The 1970 Dodge Challenger RT – A New Pony Car is Born

The 1970 Dodge Challenger RT a Muscle Car, Pony Car, and a Luxury Car all in one awesome package.

1970 Dodge Challenger RT

And they’re off, in the lead the Ford Mustang (introduced in 1964), in second the Chevrolet Camaro (Sep 12, 1966), in 3rd is the Mercury Cougar (Sep 30, 1966) and close behind in 4th is the Pontiac Firebird (Feb 1967). AMC joins the race with the Javelin (Aug 1967) and then the AMX (Feb 1968). Chrysler finally got a horse in the race in September 1969 with the Introduction of the 1970 Dodge Challenger. Followed by the Plymouth Barracuda in the middle of 1970.

Chrysler was last to enter into the Pony Car race. With the Challenger in late 1969 and then with the Cuda in the Mid 70s. However, they produced 2 of the most powerful, iconic, and sought-out pony cars of the era.

In the fall of 1969 Dodge started selling their all-new Challenger. It was built on Chrysler’s new E-Body platform. The E-Body combined components of Chrysler’s A and B-Body platforms and featured a long hood line with a short rear deck. The E-Body was shared by the Dodge Challenger and the Plymouth Barracuda. Both cars look very similar however the Challenger used a longer 110″ wheelbase While the Barracuda had a 108″ wheelbase.

The Challenger was offered with many different drive-train options. Starting from the Slant Six to the all concurring 426 Hemi. It was available with many trim levels to draw as many buyers as possible. A Challenger could be ordered bare-bones commuter, a luxuries muscle car, or stripped down fire breading racer.

1970 Dodge Challenger RT

The R/T or Road and Track models were the performance trimmed Challengers. Available in the base 2-door hardtop, the 2-door SE with a vinyl roof and leader seats or 2-door Convertible.

1970 Dodge Challenger RT Drivetrain

Challenger RT – Engines

383 Magnum V8

Standard Engine: 383 cubic inch overhead valve V8 engine. With 4-Barrel carburetor and dual exhaust.
A Chrysler cast iron, B Block with 4.25” bore and 3.38” Stroke. Cast iron heads, with wedge shape combustion chamber and 9.5:1 compression ratio. Rated at 335 horsepower @ 5200 rpm and 425 lb-ft of torque @ 3400 rpm.

Challenger R/T 440 engine

Option Code E86: 440 cubic inch overhead valve V8 engine. With 4-Barrel carburetor and dual exhaust. Option Price $130.55
A Chrysler casts iron, B Block with 4.32” bore and 3.75” Stroke. Cast iron heads, with wedge shape combustion chamber and 9.7:1 compression ratio. Rated at 375 horsepower @4600 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque @ 3200 rpm.

440 Six-Pack Engine

Challenger R/T 440 Six-Pack

Option Code E87: 440 cubic inch overhead valve V8 engine. With three 2-Barrel carburetors and dual exhaust. Option Price $249.55
A Chrysler casts iron, B Block with 4.32” bore and 3.75” Stroke. Cast iron heads, with wedge shape combustion chamber and 10.3:1 compression ratio. Rated at 390 horsepower @4700 rpm and 490 lb-ft of torque @ 3200 rpm.

426 Hemi Engine Bay

1970 Dodge Challenger RT 426 HEMI

Option Code E74: 426 cubic inch overhead valve V8 engine. With two 4-barrel carburetors and dual exhaust. Option Price $778.75
A Chrysler cast iron, B Block with 4.25” bore and 3.75” Stroke. Cast iron heads, with hemispherical combustion chamber and 10.3:1 compression ratio. Rated at 425 horsepower @5000 rpm and 490 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm.
Only 356 total 1970 Challenger RT were produced with the 426 Hemi engine. These make them the rarest and most desirable to collectors. Some very rare models have been sold for over 1 million dollars at auction.

1970 Dodge Challenger RT – Horsepower

383 CI V8: 335 HP @ 5200 rpm and 425 lb-ft of Torque @ 3400
440 CI V8: 375 HP @ 4600 rpm and 480 lb-ft of Torque @ 3200 Torque
440 Six-Pack: 390 HP @ 4700 rpm Torque 490 lb-ft of Torque @ 3200 Torque
426 Hemi: 425 HP @ 5000 rpm Torque 490 lb-ft of Torque @ 4000

1970 Dodge Challenger RT – Transmission Options

In 1970 all Challengers came Standard with a 3-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed manual and Automatic Transmissions were available as options.

RT’s Standard Transmission: Chrysler A-230 manual 3 speed with floor-mounted shifter with cast iron Case

Gear Ratios

1 = 2.55
2 = 1.48
3 = 1.00

Optional 4 speed: Chrysler A-833 4 speed with floor-mounted pistol-grip Hurst shifter with cast iron Case. All 4-speed cars came with Dana 60 rear axle.
Gear Ratios:

1 = 2.66
2 = 1.91
3 = 1.39
4 = 1.00

Optional Automatic Transmission: Chrysler A-727. TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
Gear Ratios

1 = 2.45
2 = 1.45
3 = 1.00

1970 Dodge Scat Pack Challenger Image

1970 Dodge Challenger RT Rear Axle Options

For the Challengers many Rear Axle choices were available. All R/T Models got either an 8 ¾” or 9.75” ring gear with optional “SureGrip” limited-slip differentials. The 8 ¾” axle came with 2.76, 3.23, 3.55, or 3.91 to 1 gear ratio. While the Dana 60 9 3/4” axle was available with 3.54 1 and 4.10 to 1 ratio.

R/T Axle Packages

Performance Axle Package – Code A36
3.55 axle ratio with Sure Grip limited slip with 8 3/4” ring gear. Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator, 7 Blade Fan, and Hemi Suspension Handling Package. Available for 383 with TorqueFlite or 4-Speed transmission, 440 or 426 Hemi with TorqueFlite transmission.

Price

383 4-Barrel ……………………………………….$102.15
440 4-Barrel or 6-Pack………………………… $92.15
426 Hemi ……………………………………………$64.40

Super Performance Axle Package – Code A32
4.10: axle ratio Dana 60 with Sure Grip limited slip and 9 3/4” ring gear. Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator, 7 Blade Fan, and Power Disc Brakes. Available for 440 or 426 Hemi with TorqueFlite transmission without HD Brakes, or AC.

Price

440 4-Barrel or 6-Pack………………………… $250.65
426 Hemi …………………………………………… $221.40

High-Performance Axle Package – Code A31
3.91: axle ratio with Sure-Grip limited slip. Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator, 7 Blade Fan, and Hemi Suspension Handling Package. Available for 383 4-Barrel. Without AC.

Price

383 4 Barrel ………………………… $102.15

Track Pak Package – Code A33
3.54 axle ratio Dana 60 with Sure Grip limited slip and 9 3/4” ring gear. Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator and 7 Blade Fan.
Available in 440 or 426 Hemi with 4-speed transmission without AC.

Price

440 4-Barrel or 6-Pack………………………… $142.85
426 Hemi …………………………………………….$142.85

Super Track Pak Package – Code A34
4.10 axle ratio Dana 60 with Sure Grip limited slip and 9 3/4” ring gear. Available for 440 or 426 Hemi with 4-speed transmission without AC. A34 Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator and 7 Blade Fan.

440 4-Barrel or 6-Pack………………………… $142.85
426 Hemi ……………………………………………$142.85

1970 Dodge Challenger RT Chassis

Built on the new Chrysler E platform with unibody design which was shared by the Plymouth Barracuda. However, the Challenger is 4 1/2” longer overall and has a 2” longer wheelbase compared to the Barracuda. The E platform chassis featured front independent torsion bar suspension with anty roll bars. At the rear a live axle with leaf springs suspension.

R/T Brakes

Standard brakes on all R/T’s were 11.0 × 3.0 inch-cast iron front drum and 11 × 2 ½ inch rear.
Optional Power assisted brake with front 10 ¾ front cast-iron disc, with single-piston caliper and rear 10 × 2 ½ inch cast-iron drums.

Dodge Scat Pack Logo

R/T Suspension

Heavy-duty suspension with font uneven upper and lower Control Arms, with torsion and anti-sway bars. Rear live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and optional anti-sway bar.

R/T Steering

All Challengers came standard with a manual recirculating ball-style gearbox. A power-assisted Box was optional.

Wheels & Tires

Base Steel Wheel
Except for the Hemi models R/Ts got the stamped 5 lug 14” X 6” steel wheels. Optional 15” x 7” base steel wheels were available and came standard on all Hemi cars. The Base steel wheels were painted body color and came with a trim ring and dog dish hubcap.

Rallye Wheels Code W21
The Rallye wheels were optional in 14” x 5.5” or 15” x 7” sizes. Hemi cars could only be ordered with the 15” X 7”. They also came with a trim ring and silver center cap.

Magnum 500 Wheels Code W23
14 × 5.5” Magnum 500 five-spoke Chrome wheels were available for non-Hemi models.

Tires

All Challengers came with Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. Size F70 X 14 standard and E60 x 15 optional on non Hemi R/Ts. Hemi models only got the larger E60 x 15 tires.

1970 Dodge Challenger RT Styling

Exterior Styling

Just like the rest of the car Dodge gave their customers the flexibility to style and customize their Challenger’s exteriors to their individual taste. Dodge offered multiple colors, hoods, mirrors, vinyl tops, and stripes to make it your own.

Looking at the front of the Challenger R/T it has 4 headlights, recessed grill with R/T bagging. A slim chrome bumper that is shaped and molded into the fenders. While chrome trim molding wraps around the fenders and hood. And the bulged hood with 2 scoops gives the R/T a very mean and aggressive look.

All Challenger R/T models came with the Power Bulge Hood (Code J54 Sport hood) and hood pins standard. The J54 hood has a use bulge in the center with 2 simulated scoops. The bulge could be ordered in body color or flat black.

A shaker hood (Code N96) was optional. The shaker mounted to the air cleaner and protruded the hood with 2 large functional scoops feeding the engine fresh air. The shaker would move and shake with the engine.

From the side, the very long hood and with a short decklid makes the Challenger all Pony Car. It has a long body line that starts at the very front of the fender. Bumps up a few inches just after the door, and ends at the rear of the car.

At the back, the Challenger has a high decklid giving a jacked-up look. The rear panel is fully covered in lights with a white reverse light in the center. And just like the front, the rear bumper chrome bumper is shaped into the rear fenders. And to top it all off there were also 2 optional rear spoilers available for the R/T’s. The J81 rear wing, and the J82 rear Duck Tail spoiler.

R/T Models came with a vinyl stripe that ran the full side of the car just below the body line. The stripe was available in black, blue, green, red, or white. However, the R/T could be ordered without a stripe. Also, available was a painted bumble-bee stripe at the back. The stripe crossed the back of the decklid and came down the quarter panels. An R/T logo was cut out in the stripe. Also, available in black, blue, green, red, or white.

Dodge Scat Pack Drag Racing

R/T Exterior Colors

Color Name / Color Code

Beige / BL1
Black/ TX9
Bright Blue Metallic /EB5
Cream / DY3
Dark Blue Metallic /EB7
Dark Green Metallic / EF8
Dark Tan Metallic / FT6 Burnt Orange Metallic /FK5
GO Mango / EK2
Green-Go, Sassy Grass /FJ6
Hemi Orange/EV2
Light Blue Metallic /EB3
Light Gold Metallic /FY4
Light Green Met. / FF4
Medium Red / FE5
Panther Pink / FM3
Plum Crazy / FC7
Sassy Grass/FJ6
Silver Poly / EA4
Sublime / FJ5
Top Banana /FY1
White/EW1

R/T Vinyl Tops

An optional vinyl top was available in Black, white, green, or Gator Grain. A vinyl top was standard on all R/T SE models.

Power Sunroof

A power sunroof was available on all models with a vinyl top roof. Code M51 $$461.45

1970 Challenger R/T Interior

Just like the rest of the car the 1970 Challengers came with many interior options. With multiple colors, instrumentation, radio, carpet, and seats to choose from. The Challenger could be ordered with just the bare necessities or with all performance, and luxury you could desire.

Upfront the R/t’s got bucket seats, the center console optional. 4-speed cars came with pistol Grip Hurst Shifter. The seats were covered in vinyl with optional leather or cloth inserts.

The Rallye instrument cluster came standard on all R/T models. It came with a clock, 8000 rpm tack, 150 mph speedo, Oil pressure, amp, and engine temperature gauges.

Upfront the R/t’s got bucket vinyl seats with optional leather or cloth inserts. Vinyl door panels with molded armrests were standard. A carpet strip on the lower part of the panel was optional.

R/T’s also got the variable speed wipers and window washers, heater control light, wood grain dash.

R/T Interior Colors

Colors / Code

Black / H6X9
Blue / H6B5
Green / H6F8
Orange / H6K4
Red / H6E4
Tan / H6T5
White / H6XW

Vinyl Tops Colors.

Black
White
Green
Gator Grain

1970 Dodge Challenger RT specs

General Specifications

Wheel Base: 110 inches.
Length: 191.3 inches.
Width: 76.1 inches.
Height Hard Top: 50.9 inches.
Height Convertible: 50.6 inches.
Front Track: 59.7 inches.
Rear Track: 60.7 inches.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons.
Weight R/T Hard Top: 3390 lbs
Weight R/T Convertible: 3500 lbs

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Performance

Performance numbers vary depending on engine package and gearing. However, the 440 Six-Pack and the Hemi Challengers sprinted to 0 to 60 in just under 6 seconds. They easily crossed the ¼ mile mark just below 14 seconds at just over 100 mph. With atop speed of 150 mph.

1970 Dodge Challenger RT Production

Total 1970 Challengers produced: 76,935
Total 1970 R/T: 18,512

R/T Hard Top

383 Engine: 9,067
440 Engine: 2,802
440 Six Pack: 1,640
426 Hemi: 287

R/T SE

383 Engine: 9,067
440 Engine: 2,802
440 Six Pack: 1,640
426 Hemi: 287

R/T Convertible

383 Engine: 692
440 Engine: 163
440 Six Pack: 99
426 Hemi: 9

1970 Dodge Challenger RT Price

A Base Challenger could be purchased for$2,851.

1970 Challenger R/T With Standard 383 4-Barrel engine.

Hardtop: $3266.00

Hardtop SE: $3498.00

Convertible: $3535.00

440 4-Barrel carburetor engine: + $130.55
440 Six-Pack: + $249.55
426 Hemi engine: + $778.75

Note: 440 or 426 Hemi with 4-speed transmission required Performance Package A33 or A34

Performance Package A33: + $142.85
Performance Package A34: + $235.65

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Option Packages

Code A31: High-Performance Axle Package.

3.91: axle ratio with Sure-Grip limited slip. Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator, 7 Blade Fan, and Hemi Suspension Handling Package. Available for 383 4-Barrel. Without AC

383 4-Barrel. $102.15

Code A32: Super Performance Axle Package

4.10: axle ratio Dana 60 with Sure Grip limited slip and 9 3/4” ring gear. Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator, 7 Blade Fan, and Power Disc Brakes. Available for 440 or 426 Hemi with TorqueFlite transmission without HD Brakes, or AC.

440 4-Barrel or 6-Pack. $250.65.

426 Hemi. $221.40

Code A33: Track Pak Package.

3.54 axle ratio Dana 60 with Sure Grip limited slip and 9 3/4” ring gear. Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator and 7 Blade Fan. Available in 440 or 426 Hemi with 4-speed transmission without AC.

440 4-Barrel or 6-Pack. $142.85

426 Hemi. $142.85

Code A34: Super Track Pak Package.

4.10 axle ratio Dana 60 with Sure Grip limited slip and 9 3/4” ring gear. Available for 440 or 426 Hemi with 4-speed transmission without AC. A34 Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator and 7 Blade Fan.

440 4-Barrel or 6-Pack. $142.85.

426 Hemi. $142.85

Code A35: Towing Package.

TorqueFlite required. Not available on 440 6-Pack or the 426 Hemi.

383 4-Barrel. $34.80

440 4-Barrel. $14.05

Code A36: Performance Axle Package.

3.55 axle ratio with Sure Grip limited slip with 8 3/4” ring gear. Also includes is 26” High-Performance radiator, 7 Blade Fan, and Hemi Suspension Handling Package. Available for 383 with TorqueFlite or 4-Speed transmission, 440 or 426 Hemi with TorqueFlite transmission.

383 4-Barrel. $102.15.

440 4-Barrel or 6-Pack. $92.15.

426 Hemi. $64.40

Code A44. Window Louver Package. Rear Window Louvers with backlight moldings, left-hand remote mirror, left and right painted racing mirror. Optional Vinyl Top is only available in Black. Not available with Convertible or SE.

Code A45: Spoiler Package. Front spoiler and rear wing Spoiler.

Code A63: Standard on SE. Belt molding, front splash pan scoop, cowl molding, rear Astrotone-painted applique. $37.20

Code B41: Front Disc brakes $27.90

Code B51: Power Brakes $42.95

Code C13: Front shoulder belts. $26.45

Code C16: Center Console. $53.35

Code C62: Driver’s 6-way adjustable bucket seat. $33.40

Code C92: Floor Mats $10.90

Code D31: 4-speed manual transmission with floor shifter. $194.85

Code D34: TorqueFlite transmission. $227.05

Code F11: 50 Amp Alternator. Standard on cars with AC. $11.00

Code G11: Tinted Glass All Windows $32.75

Code G15: Tinted Glass All Windshield only $20.40

Code G31: Chrome right racing mirror, manual adjusting $15.15

Code G32: Painted right racing mirror, manual adjusting $10.95

Code G33: Chrome passenger left mirror, manual adjusting $10.95

Code G34: Chrome passenger right mirror, manual adjusting $15.15

Code H31: Rear Window Defroster $26.25

Code H51: Air conditioner with Heater. Not available on 440 6-Pack or the 426 Hemi. $357.65

Code J41: Power Steering. $90.35

Code J55: Undercoating and hood insulator pad. $16.60

Code J46: Locking Gas Cap $4.40

Code J81: Rear Wing Spoiler Wing

Code J82: Rear Duck Tail Spoiler

Code M05: Door edge protector moldings. $4.65

Code M25: Sill Molding. $21.75

Code M51: Sunroof. All models with Vinyl Roof except SE. $461.45

Code M91: Luggage rack. $32.35

Code N96: Carb Fresh Air Shaker Hood Package.

Code N88: Automatic Speed Control. TorqueFlite required. Not available on 440 6-Pack or the 426 Hemi. $57.95

Code P31: Power windows. $105.20

Code P37: Power convertible top.$52.82

Code R11: Music master 2 watt AM radio. $61.55

Code R22: 10-watt radio AM with stereo 8 track. $196.25

Code R31: Single rear speaker withR11 Radio. $14.05

Code R31: Dual rear speakers with R22 & R35 radios. $25.90

Code R35: Multiplex stereo AM/FM radio. $152.20

Code S15: Extra Heavy-Duty suspension 383 4-barrel. Standard 440 and Hemi $18.25

Code S25: Heavy-Duty 1″ shocks front & rear. $3.55

Code S79: Horn ring steering wheel. $5.45

Code S83: Rim blow steering wheel. $24.60

Code U82: Tires Polyglas GT E60 x 15 with raised white lettering. $47.95

Code W11: Deluxe wheel covers. $21.30

Code W13: Deep dish wheel covers. $44.90

Code W21: Rallye wheels with trim ring. $43.10

Code W23: Magnum 500 wheels with trim ring. $86.15

Code W34: Collapsible spare tire.$12.95

Pony Car Race Continues

Many of the Pony cars have long ago retired from the race. However, the race is still continuing today with the Mustang in the lead with ongoing production from 1964 to the present. Dodge reintroduced the Challenger in 2008 and Chevrolet the Camaro in 2010.

These cars have refired America’s love for Muscle Cars and so the race continues on.

Cool Challenger Videos

Funny 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Tv Commercial

Video Transcript

00:00 Officer: Hey boy out of the car.
00:02 Challenger Driver: What’s wrong officer?
00:03 Officer: Boy you’re in a heap of trouble. Violation of city ordinance 1114, operating a race-type vehicle inside city limits.
00:11 Challenger Driver: Oh Officer, this is the new Dodge Challenger R/T. It’s not a racer
00:15 Officer: Yeah! What kind of ties is that boy?
00:18 Challenger Driver: Optional Polyglas GTs
00:20 Officer: Racing ties. Them stirpes there boy. What do you call those?
00:23 Challenger Driver: Racing stripes.
00:25 Officer: I suppose that’s a reconverted lawnmower motor.
00:30 Challenger Driver: Optional 440 Magnum V8 but
00:34 Officer: What’s that doohickey their boy?
00:35 Challenger Driver: Well that’s a new optional slapstick racing shifter. But, look it’s got concealed wipers, and it’s got dual headlights. You don’t find that on any racer. Do you?
00:44 Challenger Driver: Careful boy, I’ll book you for sassing an officer.
00:47 if you can handle the way people react to your 1970 Dodge Challenger.
You could be dodge material now.
00:55 Officer: Now look boy, I know a race car when I see one.

Funny Dodge Challenger R/T Tv Commercial

Video Transcript

00:02 Officer: Buford, JW. Tell Justice Tolman I got me another. Yeah, a little old girl this time. Driving a racing car in the city limits. Granted, it’s some sort of a Dodge is something or other.
00:13 Challenger Driver: Challenger, the new Dodge Challenger R/T.
00:16 Officer: How’s that Buford? Of course, I’m sure. It’s got racing stripes, a big old 440 6 pack, and everything.
00: 20 Huh, well put him on. Howdy Judge, a cute little old gal no bigger than a minute, wheeling that big old racer. It ain’t.
00:32 Officer: Of course, I’ve seen them. Yeah, concealed wipers, dual headlights. What about that shaker hood, and that big old 440? Oh, that’s optional. Here gal, Judge Tolman wants to talk to you.
00:43 Challenger Driver: Hello uncle Ralph.
00:52 The brand-new challenger R/T. If you trust your own judgment, you could be Dodge material.
00:56 Officer: You ‘all drive careful now, you here.