The Dodge Dart Swinger Hardtop, specifically the 1970 facelifted model with the 5.2-liter V8 engine producing 230 horsepower, represents a significant iteration of Dodge’s long-running Dart series. Produced from 1970 to 1973, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the Dart lineup, offering a blend of performance and affordability aimed at the burgeoning muscle car market, while still maintaining a degree of practicality for everyday use. It was part of the fourth generation (Dart IV) which saw a substantial restyling compared to previous models, emphasizing a more aggressive and sporty aesthetic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dodge |
| Model | Dart |
| Generation | Dart IV Swinger Hardtop (facelift 1970) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.2 V8 (230 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1970 |
| End of production | 1973 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 230 Hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 44.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 461 Nm / 340.02 lb.-ft. |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LA 318 |
| Engine displacement | 5211 cm3 / 317.99 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 99.31 mm / 3.91 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 84.07 mm / 3.31 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l / 4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt |
| Coolant | 15.1 l / 15.96 US qt | 13.29 UK qt |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l / 14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal |
| Length | 4978 mm / 195.98 in. |
| Width | 1770 mm / 69.69 in. |
| Height | 1346 mm / 52.99 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2819 mm / 110.98 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Drum |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger Hardtop was the LA 318 cubic inch (5.2L) V8 engine. This engine, a member of the LA series small-block V8s, was known for its durability and relatively simple design. It featured a cast iron block and cylinder heads, with a two-barrel carburetor handling fuel delivery. The overhead valve (OHV) configuration utilized a traditional pushrod valvetrain. The 318 produced 230 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for spirited driving. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, sending power rearward. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual, though automatic transmissions were also available as an option. The LA 318 was a workhorse engine, proving reliable and relatively easy to maintain.
Driving Characteristics
The 1970 Dart Swinger with the 318 V8 and manual transmission offered a satisfying driving experience. While not a dedicated high-performance muscle car like the Charger or Challenger, it provided brisk acceleration and respectable cruising speeds. The three-speed manual transmission, while simple, offered a direct connection to the engine. The gear ratios were optimized for both city driving and highway passing. Compared to the base six-cylinder Dart, the V8 provided a significant boost in performance. It wasn’t as raw or aggressive as the larger 340 or 360 cubic inch engines available in other Dodge models, but it offered a more balanced and accessible driving experience. The rear-wheel drive configuration contributed to a classic muscle car feel, though handling was not as precise as more modern vehicles.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Swinger trim level was positioned as a mid-range offering within the Dart lineup. It included features such as a sporty interior with bucket seats, a center console, and simulated woodgrain trim. Standard exterior features included bright exterior trim, a sporty grille, and Swinger-specific badging. The base interior was vinyl, but cloth upholstery was available as an option. Additional options included a radio, air conditioning, power steering, and upgraded suspension components. The Swinger package aimed to appeal to buyers who wanted a stylish and sporty car without the higher price tag of the more performance-oriented models.
Chassis & Braking
The 1970 Dart Swinger Hardtop utilized a traditional body-on-frame construction. The front suspension consisted of torsion bars, while the rear suspension employed leaf springs. This setup provided a comfortable ride, but wasn’t particularly sophisticated in terms of handling. Braking duties were handled by drum brakes on all four wheels. While adequate for the time, the drum brakes lacked the stopping power and fade resistance of disc brakes. The steering was manual, although power steering was an available option. The 185/70 R14 tires provided a reasonable balance of grip and ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger Hardtop was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and strong V8 engine. However, some critics noted that the handling was not as sharp as some of its competitors. Compared to other muscle cars of the era, the Dart Swinger offered a more affordable entry point into the performance market. It was often compared to the Ford Torino and the Chevrolet Chevelle. The Dart Swinger typically offered better fuel economy than the larger, more powerful muscle cars, but it didn’t quite match the performance of those models. Its reliability was considered good for the era, though maintenance was required to keep the carbureted engine running smoothly.
Legacy
The 1970-1973 Dodge Dart Swinger Hardtop with the 5.2L V8 remains a popular classic car among collectors and enthusiasts. The LA 318 engine is known for its durability and relative simplicity, making it a relatively easy engine to maintain and rebuild. Parts availability is generally good, although some trim-specific components can be difficult to find. Today, these Darts represent an affordable entry point into the classic muscle car market, offering a taste of 1970s American automotive style and performance. While not the fastest or most sophisticated car of its era, the Dart Swinger Hardtop remains a beloved and iconic vehicle.
