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches. Compression ratio: 10.00:1. Horsepower: 305 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 410 @ 2400 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Hydraulic Lifters. Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap: 26°; Lift: (intake) 0.392″, (exhaust) 0.390″. Carburetor: Ball and Ball Two-barrel Model BBD-3475-S.

Dodge 383 CID Single 4-Barrel Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches. Compression ratio: 10.00:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″. Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3437-S.

Dodge 383 CID Single 4-Barrel Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 320 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 2800 RPM. Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″. Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3397-S (1.62″/1.69″) or Large Bore AFB-3559-S (1.69″/1.69″) .