Buzz
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The 1966 Plymouths saw a refreshingly restrained new look, but when paired with the potent 426 Street Hemi, the Satellite's performance was anything but subtle. Discover more muscle car images here.Chrysler had briefly offered its 426 Hemi engine in select '65 Mopar intermediates, but with its high 12.5:1 compression and race-ready tuning, it wasn't practical for the streets. That all changed in '66 when the 426-cid Hemi V-8 became available in regular production. The 1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi was one of the key muscle cars to benefit from this change.
Muscle Car Image Gallery: A Visual Tribute to Performance Legends
Transforming the race-ready Hemi into the Street Hemi involved several key modifications, including replacing aluminum cylinder heads with cast-iron ones and swapping out the racing Holley carb for dual Carter four-barrels. Other changes included reducing the compression ratio to 10.25:1, installing a milder camshaft, and adding a choke to the rear primaries for easier cold-starting. The factory version of the race Hemi was rated at around 550 bhp, while the Street Hemi was listed at 425 bhp, though actual output was likely higher.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. A total of 1,521 1966 Plymouths were equipped with the Hemi engine; 817 of those were Satellites, with most featuring the hardtop body style.The new Hemi engine found its place in the redesigned Satellite and its more modest Belvedere counterpart. Specially assembled at Chrysler's Marine/Industrial Division plant, adding the Hemi to a Satellite two-door hardtop or convertible raised the price by around $1,000, pushing the total cost close to $4,000 before other options were considered. Transmission options included a four-speed manual or the TorqueFlite automatic. Both came with a 3.23:1 standard axle ratio, with the Sure-Grip limited-slip differential available as an option.
To enhance performance, the engine was paired with heavy-duty suspension components and police-grade 11-inch drum brakes (front disc brakes, typically found on full-size Mopars, were not offered). However, the Hemi Satellite's nose-heavy design made it less agile in turns and contributed to longer stopping distances. In city driving, the fuel economy ranged from 10 to 13 mpg.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Standard features in the Hemi Satellite included bucket seats and a center console, though the optional tachometer was positioned too low to be easily readable.While these characteristics were typical for a high-performance car of the era, the 1966 Hemi Satellite stood out as an ultra-supercar that managed to maintain relatively good driveability. Car and Driver praised it, calling the 1966 Hemi Satellite "the best combination of brute performance and tractable street manners we've ever driven...."
Return to the Classic Muscle Cars Collection.
- Plymouth muscle cars covered the entire range, from bold and imaginative to downright intimidating -- and sometimes both qualities appeared in a single model. Check out the profiles, photos, and specifications of these legendary cars.
- Muscle cars came in all shapes and sizes. Explore features on over 100 different models, complete with photos and specs for each.
- Muscle cars fostered a unique culture of their own. To dive into this world, read How Muscle Cars Work.
These profiles of muscle cars include detailed photos and specifications for every model featured:
- The 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator broke free from Mustang’s shadow with its distinctive stripes and spoiler.
- Beep, beep! The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi is one of the most fearsome muscle cars ever made.
- The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am combined incredible sports-car handling with muscle car power.
- The rare and powerful 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 featured an all-aluminum, race-tested V-8 engine that made it a true beast on the road.
- The engine is the heart of a muscle car, giving it its bold and powerful character. To learn everything you need to know about car engines, check out How Car Engines Work.
- Muscle cars wouldn't have much muscle without horsepower. Curious about what exactly horsepower is? How Horsepower Works explains it all.
- NASCAR race cars epitomize the muscle car spirit with their raw power. Find out what makes these speed demons tick by reading How NASCAR Race Cars Work.
- Considering purchasing a 2007 muscle car, or any other model? Visit Consumer Guide Automotive for New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information.
Specifications
Wheelbase (inches): 116.0
Weight (lbs): 3,800
Units produced: 817
Starting price: $3,850
Top Engine Option
Engine Type: OHV V-8
Displacement (cid): 426
Fuel system: Dual 4-barrel carburetors
Compression ratio: 10.25:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 425 @ 5000
Torque @ rpm: 490 @ 4000
Performance Highlights
0-60 mph (seconds): 5.3
1/4 mile time (seconds) @ speed (mph): 13.8 @ 104
