Was it 1968 or 1969 when Mopar sold from the factory a Dart with a Hemi in it. Not approved for street driving, sold for track use only but in those days you could get by with it on the street as long as the headlights, turn signals, brake lights, etc. were made operational.
One of the car magazines back then tested it on the track and got it down into the 10 second 1/4 mile range.
The Hemi had a rated 425 hp but some say it was more.
That special Dart was light weight, heater omitted, no back seat and other things to keep the weight down.
Boost the horsepower and reduce weight, the double whammy makes you go fast.
Still, getting into the 10 second range for the average guy can be tough and/or expensive.
As mentioned, yah' gotta' get those tires to hook up.
Those 340 engines were designed from the get-go to compete with the competition; Ford and GM. What were they rated at? 275 hp? Some auto writers have said they believe that figure was purposefully understated to keep the insurance companies happy.
There are some really good articles out and about on the Web about the 340 and the cars they came in.
Mopars are expensive to "hot rod," especially when compared to Chevy/GM. Parts costs are higher and there is less stuff available in the aftermarket. Still, someone who knows what they are doing in regards to reducing weight, maximizing power and traction between driven wheel and the pavement and who have a few extra bucks can make a fast machine.
Always did like the Duster/Demon 340 cars. A "poor mans" street machine though they have followed the price curve of steadily rising prices. It's incredible what some of the used muscle cars are going for.
Sniff......
I still sob nearly nightly for passing on the Superbird for $1,800 and the 1971 'Cuda convertible, 440 6-pack four speed in perfect condition for $2,600 or so (was it $2,800?) back in 1974. No place to park them since I was living aboard a warship.
Sigh.........
They coulda' been mine. ALL MINE!!!!!!!!!
Vrooooooom!!!!!!!!!!!