Disappointed with the old ride
#2729648
01/03/20 01:37 PM
01/03/20 01:37 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,232 Chicago, IL
PLUM_72
OP
pro stock
|
OP
pro stock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,232
Chicago, IL
|
If you care to read the long post, thanks...I had to vent a little about my car. I have had a 72 Challenger for many years now. Its was restored back in the early 90's somewhat stock with several custom touches here and there. The last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat to life, kids activities and other interests. The car always comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though. Anyway, through a series of events, I had the car running and drove it last night and today. While there is that old car cool factor, the ride quality and overall experience is lacking. There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. I cant put my finger on what it is exactly. My 1980 Buick Regal drove better than this thing ever has. While I don't expect the 72 to be like my 2013 Challenger, I do wonder if something is wrong with the car, or if my age and expectations of the car have changed. While I would never sell the car, its been a big part of my life, it needs something. Just not sure where to go as the car starts okay, drives and brakes straight. Its not like I can point to one thing that would improve the experience. Any body else feel this way?
Thanks!
1972 Dodge Challenger
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: stumpy]
#2729659
01/03/20 02:19 PM
01/03/20 02:19 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668 Buford, GA
I_bleed_MOPAR
master
|
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668
Buford, GA
|
stumpy is right. Every time I jump in the wife's '17 Challenger it makes my '00 Durango 4x4 seem like a dump truck. As I have gotten older, the ride quality & convenience features of a new car are very desireable. While I love a short cruise in an old hot rod (driving my sons '71 Charger still gets MY motor running ) or everyday driving in the Durango, I honestly do not want to take either on an extended trip. And while I am still semi-searching for an early A, I have asked myself would I really enjoy it. Tim
'71 Charger 383/727 '17 Challenger SXT (Wifeys car )
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: I_bleed_MOPAR]
#2729675
01/03/20 02:56 PM
01/03/20 02:56 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,366 north of coder
moparx
"Butt Crack Bob"
|
"Butt Crack Bob"
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,366
north of coder
|
i can't wait until i can take a ride in my humpback hot rod. [if i live long enuff that is !] it is still super close to the vision i had way back in the 1973-74 time period, but still has a long way to go. as it is now, i can barely get myself through the door & into the seat, even with the tilt/tele/removable wheel column, although the cage gives me things to grab onto to get in and out. but once inside, the view from the windshield gets me pumped ! and i'm sure the ladderbar suspension and the almost solid motor mounts [just a urethane bushing for each side] will give it a "thrilling" ride ! i have a pic of me getting in it, but you guys would make fun of "butt crack bob"......
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729680
01/03/20 03:02 PM
01/03/20 03:02 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,393 Highland, MI.
Sunroofcuda
master
|
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,393
Highland, MI.
|
If you care to read the long post, thanks...I had to vent a little about my car. I have had a 72 Challenger for many years now. Its was restored back in the early 90's somewhat stock with several custom touches here and there. The last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat to life, kids activities and other interests. The car always comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though. Anyway, through a series of events, I had the car running and drove it last night and today. While there is that old car cool factor, the ride quality and overall experience is lacking. There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. I cant put my finger on what it is exactly. My 1980 Buick Regal drove better than this thing ever has. While I don't expect the 72 to be like my 2013 Challenger, I do wonder if something is wrong with the car, or if my age and expectations of the car have changed. While I would never sell the car, its been a big part of my life, it needs something. Just not sure where to go as the car starts okay, drives and brakes straight. Its not like I can point to one thing that would improve the experience. Any body else feel this way?
Thanks! It's called VISCERAL. I love the raw, unrefined feel & sound & smell of an old musclecar. Newer cars don't have it. My 2016 Scat Pack shaker Challenger doesn't have it. I prefer the old. My "new" Challenger just doesn't excite me that much, plus there are SO MANY of them on the roads around here, they are nothing out of the ordinary.
No Man With A Good Car Needs To Be Justified
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: Sunroofcuda]
#2729696
01/03/20 03:59 PM
01/03/20 03:59 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,831 east side of Ohio
basketcase
master
|
master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,831
east side of Ohio
|
this is what happens when we don't drive these old cars regularly. When I had my '68 Charger R/T, it was my dailey. It took me 5 hours one way to Kentucky, and 7 to Michigan without thought. Now that my road runner is done, the world has changed. It's not just a 10 year old car, I am more picky where I drive it, so it doesn't get driven as much. But I drive my '81 D150 dailey, so the '69 isn't as much of a change, and I prefer the two older ones to driving the wife's 2015 Journey.
Last edited by basketcase; 01/03/20 09:12 PM.
Dave
1981 Dodge D150 360 auto
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: kidmopar]
#2729702
01/03/20 04:14 PM
01/03/20 04:14 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,232 Chicago, IL
PLUM_72
OP
pro stock
|
OP
pro stock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,232
Chicago, IL
|
you didn't mention any specs on the car ? Engine ? Transmission ? Rear gears ? The car has a 340/727 and 3.91 gears out back. The engine has a mild Comp 262 cam. Suspension was rebuilt using stock parts with a mix of poly and rubber bushings. I guess I think it should ride/perform like an 80's Camaro or Mustang. It seems pretty far off from that and not in a good way.
1972 Dodge Challenger
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729710
01/03/20 04:22 PM
01/03/20 04:22 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,244 West Virginia
NewbombTurkk
master
|
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,244
West Virginia
|
Sorry but 'THAT IS' the experience. The sound of the engine, smell of rich exhaust, big tires, smell of vinyl take me back to my teen days of the early 80's when i had a 396 Camaro and 327 Chevelle....no radio, manual windows and you can feel the road. the new muscle would take mine easily in a race, but it is not the same to me.
1969 Buick Sportwagon 455 Stage 1 Ram Air SOLD Nationwise Auto Parts Alumni 1982-1984
Now 1972 El Camino, original 402
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: moparx]
#2729712
01/03/20 04:23 PM
01/03/20 04:23 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,901 United Socialist States of Ame...
tboomer
Too Many Posts
|
Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,901
United Socialist States of Ame...
|
i can't wait until i can take a ride in my humpback hot rod. [if i live long enuff that is !] it is still super close to the vision i had way back in the 1973-74 time period, but still has a long way to go. as it is now, i can barely get myself through the door & into the seat, even with the tilt/tele/removable wheel column, although the cage gives me things to grab onto to get in and out. but once inside, the view from the windshield gets me pumped ! and i'm sure the ladderbar suspension and the almost solid motor mounts [just a urethane bushing for each side] will give it a "thrilling" ride ! i have a pic of me getting in it, but you guys would make fun of "butt crack bob"...... ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Ask and You shall receive!
Need your rear end checked out? Contact Grizzly!!
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729733
01/03/20 05:29 PM
01/03/20 05:29 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,161 Los Angeles, CA
JF_Moparts
super stock
|
super stock
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,161
Los Angeles, CA
|
If you care to read the long post, thanks...I had to vent a little about my car. I have had a 72 Challenger for many years now. Its was restored back in the early 90's somewhat stock with several custom touches here and there. The last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat to life, kids activities and other interests. The car always comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though. Anyway, through a series of events, I had the car running and drove it last night and today. While there is that old car cool factor, the ride quality and overall experience is lacking. There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. I cant put my finger on what it is exactly. My 1980 Buick Regal drove better than this thing ever has. While I don't expect the 72 to be like my 2013 Challenger, I do wonder if something is wrong with the car, or if my age and expectations of the car have changed. While I would never sell the car, its been a big part of my life, it needs something. Just not sure where to go as the car starts okay, drives and brakes straight. Its not like I can point to one thing that would improve the experience. Any body else feel this way?
Thanks! I'm a perfectionist in a lot of ways, so I'm right there with you when it comes to ride quality and refined driving experience. I keep pushing my cars to get better and better on those fronts. I have a 71 Satellite, 71 Road Runner and 70 Challenger. Here's what I've found: Your immediate inputs to the car are gas, brakes, and steering. What you feel/sense from the car are what you feel from the seat, the wheel, and what you hear. If the old car is in tip top stock condition (which most are NOT), what are usually sub-par are brakes, steering, and seats. - Upgrading brakes are easy - 78 Magnum discs are one step under anti-lock and you can swap them out for a few hundred dollars. - Steering is a little more complicated. A Firm Feel Stage 2 is nice, or Borgeson if you don't mind higher costs and labor. - Seats are easy to upgrade and in my opinion make the car feel dramatically different! The stock seats in my Challenger suck. The aftermarket seats in my Satellite make it feel like a brand new car! That's if the car is in great condition, which most aren't. If your car is like most, then perhaps you need a tune up, or a new carb, or your suspension bushings are worn, etc, etc. There's so much that could be in need of maintenance. And then there's noise. There's good noise, like the exhaust of a 440, and there's bad noise, like the rattles under a 50 year old dashboard that eat away at your sanity one mile at a time. I spend a lot of time chasing after these squeaks, but it's worth it. Perhaps your car has lots of peripheral noise that is just plain annoying? Anyway, your car looks great and you're lucky to have a Plum Crazy Challenger! I hope you enjoy it!
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729735
01/03/20 05:30 PM
01/03/20 05:30 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,161 Los Angeles, CA
JF_Moparts
super stock
|
super stock
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,161
Los Angeles, CA
|
you didn't mention any specs on the car ? Engine ? Transmission ? Rear gears ? The car has a 340/727 and 3.91 gears out back. The engine has a mild Comp 262 cam. Suspension was rebuilt using stock parts with a mix of poly and rubber bushings. I guess I think it should ride/perform like an 80's Camaro or Mustang. It seems pretty far off from that and not in a good way. Pop a Gear Vendors O/D on there. 3.91 with a stock 727 must rev pretty high at highway speeds.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: Neil]
#2729748
01/03/20 06:20 PM
01/03/20 06:20 PM
|
RWG75
Unregistered
|
RWG75
Unregistered
|
If I drive the girls '12 enough I kinda get used to the comfort factors. Tight steering, 4 wheel disk, auto temp, steering wheel controls for the radio and cruise. I don't really embrace it because I've always hated FWD but I start to dig it enough to window shop one for myself. That generally lasts until I have to work on it. Waaaay too many plastic snap together parts and more than a few interior pieces that break when you unsnap them. Stupidity like taking the fender apart to replace the headlight or the battery. Throw away rotors and rims. Aluminum and steel parts that have fused together.
I'm generally pretty happy to climb back in to my old stuff, sloppy steering and all.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: AARCONV]
#2729759
01/03/20 07:00 PM
01/03/20 07:00 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050 Texas
GoodysGotaCuda
5.7L Hemi, 6spd
|
5.7L Hemi, 6spd
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
|
While my ride quality is a bit stiff [in the name of handling], I can put my finger on what made me fall in love with my car again. Most of which has to do with EFI, overdrive, good sound insulation and a/c.
I'd suggest writing down a few things that annoy you about the car and potential fixes. It rides stiff? Shocks are a quick place to start at a relatively low cost. Does it run too slow/high rpm on the highway? An overdrive makes highway cruising completely different.
After doing my Hemi swap, 6-speed conversion, good brakes, etc, if I could feel comfortable leaving it at walmart occasionally and could avoid bad weather days, I'd daily drive it without hesitating.
Last edited by GoodysGotaCuda; 01/03/20 07:03 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729832
01/03/20 09:47 PM
01/03/20 09:47 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 31,000 Oregon
AndyF
I Win
|
I Win
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 31,000
Oregon
|
If you care to read the long post, thanks...I had to vent a little about my car. I have had a 72 Challenger for many years now. Its was restored back in the early 90's somewhat stock with several custom touches here and there. The last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat to life, kids activities and other interests. The car always comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though. Anyway, through a series of events, I had the car running and drove it last night and today. While there is that old car cool factor, the ride quality and overall experience is lacking. There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. I cant put my finger on what it is exactly. My 1980 Buick Regal drove better than this thing ever has. While I don't expect the 72 to be like my 2013 Challenger, I do wonder if something is wrong with the car, or if my age and expectations of the car have changed. While I would never sell the car, its been a big part of my life, it needs something. Just not sure where to go as the car starts okay, drives and brakes straight. Its not like I can point to one thing that would improve the experience. Any body else feel this way?
Thanks! I feel that way every time I drive my Coronet. These cars are pigs compared to anything built in the last 20 years. You can close the gap pretty well with a good set of radial tires, high quality shocks and upgraded torsion bars/anti-sway bars. You'll need disc brakes to close the gap even more. Just pick a compromise that works for you. If you want to keep the car 100% original then it will be a pig to drive. Either accept it or sell it. Ever drive a stock Model A? Those are even worse. Try a stock Model T sometime. Most people can't even figure out how to drive those stupid things.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729862
01/03/20 11:48 PM
01/03/20 11:48 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,763 Myrtle Beach, SC formerly the ...
340wedge
master
|
master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,763
Myrtle Beach, SC formerly the ...
|
I look at it differently. My Duster has radial T/As, and KYB shocks with manual drum brakes and steering. No it doesn't handle or brake as good as my 2006 Charger Daytona but for it's age and technology it tracks and stops straight and handles okay for what it is at legal speeds on modern roads. I compare that the 1956 Chevy was only fifteen years between the two and having owned one I can say it rode like a truck, didn't like turns at all and the fact that a passenger side sun visor was an option, the technology and ride is night and day. You have to enjoy an old muscle car for what it is and was, a different time. I wouldn't compare a 1971 RCA Television with rabbit ears to a 60 inch smart LCD flat screen TV either.
1971 Sassy Grass Green Duster 340 2006 Charger Daytona GoMango
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: poorboy]
#2729863
01/03/20 11:50 PM
01/03/20 11:50 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,523 Round Lake Beach, Illinoisy
Rhinodart
Rhinotruck
|
Rhinotruck
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,523
Round Lake Beach, Illinoisy
|
I would LOVE to go for a ride in my 69 Dart, maybe someday again...
The funny thing about science is that if you change one miniscule parameter you change the entire outcome to the way you want it.
JB Rhinehart, Realist
A-Body's RULE!
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729892
01/04/20 08:14 AM
01/04/20 08:14 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,311 Prospect, PA
BSB67
master
|
master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,311
Prospect, PA
|
I think all the views stated are probably true, despite some are conflicting. You might need to get more specific on what it is you don't like and determine if it's the car, or the expectation, and if it can be made better. Maybe ride in some other Mopar muscle cars and see if it's much different. My personal experience and opinion is that the E-Body cars are the worst cars for their "feel" of any muscle car I've owned or been in. From the moment that I open the door, it feels like a cheap cheap car to me. Unfortunate, as they are such great looking cars. But I'm not sure we're necessarily talking about the same thing.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729896
01/04/20 08:31 AM
01/04/20 08:31 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,956 Greenville, PA
redraptor
master
|
master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,956
Greenville, PA
|
you didn't mention any specs on the car ? Engine ? Transmission ? Rear gears ? The car has a 340/727 and 3.91 gears out back. The engine has a mild Comp 262 cam. Suspension was rebuilt using stock parts with a mix of poly and rubber bushings. I guess I think it should ride/perform like an 80's Camaro or Mustang. It seems pretty far off from that and not in a good way. And what is it you do with this car? Shows? Cruise-ins? Is what you do so far away that you hate the drive? Sure after almost 30 years you can dump a ton of money in it again to make it ride and handle like a new Challenger, but is that what you really want? If you're not going to part with it maybe you can mothball it for 5 or 10 years then see how you feel.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729909
01/04/20 10:34 AM
01/04/20 10:34 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538 Albany, NY
67SATisfaction
The member whose name is actually Art
|
The member whose name is actually Art
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,538
Albany, NY
|
... last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat ... comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though... .... the ride quality and overall experience is lacking... There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. ..it needs new tires. I Have Spoken. - Art
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2729957
01/04/20 12:57 PM
01/04/20 12:57 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,839 Central Florida
larrymopar360
Stud Muffin
|
Stud Muffin
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,839
Central Florida
|
you didn't mention any specs on the car ? Engine ? Transmission ? Rear gears ? The car has a 340/727 and 3.91 gears out back. The engine has a mild Comp 262 cam. Suspension was rebuilt using stock parts with a mix of poly and rubber bushings. I guess I think it should ride/perform like an 80's Camaro or Mustang. It seems pretty far off from that and not in a good way. I think once you've gotten used to newer stuff and the nicer ride etc., and aged and honestly, testosterone may have dropped, you might not have the passion anymore. Plus, 3.91 gears with a 727 aren't so fun. I find joy getting out of my newer Charger and back into the old stuff with that sound and feel. Btw, an 80's Camaro is a rattle trap POS.
Last edited by larrymopar360; 01/04/20 12:59 PM.
Facts are stubborn things.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: 67SATisfaction]
#2730139
01/04/20 11:25 PM
01/04/20 11:25 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310 Walnut Creek, CA
blown340
master
|
master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
|
... last 5 to 10 years the car has taken a backseat ... comes out a few times each year, not nearly enough though... .... the ride quality and overall experience is lacking... There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. ..it needs new tires. I Have Spoken. - Art Listen to Art. Old tires wreck the ride and drive experience of our cars. Start by putting new tires on it. If that doesn't make it better get it aligned and put new mild shocks on it. If you still want more improvement look into sound deadening improvements. Seriously, if your tires are more than 10 years old replace them regardless of remaining tread. A more conservative approach from others is to never use tires over 6 years old. Tires. -Jon
70 challenger convertible. 340/5 speed. blown, intercooled, efi, blah blah blah
71 valiant scamp 318/A833OD/AC/PS
00 dakota RC 4.7L 5 spd autoX'r. SRT10/T56 swap in process
73 W200 Power wagon, PTO winch, 4 spd
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: blown340]
#2730146
01/05/20 12:11 AM
01/05/20 12:11 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,917 Calgary, Alberta Canada
a12rag
master
|
master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,917
Calgary, Alberta Canada
|
Uhh, not really disappointed with the old ride (my 70 Sport Satellite, sb, factory ac, cruise control, 727, buckets, console) . . . just realistic that it won't be like my 06 Magnum RT AWD. I like to travel long distances in my cars, and for years had C bodies, along with my 74 Duster360 - had that car 32 years. The goal with the B body, was a somewhat larger car than the Duster, but something with factory air, etc, that would be driven. I put larger tbar's in it, FF 3 box, KYB gas shocks, rubber bushings, tubular upper control arms, front disc brakes (manual), front factory sway bar, 3/4" addco rear sway bar, 15" rubber, 3.23 sure grip . . . new foam in bucket seats, along with covers (houndstooth cloth inserts for comfort) . . .
The Satellite is great, but I have said often, if it ever came down to ONLY one car that I could own, it would be my Magnum . . . I have owned since new and put 120k miles on it. As a daily driver this is a great car for me ! Up here in winter the AWD is very welcome (I like fact it is AWD all the time, and not one that senses slip & engages), gas mileage is fine for me, love all the creature comforts . . .
And that is the concern, as one gets older - the creature comforts begin to be more important . . . I love my old cars, but am loving the newer ones too ! Just depends on what you want . . . good luck !
Cheers
Mark
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2730164
01/05/20 01:32 AM
01/05/20 01:32 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,999 Salem
Grizzly
Moparts Proctologist
|
Moparts Proctologist
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,999
Salem
|
the ride quality and overall experience is lacking. There is this hard, rough and tumble nature of it. I cant put my finger on what it is exactly. My 1980 Buick Regal drove better than this thing ever has. While I don't expect the 72 to be like my 2013 Challenger, I do wonder if something is wrong with the car, or if my age and expectations of the car have changed. While I would never sell the car, ................ it needs something. Just not sure where to go as the car starts okay, drives and brakes straight. Its not like I can point to one thing that would improve the experience. Any body else feel this way?
Thanks! I edited a bit to try to help as best I can. Yep, I feel this way in my E-bodies too. I have suspension from bone stock low mileage survivor to Trans Am. And I think the biggest difference you are feeling is IRS. Every solid-axle leaf-spring machine from cars to trucks has an awful feel in every situation. The first vehicle I owned with IRS I know it could hang a beating on my Mopars on a track..........and it was an SUV. Shock calibration on these new vehicles is thousands of hours on a suspension dyno and that can never be duplicated by the aftermarket. The OEM's have surpassed Hot Rodders and the aftermarket many years ago in suspension, engine (within emissions regs), handling, and sound deadning. Also, these things can cruise all day at 70mph+ and they hold the road the faster you go. The oldies, well, 3000 rpm at 60mph getting 12 mpg and getting passed by Kia's gets old. Now, having said that, there are setbacks to that new SRT whatever: 1. Complicated: dealer-only repairs on even the most basic items 2. dealer support/parts end 10 years after production 3. No aftermarket support. And there never will be. PERIOD. I see others have given up arguing with me on this and it's about time they realize I'm right. "Diablo Tuner" cannot diagnose the ABS or security system on your SRT whatever. "Hemifever" cannot diagnose a transmission issue, fix your drive-by-wire or re-initialize a dead PCM 4. Expensive and a depreciating asset. As for the '80 Buick, yes, they were a pretty luxurious car, but wouldn't that thing weigh about 4000 pounds? Maybe you need a '72 Chrysler for comparison?
Mo' Farts
Moderated by "tbagger".
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2730217
01/05/20 10:30 AM
01/05/20 10:30 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,356 Kentucky
dfsmopars
top fuel
|
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,356
Kentucky
|
It got to where I didn't want to drive mine. Thought of selling it. Long story short - I installed a Tremec and side exhaust with cutouts and I love to drive it agin and there are no thoughts of selling it. It used to be refined but now I love the attitude. As they say - put nothing in and you get nothing out. We get bored with them.
‘72 Charger, 5.9 Magnum, Tremec 5 spd., Pro-Touring ‘14 Big Horn, Quad Cab, 4x4, 1500
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2730246
01/05/20 12:46 PM
01/05/20 12:46 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,701 central il.
second 70
top fuel
|
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,701
central il.
|
you didn't mention any specs on the car ? Engine ? Transmission ? Rear gears ? The car has a 340/727 and 3.91 gears out back. The engine has a mild Comp 262 cam. Suspension was rebuilt using stock parts with a mix of poly and rubber bushings. I guess I think it should ride/perform like an 80's Camaro or Mustang. It seems pretty far off from that and not in a good way. Get rid of the poly bushings. I drove my friends 66 vette who put all poly bushings in it and it was terrible and couldn't wait to get out of it. I have a 65 vette with all rubber bushings and can drive it all day. I'm so glad I drove his before making the mistake of using poly on mine.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: captaindodge]
#2730253
01/05/20 01:13 PM
01/05/20 01:13 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,406 Diego-Town, CA
Diego_Ted
master
|
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,406
Diego-Town, CA
|
Not for me, I like going back in time and driving the American Steel. Yes they are lacking in all kinds of ways compared to modern cars but that is not why I fell in love with them, why I still Love them, and why I will always enjoy the way they feel, drive, smell etc, you all get my drift.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: Diego_Ted]
#2730256
01/05/20 01:18 PM
01/05/20 01:18 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,839 Central Florida
larrymopar360
Stud Muffin
|
Stud Muffin
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,839
Central Florida
|
Also, I find my '89 Diplomat Police with the stroked 360 a nice balance. It's a tight car with a good ride, strong brakes, good handling, pretty quiet as far as wind noise, and factory power windows, locks, trunk, intermittent wipers, (cruise and a/c but they are gone), and with the stroked 360 FAST FAST FAST. With all the torque it makes, I can have 3.2 gears with the 727 and it will cruise at 75mph and not be annoying. So a good mix.
Facts are stubborn things.
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: redraptor]
#2730500
01/06/20 11:17 AM
01/06/20 11:17 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,318 Southern Maryland
klunick
master
|
master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,318
Southern Maryland
|
Have had similar experience. Hop in my 06 Mustang GT and the world is great. Get in the 69 Cyclone with manual brakes and sloppy steering and whoa.... World of difference there. I'll admit, I'm still not that comfortable with the Cyclone but it certainly is a different experience. Starting to consider getting rid of the older cars and buying a newer Challenger.
67 Barracuda FB
69 Superbee
"Southern Maryland: If you want a good looking woman, you had better bring her with you"
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: larrymopar360]
#2730504
01/06/20 11:30 AM
01/06/20 11:30 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,917 Calgary, Alberta Canada
a12rag
master
|
master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,917
Calgary, Alberta Canada
|
Also, I find my '89 Diplomat Police with the stroked 360 a nice balance. It's a tight car with a good ride, strong brakes, good handling, pretty quiet as far as wind noise, and factory power windows, locks, trunk, intermittent wipers, (cruise and a/c but they are gone), and with the stroked 360 FAST FAST FAST. With all the torque it makes, I can have 3.2 gears with the 727 and it will cruise at 75mph and not be annoying. So a good mix. I had a stock 76 Road Runner, 318 2bbl, 4spd OD . . . that car was very fun to drive as daily driver ! It handled ok, ride was nice, and got great mileage !! Sure it wasn't fast . . . but in '76 it was all about the decals and flares and louvers !! Course being Orange it stood out ! Also had a 1980 Plymouth Caravelle, 2dr. (in USA it would have been a Diplomat), 318 2bbl, auto, ac/cruise ctl . . again, it was a really nice car to drive. Not fast, but very comfy and got the job done ! . . . F,M,J body cars are a really nice compromise all round - and as larrymopar360 said, inject some HP and you get a really fun car !!!
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: a12rag]
#2730518
01/06/20 12:45 PM
01/06/20 12:45 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,405 Michigan
MarkZ
Worthy
|
Worthy
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,405
Michigan
|
It's the tires I'm tired of on mine. I upgraded the suspension with 300# t-bars upfront, five leaf springs in back and factory cop car front and rear sway bars. When I had 15" Radial T/A tires on all four corners it handled good and rode great. I swapped out to 18" Nitto 555 in preparation for a giant brake swap that never materialized and while handling improved even more, the ride quality went straight into the can. Not that I was surprised by it, but after a few years with it and dealing with Michigan roads I think I'm going to step back down to 17" or 16" wheels to get some sidewall back. Whatever accommodates the four piston brake setup I'm planning with 11.75" rotors.
Looking at cats for the exhaust too. While fuel injecting it helped immensely with the smell, it's still there and can become bothersome on long trips.
Last edited by MarkM; 01/06/20 01:06 PM.
1987 Fifth Avenue - 512/518/D60
|
|
|
Re: Disappointed with the old ride
[Re: PLUM_72]
#2730744
01/07/20 10:25 AM
01/07/20 10:25 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,841 S.E. Michigan
ZIPPY
I Live Here
|
I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,841
S.E. Michigan
|
If you no longer enjoy the crudeness of it, you can selectively soften up and/or modernize it to try to take the edge off. I think the choice of vehicle is working against you, though. E bodies, although beautiful, functionally are not very good choices in a vehicle for someone who appreciates an '80 Regal.
You might want to consider a '73 or later B body instead.....the rubber isolated K frame and suspension made them much more compliant and cushy. NVH reduction was pretty huge.
As for me, the more I drive modern stuff everyday the more I appreciate the crude, brutal simplicity of older stuff.... however I did choose B bodies because the larger platform just seemed to feel better and make more sense.
Rich H.
Esse Quam Videri
|
|
|
|
|